Decision Number 1113

Decision

A presiding bishop is obliged to answer questions of church law when properly submitted. In order to be a proper question, the question must be submitted in writing in the regular business of a session, must be germane to the regular business, consideration, or discussion of the conference and must state the connection to a specific action taken or to be taken by the conference. Although the request for a decision of law presented during the 2008 session of the South Central Jurisdictional Conference raised a question of secular law that was beyond the bishop's prerogative, the question nevertheless properly raised questions of church law. The Mission Council of the South Central Jurisdiction was properly vested with the authority to give its consent to enter into a lease agreement. The South Central Jurisdictional Conference properly ratified the Mission Council action.

William B. Lawrence recused himself and did not participate in any of the proceedings related to this decision.

Ruben T. Reyes was absent. Jay Arthur Garrison, first lay alternate, participated in this decision.