I am extremely pleased to report that committee six produced a single resolution to go to the floor of synod and will make the recommendation unanimously!
We went through a wonderful process guided by our fearless moderator that allowed each member of the committee to be heard. After some initial comments we broke into groups and worked on some specifics. Those groups appointed a spokes person that reported back to the entire committee. After some continued discussion the spokespersons went into a working meeting while the rest of us went into recess. We were restrained by time and needed to be finished by noon. When, at 11:45 the working group was still not finished I became nervous. Although we extended the time I was still concerned that the committee would want to make extensive changes that would not be able to be done in the time allotted.
When the group came back we had a few friendly amendments and then voted unanimously to move the document to the general synod for a vote. It was pretty close to a miracle!
The final document that our committee produced first emphasizes the importance of continuing dialogue and sacred conversations on racial and ethnic issues. We acknowledged that we still have many divisions and tensions within our church that need attention. However, those issues can not and will not be addressed through a governance discernment process. We need separate but concurrent studies and periods of reflection.
In addition, we advocate for intentional continued dialogue with individuals and groups that have felt left out. So that we can use the two years before we have to make a decision on this to bring everyone into the process.
In addition to including the Historically Underrepresented groups in dialogue we also asked that the local churches, associations and conferences be included in the upcoming year in a transparent process.
I think we came to a conclusion after much faithful deliberation that will effectively guide this church into the future.
Most likely the resolution will change once it gets to the floor and I anticipate that there will be voices that speak out on all sides of the issue. I will be sure to report back and let you know how it works out.
One of the things that this process has opened my eyes to is the deep racial tensions that still exist in this church. I have had many conversations about this issue today and I have been wrestling with the concept internally.
I want to share a comment a woman who sat next to me in a committee meeting made. She (an elderly Hispanic woman) said "you know, there will always be people who will never be included because they do not want to be included".
We also heard from a representative from the Pacific Islander and Asian American group who said that part of her challenge was that there were over 18 ethnic groups in her constituency and they don't have that many seat on any board. All of those groups have different and at times contradictory needs and it is difficult for any one or two people to effectively represent all of those groups.
I also heard from two people different people. One who ardently insisted that the process was inclusive of all groups and one who insisted that it was not- that it was in fact racist.
I don't know how all of these things add up. And I do not have any answers. I do know that there is anger and hurt and that we as a church need to engage in a healing process by recognizing these feelings rather than brushing past it. I know there is racism that still exists in this country and in this church. I hate it and more than anything wish that it could end. But I am increasingly seeing racism in the non traditional sense, (racism that is often refered to as reverse racism) emerge and at times it is just as difficult to see.
When we discuss HUGs I cringe because it puts people in boxes. I am white, I am a heterosexual biological female, I am a young adult. But that DOES NOT DEFINE ME. I know that the color of a persons skin or their age or gender do not define them. In the UCC we place a lot of emphasis on those categories. I have to remind myself that it is better than nothing. The fact that we strive so hard to get people from all sorts of different boxes so that we can have different voices at the table is fairly progressive and as a lot of the right intentions.
But for me it is not enough. I would like to think that it would not be enough for the UCC either. If we are truly to embrace our identity as a multi-racial, multi-cultural church that strives for equality and justice then we need to drop the boxes. We need to take a stand and embrace people as individuals. For the spiritual gifts they bring to the table, not because of the groups they belong to. I don't know what that looks like in a governance model or on any level but I know that that is where we need to be.
It is my guess is that if we were to recruit and appoint based on spiritual gifts and what they as individuals bring to the table we would get a group that looks like what we try to get it to look like now. So much of what we can bring to the table is determined by our cultural background and upbringing. For instance, Rev. Otis Moss II who is the pastor at Trinity UCC in Chicago (An Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian Church) and preached at synod Friday evening, is probably the best preacher I have ever heard. His style of preaching has clearly come from his role in the African- American community and his studies related to African American theology and history. When I would assemble a list of talented preachers his name would be at the top and it would have nothing to do with his race. It would be because I think he is a voice that we as a church, as a nation and as a world need to hear. It is clear to be that God made us all different because we can all serve as different parts of the body of Christ, that our different spiritual gifts make us stronger as a whole. What I do not understand is why God would make it so that it is so difficult for some of us to grapple with our differences. I hope that eventually we can break down the boxes and look at individuals for what they are; completely unique, wonderful, beautiful human beings.
