4720–4738

4720. The proceeds from the sale of any real property of a local church, whether incorporated or unincorporated, other than as provided for in 4700:6, shall be used for the purchase or improvement of property for that local church, unless otherwise authorized by the district board of administration (1233:30). In the event of a situation where two or more local churches have merged, proceeds from the sale of such property shall be used by the merged church unless otherwise authorized by the district board of administration. Whenever a local church does not wish to invest the money received as stated herewith, the money shall be forwarded to the district treasurer, and provided that all debts against such property being sold shall first be paid, it shall be used as ordered by the district conference or the district board of administration for the construction of churches or parsonages within the bounds of the district, for district property, or for purchase of property or construction of buildings involved in the planting of new churches. Such moneys may be used for other expenses involved in the planting of new churches only with the approval of the General Superintendent.

4725. From the sale, acquisition, or transfer of real properties that occur within its fiscal year, a district may choose to invest or contribute up to 15 percent from the net proceeds to expand Wesleyan presence. Up to 10 percent may be used for technology upgrades to meet multimedia, network, and internet needs. In addition, up to 5 percent may be used to assist in the development of a Wesleyan presence in another country through Global Partners or to assist domestic Wesleyan compassionate ministries. The aggregate total of the district’s investment and/or contribution, whether internationally or domestically, cannot exceed 15 percent of the net proceeds of its transactions. The district board of administration must approve each investment and/or contribution with a two- thirds vote. Furthermore, each investment and/or contribution must have the written approval of the General Superintendent.

4728. Any district that chooses to exercise the provision of Discipline 4725 may make a lump sum investment and/or contribution under the conditions mentioned therein or it may make a series of smaller investments and/or contributions, so long as the aggregate total does not exceed 15 percent of the total proceeds from transactions as noted in Discipline 4725.

4. Abandoned Church Property

4730. When the property of a local church is no longer used, a local church may be declared by the district board of administration as discontinued or abandoned (1233:26) and the title shall thereupon vest in the district corporation (4100), or in the district board of trustees in the case of an unincorporated district (4855). The district board of administration shall have the authority to order the sale of said property and to appropriate the proceeds for the purchase of property for a local church, for the construction of churches or parsonages within the bounds of the district, for district property, or for the purchase of property or construction of buildings involved in the planting of new churches. Such moneys may be used for other expenses involved in the planting of new churches only with the approval of the General Superintendent. The actions of the district board of administration shall be reported to the next session of the district conference. Any bequests, devises, gift annuities, or other benefits to a local church that accrue or become available after said church has been discontinued shall become the property of the district corporation (4100), or, in the case of an unincorporated district, shall become the property of the district board of trustees (4855).

4735. From the sale, acquisition, or transfer of real properties that occur within its fiscal year, a district may choose to invest or contribute up to 15 percent from the net proceeds to expand Wesleyan presence. Up to 10 percent may be used for technology upgrades to meet multimedia, network, and internet needs. In addition, up to 5 percent may be used to assist in the development of a Wesleyan presence in another country through Global Partners or to assist domestic Wesleyan compassionate ministries. The aggregate total of the district’s investment and/or contribution, whether internationally or domestically, cannot exceed 15 percent of the net proceeds of its transactions. The district board of administration must approve each investment and/or contribution with a two- thirds vote. Furthermore, each investment and/or contribution must have the written approval of the General Superintendent.

4738. Any district that chooses to exercise the provision of Discipline 4735 may make a lump sum investment and/or contribution under the conditions mentioned therein or it may make a series of smaller investments and/or contributions, so long as the aggregate total does not exceed 15 percent of the total proceeds from transactions as noted in Discipline 4735.