01 Jun Eavesdropping on the International Executive Committee

Brian Magnus (right), Chairman of the General Conference

At the close of the 51st General Conference, the delegates and observers were excused and the International Executive Committee (IEC) met. This group consists of the bishop or general superintendent of each United Brethren national conference.

The meeting included several items:

1. We evaluated the General Conference and its current format. It was agreed that the 51st General Conference was a success and that the format is valuable and worth continuing. It was felt that the camaraderie, inspiration, and encouragement are worth keeping

2. We discussed some large issues in multiple national conferences, including the stationing of pastors who have been divorced and the issue of homosexuality in the church. The IEC agreed unanimously that no person in an active homosexual relationship could be a pastor in any United Brethren church around the world.

3. We agreed that future General Conferences will need to be held in locations where it is cost effective, and where delegates from various countries have a greater likelihood of being admitted into the country. Jamaica is one country that would meet these criteria.

4. At the end of the IEC meeting, Brian Magnus, Bishop of the United Brethren Church in Canada, was elected to anther term as chairman of the IEC. Since the chairman is also the chair of the next General Conference, this term goes until the election of the next chairman after the next General Conference. Brian has chaired the IEC since it was formed in 2002.