I am me. You are you. I don't care if you are blue or black, in a wheel chair or a spaceship. We are all children of God. I dream of a church where we can truly celebrate that.
28.6.09
Single Governance Committee Work
I am a proud member of committee 6. And we have been charged with the work of looking at the 9 resolutions on governance and determining what is to go to the floor of synod to be voted upon by the larger body.
There has been a 3 and half year process that resulted in a proposal for changing our national governing structure from having 5 boards to one. This would have come to synod in the from of constitutional and bylaw amendments except Justice and Witness Ministries voted against it (many other boards had unanimous or near unanimous votes in support of it).
There are many advocates on behalf of moving forward with the single governance model because it will be more efficient and cost effective and it makes more sense for effectively governing our national church.
However there are also voices that feel that they have not been heard in the process in determining this new structure and that the representation in the model is not sufficient. These voices have been raised from some of the COREM and HUG (Historically Underrepresented Groups) groups.
When we recessed for the evening it the straw pull indicated that the committee was overwhelmingly in favor of sending a resolution to the synod floor which would ask for a single governance to be brought to GS28 for approval by the synod and then sent out to conferences for 2/3 approval.
I anticipate that we will incorporate language that asks to continue the dialogue for the next two years before synod with an intentional pursuit of opinions and perspectives that may have not been thoroughly incorporated previously. Because we are the United Church of Christ I don't think anyone wants to see voices left out of the conversation or groups of people to feel disenfranchised by any process we have. However it seems to be a consensus that we need to move forward with single governance because it is a more responsible and effective way to carry out business.
I pray, and I hope that you will join me, that the work of this committee and all others working at synod this week can faithfully and prayerfully engage the issues and carry out the work of the church that is pleasing in God's sight.
There has been a 3 and half year process that resulted in a proposal for changing our national governing structure from having 5 boards to one. This would have come to synod in the from of constitutional and bylaw amendments except Justice and Witness Ministries voted against it (many other boards had unanimous or near unanimous votes in support of it).
There are many advocates on behalf of moving forward with the single governance model because it will be more efficient and cost effective and it makes more sense for effectively governing our national church.
However there are also voices that feel that they have not been heard in the process in determining this new structure and that the representation in the model is not sufficient. These voices have been raised from some of the COREM and HUG (Historically Underrepresented Groups) groups.
When we recessed for the evening it the straw pull indicated that the committee was overwhelmingly in favor of sending a resolution to the synod floor which would ask for a single governance to be brought to GS28 for approval by the synod and then sent out to conferences for 2/3 approval.
I anticipate that we will incorporate language that asks to continue the dialogue for the next two years before synod with an intentional pursuit of opinions and perspectives that may have not been thoroughly incorporated previously. Because we are the United Church of Christ I don't think anyone wants to see voices left out of the conversation or groups of people to feel disenfranchised by any process we have. However it seems to be a consensus that we need to move forward with single governance because it is a more responsible and effective way to carry out business.
I pray, and I hope that you will join me, that the work of this committee and all others working at synod this week can faithfully and prayerfully engage the issues and carry out the work of the church that is pleasing in God's sight.
Sacred Conversation on Race and Education
First I want to say thank you to all those who participated in our conversation this morning. It was a wonderful experience that I was hesitant about. Too often our conversations about racial issues turn into conversations that are repetitive and non productive. From my perspective this morning's conversation not only benefited from a group who was truly willing to engage in an open and honest conversation but there was also a distinct presence of the holy spirit that allowed for a meaningful and productive dialogue.
While we may not have reached any solutions for the complex problem that is our public school system we did talk about the causes for the inequity in our school system and we also lifted up many of the proactive things that are being done already to make strides towards a more equitable system.
I will share some of the things that I found most significant about our conversation but it does not begin to reflect the multitude of perspectives and topics that we covered.
