Decision Number 831

Decision

The ruling of the bishop is reversed. The adoption of the Interim Model is null and void. The structure of the Northern Illinois Annual Conference in place prior to adoption of the Interim Model is hereby reinstated.

An Annual Conference cannot adopt a plan of restructure under constitutional authority given to the General Conference without General Conference enabling legislation. An Annual Conference cannot restructure in such a way as to constitute an unauthorized delegation of its authority to a committee. All restructuring of an Annual Conference must preserve the connectional relationships of the denomination and recognize the separation of powers of the legislative and executive branches under the Constitution.


This copy subject to final editing and correction.