Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to announce that the 2008 General Conference of the United Methodist Church process every single petition brought before it...no legislation was left untouched. And...here's the really exciting news...we finished by 11:15 pm! I don't think that anything too major was passed. We tried to allow deacons in certain circumstances to administer the sacraments (ie, hospital chaplains), but that didn't work. Laity are now allowed to take non-perishable pre-blessed sacraments around to churches; this will be most used in places like Alaska and the Phillipines where the geography and population densities make it difficult for the pastors to circulate through their charges in short cycles. Some churches will have lay preachers nearly every Sunday and see an actual pastor only once a year or so. We want people to be able to celebrate communion more often than that, hence the change.
After our final piece of legislation (accompanied by many, many cheers), Bishop Gregory Palmer, the new president of the Council of Bishops, preached in closing worship. The service was powerful but brief. Bishop Palmer's sermon deserved a lot more cheering, clapping, and "amen"-ing than it received...it was just too late. People just wanted to leave. But he did get a standing ovation, and I think people were really glad they had stayed.
And so there it is...GC08 is over. I'm probably going to have serious separation issues in the morning. I've come to really love it. I suppose there's always next quadrennium...it's only four more years!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Friday, May 2, 2008
The Biggest News of the Day
General Conference has just approved a constitutional amendment: ALL are welcome to the Church and, after taking vows of membership, eligible to become members. No more list of who is or is not included (ie, race, gender, social status, etc.). ALL!!!
We also amended our definition of family, affirming our hope that all families be composed of two loving parents. Nothing about gender is mentioned either way.
We also amended our definition of family, affirming our hope that all families be composed of two loving parents. Nothing about gender is mentioned either way.
A Wedding
A lesbian wedding took place near the Convention Center today at 1 o’clock; all delegates were invited to attend. A group of friends and I had a lunch reservation, so we did not attend the wedding; however, we did stop in at the reception for a few minutes during the dinner break.
Plowing, Baby!
And we’re plowing on through legislation. A motion was made to accept the committee’s recommendation on all legislation with ten or fewer votes; there were attempts to remove several items, only one of which went through. We are coming up with more and more creative ways to get legislation through quickly. Entertaining, sometimes effective, sometimes not. But we will get through it…and it honestly might not even be all that late when we get out!
Starbucks
Sitting in Starbucks…have to pay for wireless here, though, so I’m typing in Word and will post it when I get back to the Convention Center. An hour left of dinner break…we really should have cut dinner break shorter. Oh well.
And Now We Have Another Mean Thing Said...
Someone spoke about designating 33% of the UMCom publicity funds go to radio ministry in Africa. He used the word "illiterate" to describe the Africans and someone spoke against his use of language. We took a moment of silence to reflect on that, and then he tried to explain that the president of Liberia told us she was dealing with a 60% illiteracy rate.
But that's not actually what got to me. In his speech promoting Christian radio in Africa, he used the phrase "save them from Islam." It seemed a bit over the top to me. I know that sme people believe that Christ and only Christ can save souls, etc., so I suppose that's where he was coming from. But it was stated in a very degrading manner that I felt to be inappropriate and unnecessary.
But that's not actually what got to me. In his speech promoting Christian radio in Africa, he used the phrase "save them from Islam." It seemed a bit over the top to me. I know that sme people believe that Christ and only Christ can save souls, etc., so I suppose that's where he was coming from. But it was stated in a very degrading manner that I felt to be inappropriate and unnecessary.
Reports and Introductions!
There is NOTHING in this world more exhilerating than sitting here right now. We've had introductions of the worship, translating, and secretarial staff. (Saying thank you is extremely important and valid, I have no problem with that, and it was nice to see the faces of some of the folks "backstage.") Those were fine. But we moved instantly from them into the GCFA (Finance and Administration) report. An economist explained to us how they find the baseline for the budget. I suppose this helps to explain to people and ease fears, but was it seriously necessary? How about a worksheet we could read on our own. And now we're doing the endless reports that are simple vote-ups. They're incessant, but necessary. So I'm pressing "1" for yes every two minutes and typing this. See, you can share my boredom! How lucky you are. But wait, the bishop has become more intelligent; we are know raising our hands to adopt. Takes less time, but takes my hands off the keyboard for a longer period of time. Ooh...now we just had to suspend the rules to consider one. That's exciting. I really am going to stop typing this now...I'll check back in with you after lunch; hopefully I'll have something worthwhile to say.
The Last Morning Worship
Marcia did an amazing liturgical dance; a renowned jazz pianist and preacher played for her. An excellent female black soloist graced us and received a standing ovation. The resident bishop of Mississippi preached (from memory, for once!). The theme was "releasing hope." We will have a closing worship tonight when we finish...who knows when that will be. All of the worship has been amazing.
Calling us back to order after the morning break, Mark led "Here I am to Worship," and he changed the line "I'll never know how much it cost/To see my sin upon that cross" to "To see your love upon that cross." I like the change, not that I had a major objection to the original.