We talk about how technically the inequity in our school system is based in socio-economic status. However if you look at our schools it is clear that there are predominately white schools and schools that are predominately made up of ethnic minorities. It does not matter that racial discrimination is no longer a legal aspect of our school system. We send our students psychological messages that the color of their skin determines their potential in this world. That is not an acceptable message to send to any child and so we need to become actively engaged to change the racial inequity in our schools.
We also talked about how for many students going to college presents a challenge in their family dynamic. Not only is it difficult to get into a school academically and to be able to afford it. But once those hurdles are crossed families can be against it because maybe they don't understand the benefits because it was something they never experienced but also because having a child leave is a financial burden for the family. Perhaps there are government subsidies provided to the family because the child is living there, perhaps there are child support payments coming in, perhaps that child provides an additional source of income or acts as a child care provider or helps take care of sick or elderly family members. For me, these concepts seem so foreign because it was never an obstacle I had to face, for which I am very fortunate. However, it ads to the complexity of the problem and leads us to draw the conclusion that there is no simple solution. While this is not a revolutionary statement but it was reaffirmed by our conversations.
We also talked about the opportunity we have as a church to make a difference. We have the responsibility to help educate our young people. Through mentoring programs or just engaging the young people in your life and impressing upon them the importance of staying in school and making the most of their education. We can do that by showing not telling. By listening as much as we talk. By being a continual presence in the life of a child. I challenge you and me and us as a national church to take on the responsibility of educating our young people. In one way or another be a presence in the life of a child and help them see the importance of staying in school and investing time and effort into their education.
I don't know of anyone better than the UCC to step up to this challenge!
While we may not have reached any solutions for the complex problem that is our public school system we did talk about the causes for the inequity in our school system and we also lifted up many of the proactive things that are being done already to make strides towards a more equitable system.
I will share some of the things that I found most significant about our conversation but it does not begin to reflect the multitude of perspectives and topics that we covered.
We talk about how technically the inequity in our school system is based in socio-economic status. However if you look at our schools it is clear that there are predominately white schools and schools that are predominately made up of ethnic minorities. It does not matter that racial discrimination is no longer a legal aspect of our school system. We send our students psychological messages that the color of their skin determines their potential in this world. That is not an acceptable message to send to any child and so we need to become actively engaged to change the racial inequity in our schools.
We also talked about how for many students going to college presents a challenge in their family dynamic. Not only is it difficult to get into a school academically and to be able to afford it. But once those hurdles are crossed families can be against it because maybe they don't understand the benefits because it was something they never experienced but also because having a child leave is a financial burden for the family. Perhaps there are government subsidies provided to the family because the child is living there, perhaps there are child support payments coming in, perhaps that child provides an additional source of income or acts as a child care provider or helps take care of sick or elderly family members. For me, these concepts seem so foreign because it was never an obstacle I had to face, for which I am very fortunate. However, it ads to the complexity of the problem and leads us to draw the conclusion that there is no simple solution. While this is not a revolutionary statement but it was reaffirmed by our conversations.
We also talked about the opportunity we have as a church to make a difference. We have the responsibility to help educate our young people. Through mentoring programs or just engaging the young people in your life and impressing upon them the importance of staying in school and making the most of their education. We can do that by showing not telling. By listening as much as we talk. By being a continual presence in the life of a child. I challenge you and me and us as a national church to take on the responsibility of educating our young people. In one way or another be a presence in the life of a child and help them see the importance of staying in school and investing time and effort into their education.
I don't know of anyone better than the UCC to step up to this challenge!
26.6.09
Immerse Yourself Day 1
I arrived this afternoon in Grad Rapids, Michigan and since my arrival I have been continually bombarded by the generous hospitality of the Grand Rapids UCC. Be it a friendly face at a table in the hotel, a local woman eager to invite me to her home congregation, a friendly shuttle driver or the volunteers at the convention center eager to answer questions or hand out home made cookies (a synod tradition) - every one has been so kind! I would like to extend my sincere thanks for making it such a joy to be in Grand Rapids this week! We are the largest convention to ever come to Grand Rapids (at 4,000 attendees) and they certainly have shown us that they are ready!
