Itineracy of course refers to the traveling preachers, the appointment of clergy by the bishop to wherever their gifts are best used to meet the needs of the ministry. A visual image of the circuit rider comes to mind. The trust clause further bears this out. Thus, conferencing, itineracy and the trust clause are woven together as part of the quilt that defines Methodism as a connectional, not congregational, church. However, the ownership is in trust for the future of United Methodism, as a part of the covenant relationship that every United Methodist has with one another.
Local church conflicts over ownership of local church property are as old as the church.
Think back to a more recent time of the civil rights era in the 1960's, when schism was a constant threat based on intense feelings about racial separatism and equality. The trust clause is a constant reminder that our ancestors have entrusted us with local church property, to nurture and grow toward the common goal of inviting, teaching and sending Christians to do God's work. It is indeed a sacred trust, not only for us but for future generations. We fail to honor this sacred trust when we individually think that we along know best how these valuable resources should be used. The local church is the legal owner and custodian of the property, acting through its trustees.