The good folks at the United Methodist Reporter were kind enough to publish my article on the issue of the “guaranteed appointment.” Here’s the opening paragraph:
The so-called guaranteed appointment for ordained United Methodist clergy will become a matter of increased debate as General Conference 2012 draws near. In some corners it seems to be the church’s whipping boy and the source of every ill in our denomination. But is the matter that simple? Does the guaranteed appointment play no positive role in United Methodist polity? And what is the potential for damaging consequences were the provision removed? These are important questions which must be carefully considered as we discern the future course of our denomination.
Read the whole thing at the UM Portal.