I was a part of two hearings today one on the proposed Constitutional and Bylaw changes and one on the proposal to move towards a single governance system. I attended both in an attempt to better understand some of the decisions I, as a delegate to the 27th general synod, will be faced with over the upcoming week.
I learned that there has been an extensive process to arrive at the proposed changes to the constitution and bylaws. While everyone respected the process there were a few minor suggestions and changes. In addition there was a large amount of confusion as to what these changes really mean for the life and ministry of the UCC. The biggest clarification was made between the role of the ordained minister and those are licenced and commissioned to service. The answer, as I understood it, was that the ordained minister is typically called to a lifetime of service on behalf of the church, can serve in a variety of locations and the call is less particular. Whereas those who are licensed or commissioned are called to serve in a more particular time and place with a more specific call. The intention, as I understand it is that these amendments will strengthen and specify the discernment process. A process which includes the individual (does not have to be a student thus Student in Care would under the proposed changes transition into Member in Discernment), the local church and the Association. The changes are in many cases codifying what already exists in many associations.
A question that was raised that was never really answered (because it is somewhat unrelated) is who is actually allowed to give communion or perform baptisms? It is a question that is ambiguously answered in our governing documents. I thank the gentleman who raised the question and I invite you to consider it further.
In addition, I was a part of a hearing on Single Governance - which has been set up to be one of the most controversial issues at this synod. I believe much of the controversy stems from misunderstanding. There are some valid issues of contention but they center around how the single governance system should be set up - the nuts and bolts of the issue. Since the issue for this synod is weather or not we should pursue a single governance (not what it should look like) it should go through. I have yet to hear an argument against single governance as a whole - but I am still listening...
Synod kicked off in a glorious series of celebrations and announcements. It is always good to be amouung the wonderful gifts and spirits within the UCC. I was also pleasently surprised to learn that the Mayor of Grand Rapids is one of our very own. Mayor George Hartwell, an ordained UCC clergyman, proudly welcomed us, his family to our 'family renion'. That it is!
I was a part of two hearings today one on the proposed Constitutional and Bylaw changes and one on the proposal to move towards a single governance system. I attended both in an attempt to better understand some of the decisions I, as a delegate to the 27th general synod, will be faced with over the upcoming week.
I learned that there has been an extensive process to arrive at the proposed changes to the constitution and bylaws. While everyone respected the process there were a few minor suggestions and changes. In addition there was a large amount of confusion as to what these changes really mean for the life and ministry of the UCC. The biggest clarification was made between the role of the ordained minister and those are licenced and commissioned to service. The answer, as I understood it, was that the ordained minister is typically called to a lifetime of service on behalf of the church, can serve in a variety of locations and the call is less particular. Whereas those who are licensed or commissioned are called to serve in a more particular time and place with a more specific call. The intention, as I understand it is that these amendments will strengthen and specify the discernment process. A process which includes the individual (does not have to be a student thus Student in Care would under the proposed changes transition into Member in Discernment), the local church and the Association. The changes are in many cases codifying what already exists in many associations.
A question that was raised that was never really answered (because it is somewhat unrelated) is who is actually allowed to give communion or perform baptisms? It is a question that is ambiguously answered in our governing documents. I thank the gentleman who raised the question and I invite you to consider it further.
In addition, I was a part of a hearing on Single Governance - which has been set up to be one of the most controversial issues at this synod. I believe much of the controversy stems from misunderstanding. There are some valid issues of contention but they center around how the single governance system should be set up - the nuts and bolts of the issue. Since the issue for this synod is weather or not we should pursue a single governance (not what it should look like) it should go through. I have yet to hear an argument against single governance as a whole - but I am still listening...
Synod kicked off in a glorious series of celebrations and announcements. It is always good to be amouung the wonderful gifts and spirits within the UCC. I was also pleasently surprised to learn that the Mayor of Grand Rapids is one of our very own. Mayor George Hartwell, an ordained UCC clergyman, proudly welcomed us, his family to our 'family renion'. That it is!
