United Methodist Committee on Older-Adult Ministries Meeting
March 25-27, 2003

UM Committee on Older-Adult Ministries

At the spring meeting of the United Methodist Committee on Older-Adult Ministries various proposals were adopted, including

• A resolution entitled "Deficit Spending and the Elderly" protesting spending to finance foreign conflicts;
• A resolution inviting all general board and agency executives to evaluate compliance with a General Conference call to examine pension policies;
• A resolution endorsing the creation of a chair in gerontology at Africa University; and
• Legislation calling for the elimination of mandatory retirement for United Methodist lay staff, pastors, and bishops.

In addition, reports were received from the various jurisdictional representatives and staff of boards and agencies. Dr. David Maldonado, president of Iliff School of Theology, addressed the committee and spoke about the need for greater emphasis on gerontology studies in theological education.

The committee hopes to receive funding to conduct a Symposium on Older Adult Ministries with seminary professors in pastoral care and Christian education to be held during the next quadrennium (2005-2008).