As The United Methodist Church approaches a major legislative gathering that will determine the future of the denomination, Andrew Hendren, top executive of Wespath Benefits and Investments, talks about the agency’s proposal to make the church’s clergy benefit plans more sustainable.
Hendren spoke with UM News as part of a video series featuring different perspectives of church leaders on legislation to be considered by General Conference delegates.
Watch videos
Wespath’s four focus areas at General Conference include amending the church’s clergy benefit plan and strengthening the agency’s commitment to investments that protect the environment and human rights.
Hendren describes what will change, and what won’t, in Wespath’s proposal to amend the church’s clergy retirement plan.
Wespath supports regionalization legislation, Hendren says, because it would eliminate the current reality that central conference delegates who aren’t participants in the U.S. clergy retirement plans have to make decisions on those plans.
Effects of a revised Social Principles
Wespath’s investments are made in ways that align with the Social Principles. Hendren believes the proposed revisions would help the agency make better investment decisions.
Socially Responsible Investing
Hendren says Wespath takes John Wesley’s mandate for good stewardship to heart.
Not all legislation tied to the denomination’s benefits or investments originated from Wespath. Hendren says they will be monitoring such proposals and advocating that they align with United Methodist principles.
Hendren encourages delegates who may not understand petitions they are considering to engage with Wespath staff with any questions they may have.