24.6.09
Immerse Yourself!
I am heading to Grand Rapids on Friday and I am excited to see everyone again! It is amazing how many connections you can make when you immerse yourself in a community of faith. I am excited to see friends from Hartford and meet many new ones!
There are many new and exciting resolutions on the agenda for this year's synod including proposed resolutions on an Economic Justice Covenant, Race, Iran, the Eugenics Movement, рдеे Global Food Crisis, HIV Prevention, A Call to be Global Mission Churches, Responsible Meeting Practice, Single Payer National Health Care Reform, the North American Free Trade Agreement, A Justice Town Hall Gathering, Trafficking in Persons, Iraqi Refugees, Ecumenical Commitments, Mediating Climate Change, Physician Assistance in Dying and the Urgency for Action on Climate Change. To see the full text of all the resolutions go to http://www.ucc.org/synod/resolutions/
In addition we will be attending to regular buisness of the synod such as nominations. This year there are additional resolutions coming to the synod on Single Governence, which if adopted would change the structure of the National Church Governence. For all the information on buisness coming to synod go to http://www.ucc.org/synod/synod-business.html
In addition I am looking forward to our Sacred Conversations on Race. I will be attending a discussion on Race and Education, an issue that is very near and dear to my heart.
Let me know about how you feel about any and all of these issues. I would love to be able to bring your voice to synod!
Also follow all the happenings of General Synod search the trending topic GS27 and follow me at CDK1536 for real time updates!
There are many new and exciting resolutions on the agenda for this year's synod including proposed resolutions on an Economic Justice Covenant, Race, Iran, the Eugenics Movement, рдеे Global Food Crisis, HIV Prevention, A Call to be Global Mission Churches, Responsible Meeting Practice, Single Payer National Health Care Reform, the North American Free Trade Agreement, A Justice Town Hall Gathering, Trafficking in Persons, Iraqi Refugees, Ecumenical Commitments, Mediating Climate Change, Physician Assistance in Dying and the Urgency for Action on Climate Change. To see the full text of all the resolutions go to http://www.ucc.org/synod/resolutions/
In addition we will be attending to regular buisness of the synod such as nominations. This year there are additional resolutions coming to the synod on Single Governence, which if adopted would change the structure of the National Church Governence. For all the information on buisness coming to synod go to http://www.ucc.org/synod/synod-business.html
In addition I am looking forward to our Sacred Conversations on Race. I will be attending a discussion on Race and Education, an issue that is very near and dear to my heart.
Let me know about how you feel about any and all of these issues. I would love to be able to bring your voice to synod!
Also follow all the happenings of General Synod search the trending topic GS27 and follow me at CDK1536 for real time updates!
25.6.07
Day 4 (Cont’d) – Let it Shine!
Ken Medema opened our afternoon plenary with joyous song and praise. He had us all moving around the floor of the civic center shaking one another’s hands, rubbing each others shoulders and scratching each other’s backs. The entire process reminded me of great times singing camp songs with good friends; it certainly set an uplifting tone to begin our business.
The first resolution, regarding the Tar Creek superfund site, was put forth to the General Synod with a recommendation to adopt the resolution as it stands. With what seems to be record breaking little conversation, dialogue and debate (none) the resolution passed and we moved on to the next item of business.
We then looked at the Resolution on Climate Change. This came from the same committee and also was put forth as it stood with a recommendation for adoption. After some dialogue and debate an amendment was made to add a clause that asks materials be provided to each church that would provide information on how to make their buildings green. The resolution passed with its amendment. Although we thought we were moving along smoothly, business was drawn to a close without us moving to the second committee, which had originally been scheduled for that slot.
We did however hear a moving keynote address by Marian Right Edelman who spoke about the crisis of American children living in poverty; 9 million live without healthcare. She touched all of us here with her message. Our children are dying of curable diseases because they don’t have access to adequate healthcare coverage. I encourage you to visit www.childrensdefense.org and write your representatives and senators to encourage them to provide our children with healthcare. It’s amazing that in the richest county in the world our children are still unable to have the simple necessities.
