Subordinate bodies have traditionally addressed the Conference directly by means of a written 'Memorial'. In WM the question of which individuals or bodies had the right to do so was the subject of periodic debate and direction, until the process became more formalized in 1852, when the Conference confirmed the authority of Circuit Quarterly Meetings to send such memorials on any connexional subject. All memorials thus received were referred to a committee of Conference members, to be reported on at the relevant session of the Conference. That procedure still continues; the Memorials Committee, comprising connexional officers and District representatives, proposes to the Conference the reply to be sent to the Circuit.

The parallel procedure for District Synods to address the Conference was by means of a 'Suggestion', dealt with in a similar way. In 1992 the usage was finally standardized to 'Memorial' for those coming from both sources.

Entry written by: SRH
Category: Subject
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