Decision Number 982

Decision

A local pastor under appointment, who receives a notice in writing from his/her bishop or district superintendent informing him/her that she/he is being discontinued from that appointment and that his/her license for pastoral ministry is being discontinued for the reason that said local pastor is accused of violating specifically one or more cited chargeable offenses (¶ 2702.1), does not have a right to the supervisory response mandated in ¶ 359.1 unless the notice clearly states that it is a written and signed complaint claiming misconduct or unsatisfactory performance of ministerial duties, in which case the notice must also inform the local pastor of the process for filing the complaint and its purpose.

If the notice clearly states that it is a written complaint and it is properly signed, the local pastor has a right to the supervisory process. If the supervisory process results in a judicial complaint, the local pastor has the right to trial as provided in ¶¶ 2702.1, 2703.2, 2704.2, 2706.2c and 2713. The termination of an appointment does not negate a local pastor's right to trial.