We began our evening plenary after a dinner break. We were behind already as we again were blessed with the wonderful talents of Ken Medema and his music. We began by hearing nominations and speeches by candidates from various positions in the larger church. The only positions that were contested were voted on by ballot and that was for 2 lay persons as well as 3 clergy to serve in the national setting. The results from the elections will be announced tomorrow.
The first resolution brought to the floor during our evening plenary was the resolution on workers justice in Smithfield. This came from the committee on which I served and as I had mentioned before, we recommended that the synod adopt the resolution with the few minor language adjustments that we made. This passed after only a small amount of dialogue. However yet again, our lovely moderators called the order of the day so that we could move on.
We celebrated the service of many volunteers and staff members. We then celebrated the work and ministry of Joe Malayang, Executive Minister of the Local Church Ministries and sent our blessings with him as he enters a new phase of his life in retirement.
Afterwards, I attended a youth and young adult worship service. It was amazing to see how many youth and young adults have turned out, and how many have stayed even though most of the festivities are over. We celebrated the fact that we are all significant and imperative parts of the body of Christ and together, united, we can be one. One body to serve our God. We worship in many different ways, through dance and song, through prayer and art, each person was given the opportunity to use their gifts to be a part of the greater body.
It was an exciting time, and it’s even more exciting to know that we still have more work to do tomorrow – lots more work!
The first resolution, regarding the Tar Creek superfund site, was put forth to the General Synod with a recommendation to adopt the resolution as it stands. With what seems to be record breaking little conversation, dialogue and debate (none) the resolution passed and we moved on to the next item of business.
We then looked at the Resolution on Climate Change. This came from the same committee and also was put forth as it stood with a recommendation for adoption. After some dialogue and debate an amendment was made to add a clause that asks materials be provided to each church that would provide information on how to make their buildings green. The resolution passed with its amendment. Although we thought we were moving along smoothly, business was drawn to a close without us moving to the second committee, which had originally been scheduled for that slot.
We did however hear a moving keynote address by Marian Right Edelman who spoke about the crisis of American children living in poverty; 9 million live without healthcare. She touched all of us here with her message. Our children are dying of curable diseases because they don’t have access to adequate healthcare coverage. I encourage you to visit www.childrensdefense.org and write your representatives and senators to encourage them to provide our children with healthcare. It’s amazing that in the richest county in the world our children are still unable to have the simple necessities.
We began our evening plenary after a dinner break. We were behind already as we again were blessed with the wonderful talents of Ken Medema and his music. We began by hearing nominations and speeches by candidates from various positions in the larger church. The only positions that were contested were voted on by ballot and that was for 2 lay persons as well as 3 clergy to serve in the national setting. The results from the elections will be announced tomorrow.
The first resolution brought to the floor during our evening plenary was the resolution on workers justice in Smithfield. This came from the committee on which I served and as I had mentioned before, we recommended that the synod adopt the resolution with the few minor language adjustments that we made. This passed after only a small amount of dialogue. However yet again, our lovely moderators called the order of the day so that we could move on.
We celebrated the service of many volunteers and staff members. We then celebrated the work and ministry of Joe Malayang, Executive Minister of the Local Church Ministries and sent our blessings with him as he enters a new phase of his life in retirement.
Afterwards, I attended a youth and young adult worship service. It was amazing to see how many youth and young adults have turned out, and how many have stayed even though most of the festivities are over. We celebrated the fact that we are all significant and imperative parts of the body of Christ and together, united, we can be one. One body to serve our God. We worship in many different ways, through dance and song, through prayer and art, each person was given the opportunity to use their gifts to be a part of the greater body.
It was an exciting time, and it’s even more exciting to know that we still have more work to do tomorrow – lots more work!
Day 4_ Let it Shine!
This morning I was blessed to have the opportunity to continue to work with my committee as we proceeded to the deliberation process. Ultimately, after a few grammatical and word choice changes, we submitted the resolution to the floor of the 26th General Synod with a recommendation to adopt the resolution with the specified amendments. For the most part the changes made were minor and simply worked to clarify the language at the end of the statement.
