Scales of Justice
AIA Press Release
Two bishops, three church agency representatives, and experienced advocates will be key resource people for training advocates and for opening discussion of changes to personnel and fair process policies in The United Methodist Church.
Associates in Advocacy will sponsor an advocacy workshop Nov. 11-13 in Chicago. The workshop is open to pastors and laypeople interested in how church personnel law actually works contrasted with how it should work according to the United Methodist Book of Discipline.
“We are all on the same team,” said the Rev. Jerry Eckert, dean of the workshop. “While advocacy is formally adversarial, it does not need to be antagonistic. Each church officer and advocate involved in a hearing or trial is seeking to be fair and work out justice for those involved.”
Those who want to advocate for fellow pastors or laity will have the opportunity to hear from a bishop what she faces when a complaint comes in. Workshop leaders also will describe:
- How a trial court presider prepares for a trial and hopes counsels on both sides prepare as well;
- How staff of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry work to revise church law to be more effective and fair;
- How United Methodist monitoring agencies related to women and race do their advocacy.
Participants will have a chance to question and discuss concerns with these resource people and with experienced members of Associates in Advocacy during the 48 hours of the seminar. Participants and workshop leaders will engage in roundtable discussions as well.
In addition to church representatives, an attorney for an insurance companies that specialize in church coverage will update the group on the kinds of lawsuits churches face and how to respond more effectively to them.
“It is an honor to sponsor such a learning opportunity,” Eckert said. “It is extremely rare where this mix of folks get the chance to be eyeball-to-eyeball with each other. Those who wish to attend will be part of what may be a ground-breaking event.”
The seminar will be held in a motel in the vicinity of Chicago’s O'Hare Airport. Space is limited. To register, contact Eckert as soon as possible at aj_eckert@hotmail.com. Registration fees for participants will include transportation, meals, and lodging. Thanks to generous donors, Associates in Advocacy is covering all other seminar expenses.