¶ 349.
Sabbatical Leave--A sabbatical leave should be allowed for a program
of study or travel approved by the conference board of ordained ministry.
Associate members or clergy members in full connection who have been serving in
a full-time appointment for six consecutive years from the time of their
reception into full or associate membership may be granted a sabbatical leave
for up to one year. Whenever possible, the compensation level of the last
appointment served before the leave should be maintained in the appointment made
at the termination of the leave. The appointment to sabbatical leave is to be
made by the bishop holding the conference, upon the vote of the annual
conference after recommendation by the board of ordained ministry. Associate
members and clergy members in full connection shall submit a written request for
a sabbatical leave, including plans for study or travel, to the board of
ordained ministry, with copies to the bishop and district superintendent,
ordinarily six months before the opening session of the annual conference. To be
eligible for an additional sabbatical leave, associate members and clergy
members in full connection shall have served six consecutive years under
full-time appointment following the previous sabbatical
leave.32
[FTN] 32. See Judicial
Council Decision 473.