Calling us back to order after the morning break, Mark led "Here I am to Worship," and he changed the line "I'll never know how much it cost/To see my sin upon that cross" to "To see your love upon that cross." I like the change, not that I had a major objection to the original.
Happy Day
It was a fairly happy day. My love for this Church has been reaffirmed...and I think I've finally found a future with hope. Love you all...Good night!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Well, This is Thrilling
We're now on Finance and Administration matters! Nothing, NOTHING could be more exciting. It's really not that bad. John and Jerry are on either side of me as our alternates.
Ooh! Our first amendment has just been moved. We're getting into fun stuff now. Here we go. And I thought the fun debate was going to be over for the night. I'm going to start paying attention now. Ta ta for now!
Ooh! Our first amendment has just been moved. We're getting into fun stuff now. Here we go. And I thought the fun debate was going to be over for the night. I'm going to start paying attention now. Ta ta for now!
YEE-HAW!!!
Ladies and gentlemen, I am very happy to announce that local pastors are going to be allowed to vote on clergy delegates to General, Jurisdictional, and Central (soon to be Regional) Conferences. I have officially taken care of my obligation to Kim Tallent (who helped to get me elected but couldn't vote for me or for the clergy delegates, being a local pastor) and am very happy to have done so. Laurie Haller is very happy, as is Jodie Flessner. Some kind of justice has been given to these folks who fall into a "never never land" of probationary (now provisional) membership.
Progress Reports
A note for fun (this local pastors' rights thing is boring, can you tell?): our legislative coordinator has had lots of fun creating fun videos and skits for us to report on our progress (ie, how quickly we move through petitions in legislative committees and calendar items on the floor). These have included entertaining animations of ducks moving along a bar graph, a video with our legislative committee chairs shooting water guns, and a song to the tune of "99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall" based on ninety-nine calendar items left. I can't remember the exact language; it was live-streamed if you'd like to see it.
Lah-dee-dah-dee-dah-dee-dah-dee-dah, laa-dee-dah, laa-dee-dah...
And more local pastors' voting rights. We're getting away from debate and more into how to get specifics taken care of...they are being very picky. We just had a brief break so the bishops and secretaries could figure out where we are. And now were back...and right back into picky-ness. But we shall finish sometime. I would assume we'll at least finish this one tonight...but I would hope that we manage to do more than that.
Local Pastors' Voting Rights
Yeehaw, kids. We're in a deadlock on local pastors' voting rights. We can't figure out how to best make the language work, we can't agree on whether or not to do it, etc. We've had point of order after point of order. And now we've got another one...but boy oh boy are we having fun.
I love Rosa!
And we just had another awesome speech. Rosa Washington spoke about allowing local pastors to vote on clergy delegates and it was GREAT! So check that out.
Ha!
Thank you, whoever moved to reconsider. We had one petition changing "central" conferences to "regional" conferences that didn't pass. But we went back and changed it. So we're good, never fear.
We're Moving!
Sometimes slowly, othertimes more quickly. We're honestly getting through some stuff. Calendar items taken off the consent calendar were moved back to it via suspension of the rules. That will help us get through stuff but was annoying since I had something I pulled off. The sub-committee made legislation regarding youth and young adult membership that doesn't make sense disciplinarily. I'm hoping the editorial committee will be able to fix it, though, so I guess it's no big deal.
And on we press...
Folks, we're in crunch time now. We have like one hundred petitions left...and not as many hours. We're going to have serious issues...so wish us luck. The chances of our getting through all of this legislation is rather slim.
Go, Devin!
Devin Mauney, a young adult delegate, just totally made the best speech of General Conference. Look for his speech in the transcript of Thursday, May 1, around 4:50 pm. It was totally genius. I don't want to do his speech injustice, so I'm not even going to try to let you know about it. I'll post the transcript when it's available.
Oops...
We only got 62% of the vote on one of the petitions...kind of silly, since they're all essentially one issue but require separate votes. So we're going to have to do more work next General Conference anyways. After we defeated one, there was a motion to refer the rest. That went down. So now we're just kinda stuck. We'll see what happens...but the name changes don't take place until 2013. So it's going to be a bit of a mess.
Worldwide Nature Legislation
Well, it's taking forever...but we are managing to pass by large majorities the constitutional amendments dealing with the worldwide nature of the United Methodist Church. There is a lot of confusion, but we're managing to pass and fail what the committee (plus the Council of Bishops and Connectional Table) are suggesting. Yay! We're now celebrating the 100th anniversary of the General Board of Pensions and Health. Yippy! And then it's time for lunch.
I'm much happier now that I was this morning...
GOD IS GOOD!
I'm much happier now that I was this morning...
GOD IS GOOD!
That was Helpful
I LOVE our bishops. Geesh, this Church is great. A fiteen-minute recess was just called for a moment of witness. Tons of GLBTQ supporters flooded the arena, shrouded in black. The communion table was shrouded and folks were invited to add black cloth on it. They sang "Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?" and bishops spoke out, telling us that they believe us to be broken and in the wrong. We have been invited by the bishops "to reconsider." We're in the middle of a calendar item, but I'm kind of waiting to see if someone moves to reconsider. Either way, the time was healing and I thank God that our bishops took action.
