CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
¶ 242
In case the transfer is not made effective, the pastor shall return the certificate to the pastor of the sending church. ¶ 240. Transfer to Other Denominations—A pastor, upon receiving a request from a member to transfer to a church of another denomination, or upon receiving such request from a pastor or duly authorized official of another denomination, shall (with the approval of the member) issue a certificate of transfer and, upon receiving confirmation of the member’s reception into another congregation, shall properly record the transfer of such person on the membership record of the local church. For the transfer of a member of The United Methodist Church to a church of another denomination, an official “Transfer of Membership to Another Denomination” form shall be used. ¶ 241. Withdrawal Without Notice—If a pastor is informed that a member has without notice united with a church of another denomination, the pastor shall make diligent inquiry and, if the report is confirmed, shall enter “Withdrawn” after the person’s name on the membership roll and shall report the same to the next charge conference. ¶ 242. Restoration of Professing Membership—1. A person whose name has been removed from professing membership by withdrawal, or action by charge conference, or trial court (¶ 2714), may ask to be restored to membership in the local church. 2. A person whose membership was recorded as having been withdrawn after becoming a member of another denomination may, when that denomination will not transfer membership, be restored to professing membership by reaffirmation of the baptismal vows. 3. A person who has withdrawn at his or her own written request may return to the church and, upon reaffirmation of the baptismal vows, become a professing member. 4. A person whose name was removed by charge conference action may return to the church and, at his or her request, be restored to professing membership in the local church through reaffirmation of the baptismal vows. 5. A person who withdrew under charges or was removed by trial court (¶ 2714) may ask to return to the church. Upon evidence of a renewed life, approval of the charge conference, and reaffirmation of the baptismal vows, the person may be restored to professing membership. 167
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