I was the official recorder for our committee so I got to go behind the scenes and participate in the official process of confirming the committee work with the chair of the committee and our fabulous technical support person. The process was interesting but ultimately it made me thankful that our committee process was relatively straightforward and simplistic.
As I’ve been talking with other delegates and visitors I’ve heard many rumors about what went on in other committee meetings. I have heard that the resolutions on gay marriage will be sent to the floor with a recommendation for no action. Members of the committee on restructuring the composition of the General Synod are reporting that they will send a substitute resolution to the floor that requests that the executive committee along with the conferences make a stronger effort to engage the local church in the national setting. I have also heard that the resolution on physicians’ legal aid in dying will come in with some significant changes although at this point I’m still not clear as to what those might be. In addition, the resolution on depleted uranium weapons should have several changes, there seems to have been some controversy over the background information because it was incorrect. Supposedly the original authors are changing the text of the resolution so that the committee can proceed with its deliberations. I am also aware of an amendment that is being brought to the floor on the resolution for solidarity among the persecuted in the Philippines that is being brought forth by one of my fellow youth delegates after he had a long conversation with a Philippino.
I want to be very clear in that these are things that I have heard, but I cannot with any certainty guarantee their accuracy. I will continue to keep you posted and as I have more formal and factual information I will be sure to share.
At 2:30 we move into plenary where we will hear various resolutions presented by committee chairs and then we will proceed to take action (or in some cases take no action) on the resolutions. We do have the capability to present amendments on the floor, so the entire process has the potential to be very, very long. However, my hope is that we can all respect the processes that our committees went through and move forward with efficiency. We will also recognize those receiving awards at Synod, introduce and present Cally Rogers Witte, nominee for Officer of the United Church of Christ and Executive Minister of Wider Church Ministries as well as Edith Guffey, nominee for Officer of the United Church of Christ, Associate General Minister, and we will here our keynote for this afternoon by Marian Wright Edelman. We will adjourn for dinner and then return for our evening plenary at 7:30. It will be fascinating to see how things proceed.
I was the official recorder for our committee so I got to go behind the scenes and participate in the official process of confirming the committee work with the chair of the committee and our fabulous technical support person. The process was interesting but ultimately it made me thankful that our committee process was relatively straightforward and simplistic.
As I’ve been talking with other delegates and visitors I’ve heard many rumors about what went on in other committee meetings. I have heard that the resolutions on gay marriage will be sent to the floor with a recommendation for no action. Members of the committee on restructuring the composition of the General Synod are reporting that they will send a substitute resolution to the floor that requests that the executive committee along with the conferences make a stronger effort to engage the local church in the national setting. I have also heard that the resolution on physicians’ legal aid in dying will come in with some significant changes although at this point I’m still not clear as to what those might be. In addition, the resolution on depleted uranium weapons should have several changes, there seems to have been some controversy over the background information because it was incorrect. Supposedly the original authors are changing the text of the resolution so that the committee can proceed with its deliberations. I am also aware of an amendment that is being brought to the floor on the resolution for solidarity among the persecuted in the Philippines that is being brought forth by one of my fellow youth delegates after he had a long conversation with a Philippino.
I want to be very clear in that these are things that I have heard, but I cannot with any certainty guarantee their accuracy. I will continue to keep you posted and as I have more formal and factual information I will be sure to share.
At 2:30 we move into plenary where we will hear various resolutions presented by committee chairs and then we will proceed to take action (or in some cases take no action) on the resolutions. We do have the capability to present amendments on the floor, so the entire process has the potential to be very, very long. However, my hope is that we can all respect the processes that our committees went through and move forward with efficiency. We will also recognize those receiving awards at Synod, introduce and present Cally Rogers Witte, nominee for Officer of the United Church of Christ and Executive Minister of Wider Church Ministries as well as Edith Guffey, nominee for Officer of the United Church of Christ, Associate General Minister, and we will here our keynote for this afternoon by Marian Wright Edelman. We will adjourn for dinner and then return for our evening plenary at 7:30. It will be fascinating to see how things proceed.
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