The Doctrines and Discipline of the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church / Revised Edition 1918

by Colored Methodist Episcopal Church

Ques. 7. What method is recommended in the examination of the life and official administration of the preachers?

Ans. 1. Let none be present except members of the Conference, and others who may be in attendance on Conference business, unless the Conference by vote shall order otherwise.

2. Let the name of every preacher be called, and let his Presiding Elder, or some other member of the Conference, state whether or not there be any complaint against him. If there be none, he may retire, and the Conference may make further inquiry concerning him, and pass his character without vote.

3. If there be a complaint, and the preacher has been advised of it, let it be stated to the Conference, and let the accused have the privilege of replying. He shall then retire, and the Conference shall determine by vote whether or not his character shall pass.

4. If a trial be necessary, it shall be conducted according to the provisions of Chapter XXIV.

5. The names of any who may be expelled or suspended, or who may have withdrawn from the Church, shall be stated in the minutes.

Ques. 8. What other business shall be done in the Annual Conference?

Ans. 1. Let every Annual Conference inquire into the state and character of all the institutions of learning that may be under its care, and the best means of promoting their interests, and, if necessary, of increasing their number. Provided, no member of the C. M. E. Church, bishop, presiding elder, or preacher shall establish a school in the name of the C. M. E. Church without first getting the consent of the Quarterly or Annual Conference within whose bounds said school may be located.

2. Let every Annual Conference take account of all the church buildings, parsonages, and other church property within its bounds, and see that same be legally secured to the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church, according to the provisions of the Discipline.

3. In each Annual Conference, the bishop presiding shall appoint a committee of examination on the course of study provided for candidates for the ministry. The committee of examination shall consist of not less than three (3) nor more than eleven (11) of the most competent members of the conference. The committee shall serve four years, provided they are appointed at the first session of the conference following the General Conference. The Bishop may appoint one or more of the committee as often as he thinks the interests of the work require it.