We are excited to share an update on the ongoing appointment process for our interim bodies. The President of the House of Deputies team and the Presiding Bishop-Elect team are working collaboratively on these appointments, illustrating an intentional and unified approach to our church’s governance.
This triennium, we received an encouraging response of over 1,500 applications for interim body positions. However, it’s important to note that General Convention created very few new interim bodies and decided against continuing several bodies. As a result, there are significantly fewer appointment opportunities compared to the previous biennium.
Currently, we have constituted several key bodies that will be convening at the November interim bodies meeting:
- Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music
- Standing Commission on Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations
- Standing Commission on Structure, Governance, Constitution and Canons
- Standing Commission on World Mission
- Standing Commission on Formation and Ministry Development
- Task Force on Intellectual Property and Artificial Intelligence
- United Methodist Dialogue
Our teams are actively working on constituting and combining other interim bodies, as well as coordinating their work with related groups. The next phase involves funding-dependent interim bodies. The Executive Council will vote on the triennial budget at its November meeting, which will determine the resources available for these bodies. We anticipate the next rounds of appointments to take place in November and December, following this crucial budget decision.
It’s also worth noting that there are ongoing interim bodies that continue their work across trienniums. Despite the limited new appointments, the President of the House of Deputies is committed to utilizing the robust pool of applicants as a talent resource. This extensive list of skilled and dedicated individuals will be invaluable for future appointments and opportunities within the church.
This appointment process represents a significant step in preparing for the upcoming triennium. We are committed to ensuring that our interim bodies are well-equipped to address the important work ahead, while also finding ways to engage the wealth of talent within our community.
Stay tuned for further updates as we continue this vital process. Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated as we move forward in our shared mission.
