Methodist Building Q & A

Questions and Answers to the United Methodist Building Trust “Controversy”

What were the funds given for?

In the early part of the 20th century, The Board of Temperance, Prohibition and Public Morals of The Methodist Episcopal Church (now The General Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church) led the fundraising effort to construct the United Methodist Building, completed in 1923. Donations were given “to represent the denominational activities” in Washington, D.C., (1921 Pledge Card Form) and “to promote the cause of temperance by every legitimate means; to prevent the improper use of drugs and narcotics; to render aid to such causes as in the judgment of the Board of Trustees, tend to advance the public welfare” (1917 Certificate of Incorporation).

What is the Trust document?

The 1960 General Conference merged the Boards of Temperance, World Peace, and Social and Economic Concerns into a new Board of Christian Social Concerns. Each of the former boards was concerned that its original mission be protected. The Division of Alcohol Problems and General Welfare (successor to the Board of Temperance) created a “Declaration of Trust” in 1965 for the “Methodist Building Endowment Fund” “to formalize the existing situation” for “work in the areas of temperance and alcohol problems.”

In 1969, the Investment Committee of the Endowment Fund Trustees stated, “we have concluded that the language in the original documents was broader in scope and more inclusive than certain language in the recitals within the Declaration of Trust of March 23, 1965. We further conclude that the statements of purpose in the original documents were and are still in effect and that unless specific restrictive language in any particular will or trust should be discovered -- and we have been unable to find any -- the endowment funds and income therefrom are available for uses consistent with these purposes.”

What is in dispute?

All assets under its discretion have always been used and are currently being used properly under the terms of the Declaration of Trust. There are some persons who disagree and believe the Trust prohibits the funds from being used for any cause other than anti-alcohol work.

What are the Trustees doing now to put this issue to rest?

The Trustees of the General Board of Church & Society have filed a request with the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for a declaratory decision on whether the Trustees have operated correctly these many years. The Board is incorporated in the District of Columbia therefore it is appropriate to seek this ruling from D.C. courts. It is anticipated this decision will be rendered prior to 2008 General Conference.

Aren’t these funds audited?

Every year, all GBCS financial records are thoroughly audited by an independent firm chosen to conduct the audit by the General Council on Finance and Administration.

Who are the current Trustees of the General Board of Church & Society?

The current trustees are Mr. Fred Brewington (chair), Rev. Tamara Brown, Jim Ehrman, Rev. Faith Fowler, Rev. Mike McKee, Liz Patterson and Bishop Ann Sherer. They are elected by the full board to serve as Trustees for the 2009-2012 quadrennium.

What role has the General Council of Finance and Administration played in this dispute?

The General Council on Finance and Administration has been kept apprised of all developments.