The Great Plains Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church is committed to fostering and building a culture of diversity and inclusion. “For just as the body is one and have many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” (1 Corinthians, 12:12) “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.” (1 Corinthians 12:26)
As a United Methodist Church, there will be times when employment preferences based on religion are appropriate and should be a factor with respect to one’s employment. Subject to this consideration and the requirements of our denomination’s Book of Discipline, we are mindful of our social obligations with respect to fair employment practices. We strive to create and maintain a work environment in which people are treated with dignity, decency and respect. We encourage differences among our leaders, employees and local congregations as embraced in the “Social Principles” contained in The 2016 Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church.
This passion for reaffirming the relationship of God among all of God’s people guides our desire that every congregation be welcoming to all persons. The environment of the Church, in its many settings, should be characterized by mutual trust and the absence of intimidation, oppression and exploitation. We believe that each employee and volunteer has the right to work and serve in an environment free of harassment; therefore, the Conference has adopted this Personal Conduct Policy. Anyone violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, discontinuation of volunteer service, or termination of membership under the provisions of Paragraph 2702 of The 2016 Book of Discipline. While the Conference expects church and conference staff volunteers, clergy and lay, as well as members of local churches, to abide by the terms of this Personal Conduct Policy as set forth below, the Conference recognizes The 2016 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church provides the exclusive methods for bringing complaints against appointed or ordained United Methodist clergy and the sanctions that may be applied.
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