Meeting Minutes List

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Ecumenical Relationships Commission (via teleconference)
October 8, 2026, 9:00 a.m., U.S. Eastern Time
Members present: Scott Field, Bishop Carolyn Moore, Debbie Smalley, Zak Vakadewatabua, and Vatroslav Zupancic
Also present: Teresa Marcus
Not Present: David Duggan, Han Koh, Patti Molik, Ed Murphy and Lauren Yates Bishop Carolyn Moore called the meeting to order at 9:01 a.m., U.S. ET. Opening Prayer: Bishop Moore
ERC Curriculum Project: Scott Field reported that the work being done on the “Holiness in Community” guide is largely completed. The total that has been spent to date on this project is $24,950.00. The largest expenditures were the contracts with freelance editor, John Harrell, Impulse Strategies, and the gift to Kyle Jones for his editing work. The work that remains to be done is the additional translation work into Russian and other languages as well as the promotion and marketing going forward. There may also be printing costs for brochures distributed in various parts of the world. Field mentioned the concept of “guerrilla marketing” which entails workshops at Annual Conferences and spreading the availability of the project by word of mouth to local pastors. Teresa Marcus noted that the project is now included on the ERC website and will be in the October GMC newsletter. Field closed by sharing that he hopes that the new ERC will continue to cultivate the use of this project with all of our Holiness and Wesleyan alliances and our evangelical network of believers.
2027 – 2028 Budget Approval: Bishop Moore emphasized the importance of creating a realistic budget based on actual needs rather than requested amounts, noting that the previous budget requests were significantly higher than what was used. Moore highlighted the need for an accurate projection of budget planning given the Global Methodist Church's increased financial constraints with eight full-time bishops. Moore also shared her experience at the General Conference in communicating to the Finance Committee the importance of continuing the work of the ERC because it gives the GMC a voice in the global conversation about the Christian faith.
The commission discussed a budget of $58,350 for 2027 and $57,850 for 2028, with Moore presenting a detailed breakdown of expenses including $40,000 for travel to ecumenical gatherings, $8,350 for an in-person commission meeting, $5,000 for additional expenses
for the curriculum project, and $5,000 for travel to and resources for our covenant partners in Costa Rica and Korea. The group addressed questions about NAE membership, with Moore explaining they decline participation due to cost and philosophical differences, while Debbie Smalley noted that recent General Conference discussions helped clarify the value and importance of the commission's work. Field made a motion that we approve this “first pass” of the 2027/2028 ERC budget. It was seconded by Zak Vakadewatabua and was unanimously approved.
This was the final meeting of the first ERC group that was elected at GC 2024 in Costa Rica. The newly elected commission will have its first meeting on November 6, 2026.
Teresa Marcus closed the meeting in prayer.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 a.m. EST US
Minutes submitted by: Debbie Smalley, Secretaryze this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.