There were three. One, how does one go about actually restructuring the church? Who stays? Who leaves? Very important.

Two, governance. How do you implement an agreement? When do you vote — at General Conference? What’s the vote — majority, two-thirds? What’s the role of the local church?

And, three, finances. Who keeps what? What about the pension plan? What about local church property? What about real estate owned by the national church? What about Africa? What about Asia and Europe — property there? What are the financial implications of this?

I say the politics of restructuring, governance issues and financial issues were the three secular issues. At no time in this mediation was there any real discussion of doctrinal differences. That wasn’t part of this. This was a secular mediation designed to define the future of the church.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=4840166&forum_id=2#42501779)

"Part of it was just my interest in modern America, in preserving some church impact and influence in an increasingly secular society," Feinberg said. "Plus, you try saying 'no' to Rick Godfrey."

Godfrey and Wendy Bloom, another Kirkland & Ellis partner, would support Feinberg and the negotiating team, taking notes on the discussion and helping with wordsmithing as the protocol took shape.

Feinberg and Bloom are Jewish. Both said Judaism's "give back" ethic was a reason to donate time to The United Methodist Church.

“In our faith the concept of the mitzvah of tzedakah is fundamental, and it means a commandment to do the right thing to help people and causes in need," Bloom said by email.

There were key negotiating sessions on Oct. 17-18, Nov. 11-12 and Dec. 16-17, at Kirkland & Ellis' office in Washington.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=4840166&forum_id=2#42501840)