2010 World Conference News Day 6
Good Morning Faithful Readers,
Well I’m sure that by now most of you know that it was an historic and momentous day yesterday. The internet and websites and webcast may make this reporters job obsolete one day soon. I think the news was on the Community of Christ website less than an hour after the Inspired Counsel was approved and authorized to be section 164 in the Doctrine and Covenants. Many, many people had messages typed into their cell phones and I-phones and pods and pushed “send” as soon as the chair said, “the motion to approve the letter of counsel has passed.” It is a different day we live in.
But let’s start at the beginning of the day; another glorious morning; cool, crisp, fresh. The Theme for Wednesday was, “We Share…..Blessings of Community.” And community was very evident all day. The Quorums, Caucuses and Others met from 8a to 10a to either conduct new business or discuss upcoming legislation. My Seventy Quorum used the time for singing, testimony, and worship. It was an inspiring morning of sharing the “Good News.”
Mid-morning until lunch we all gathered back in the Auditorium for more deliberation on the letter of counsel. People were passionate and convicted whichever position they took, but the wonderful thing was there was a sense of community even in the sharing. No one was mean. No one pointed fingers or name called. People would use (or misuse) scripture to support their point, but even then it was still playing nice. By lunch we still had two paragraphs to discuss and vote on.
We reconvened at two to finish discussion. There were lots of questions about “What if?? How will?? When can we??” and by about 3:30 or so we took our final vote to approve the letter, and the chair sent some leaders to retrieve Steve Veazey. When the conference is discussing an Inspired Document, the Prophet/President who presented it “relinquishes the chair”, and leaves the conference chamber for the duration of discussion. One of the members of the Presidency, a Counselor, assumes leadership of the conference. I think it is to free people to talk, discuss, debate, disagree without feeling like they are attacking the President.
As they re-enter the chamber escorting the President, the conference stands and sings the new version of “We Thank You, O God, For Our Prophets”. (It used to be We Thank Thee, O God, For A Prophet” in your hymnal.) Ken McLaughlin and Len Young wrote new words; much more contemporary and more in line with our current focus and understanding of our mission. The “Chair” (leadership of the conference) is then returned to the President who Presides over the remainder of the conference.
To be on the floor, to be in on the discussion, to hear the passion and commitment of people as they shared, to raise your hand with hundreds of others, to be a part of this historic conference was really a thrilling experience; one this reporter was grateful to have been a part of. Many of us have longed for this day for many years. To take the step to recognize another’s Baptism, Christian commitment and walk, and then offer the Sacrament of Confirmation of membership in this church is a big step. Also to move toward becoming a more inclusive church with the potential for equal regard, treatment and acknowledgement of giftedness of all people is long overdue. For most it was a joyous day; your reporter admits and honors the fact that for some others this was a painful, fearful, and agonizing day.
I’ve seen estimates that approximately ninety-five percent of the conference voted to approve the counsel with a very small sprinkling of folks who abstained. That is, in this reporters mind substantial support. This decision certainly puts us a step out from many other Christian Faith Movements; and in closer walk with a couple others who are already on this journey.
Wednesday is usually a “night off.” No Worship is planned by the conference planners. Some groups within the church will host a service. Some leaders use the night for receptions and fellowship. Some groups have activities, but for the most part it is a low key night. Our Field Apostle, Dale Luffman, hosted a very nice reception with a tasty salad and dessert dinner. We had a chance to visit with Dale and other leaders in our Apostolic Field. The light evening also gave Melinda and I a chance to do some shopping at the Herald Book Store, and also to visit a little with our very gracious host family, Alicia and Justin Selsor. We’ll be back at it bright and early Thursday.
A side note, if you want one other pictorial view of conference visit my brother-in-law, and news partner, Jim Doty’s site for 6 folders of pictures. http://imageevent.com/jimdoty
Until tomorrow, then, may you find ways to be a blessing in your communities of interaction, and may you bring the Spirit of Christ’s Peace wherever you are today.
