Memorandum Number 1209

Request For A Declaratory Decision As To The Constitutionality Of Calendar Item 20, Petition 20783,That Amends ¶ 602.4

On Thursday, May 3, 2012, the General Conference by a vote of more than one-fifth of its members the General Conference requested a declaratory decision as to the constitutionality of Calendar Item 20, Petition 20783, that amends ¶ 602.4. The text of the request is as follows:

I move that the General Conference petition the Judicial Council to make a ruling in the nature of a declaratory decision as to the constitutionality of Petition 20783, acted on earlier as Calendar Item 20, to amend ¶ 602.4 of the 2008 Book of Discipline, in reference to Division II, Section VI, Article I of the Constitution (¶ 32 of the 2008 Book of Discipline).

The Judicial Council does not have sufficient time to process the case and render an opinion in response to this request before adjournment of the 2012 General Conference. This matter is deferred to the Fall 2012 Docket.