Remember-ing
Today's theme is "Remembering Hope." As I type, Bishop Hee-Soo Jung is preaching. Main point:
The Church is the body of Christ.
We are all members of this body.
The criminal next to Jesus asked God to be remembered.
Jesus promised him he would be remembered in heaven.
RE-membered: Putting the body back together.
Dear, Beloved Church: We will be remembered. We will be put back together.
The Church is the body of Christ.
We are all members of this body.
The criminal next to Jesus asked God to be remembered.
Jesus promised him he would be remembered in heaven.
RE-membered: Putting the body back together.
Dear, Beloved Church: We will be remembered. We will be put back together.
Choir of the Deaf
Yay! Happiness! Here's why I love the Church. Right now, we have a deaf choir "singing" for us by signing. A drum beat is given (presumably they can feel or partially hear the vibrations and stay in time). They're signing all of "How Great Thou Art" in sign language. Minsitry is happening here...and it is good. It is good.
Good Morning
Hey Everybody...
I've had a lot of people asking me how I am. So just to let you all know...I'm okay. I'm hurting for my friends, but I believe that they know that God loves them and they know that I love them. So we'll get through this, just as they've gotten through the last several years. Love you all!
I've had a lot of people asking me how I am. So just to let you all know...I'm okay. I'm hurting for my friends, but I believe that they know that God loves them and they know that I love them. So we'll get through this, just as they've gotten through the last several years. Love you all!
I Love this Church...
Dear God in heaven, I love it. But, oh God, why why why? The legislation attempting to give homosexuals rights to ordination, etc. went down. So still no ordination. Fine. And pastors still have the right to deny membership. The most painful blow came out of a minority report. Remember how encouraged I was by the legislation that came out of the Church and Society Legislative Committee and how it was a great bridge? Well, a minority report was added. 10% of a committee can sign on and report an alternative to the committee's recommendation. So a minority report was presented changing the language of 161g.
Here's what the 2004 General Conference passed:
"We recognize that sexuality is God's good gift to all persons. We believe persons may be fully human only when that gift is acknowledged and affirmed by themselves, the church, and society. We call all persons to the disciplined, responsible fulfillment of themselves, others, and society in the stewardship of this gift. We also recognize our limited understanding of this complex gift and encourage the medical, theological, and social science disciplines to combine in a determined effort to understand human sexuality more completely. We call the Church to take the leadership role in bringing together these disciplines to address this most complex issue. Further, within the context of our understanding of this gift of God, we recognize that God challenges us to find responsible, committed, and loving forms of expression.
Although all persons are sexual beings whether or not they are married, sexual relations are only clearly affirmed in the marriage bond. Sex may become exploitative within as well as outside marriage. We reject all sexual expressions that damage or destroy the humanity God has given us as birthright, and we affirm only that sexual expression that enhances that same humanity. We believe that sexual relations where one or both partners are exploitative, abusive, or promiscuous are beyond the parameters of acceptable Christian behavior and are ultimately destructive to individuals, families, and the social order.
We deplore all forms of the commercialization and exploitation of sex, with their consequent cheapening and degradation of human personality. We call for strict global enforcement of laws prohibiting the sexual exploitation or use of children by adults and encourage efforts to hold perpetrators legally and financially responsible. We call for the establishment of adequate protective services, guidance, and counseling opportunities for children thus abused. We insist that all persons, regardless of age, gender, marital status, or sexual orientation, are entitled to have their human and civil rights ensured.
We recognize the continuing need for full, positive, age-appropriate and factual sex education opportunities for children, young people, and adults. The Church offers a unique opportunity to give quality guidance and education in this area.
Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth. All persons need the ministry and guidance of the church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching. We affirm that God's grace is available to all, and we will seek to live together in Christian community. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons."
And here's the new:
"We affirm that sexuality is Gods good gift to all persons. We call everyone to responsible stewardship of this sacred gift.
Although all persons are sexual beings whether or not they are married, sexual relationships are affirmed only within the covenant of monogamous, heterosexual marriage.
We deplore all forms of commercialization, abuse, and exploitation of sex. We call for strict global enforcement of laws prohibiting the sexual exploitation of children and for adequate protection, guidance, and counseling for abused children. All persons, regardless of age, gender, marital status, or sexual orientation, are entitled to have their human and civil rights ensured and to be protected against violence. The Church should support the family in providing age-appropriate education regarding sexuality to children, youth and adults.
We affirm that all persons are individuals of sacred worth, created in the image of God. All persons need the ministry of the church in our struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationship with God, with others, and with self. The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching. We affirm that gods grace is available to all. We will live together in Christian community, welcoming, forgiving, and long one another, as Christ has loved and accepted us. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons.”
Here's what the 2004 General Conference passed:
"We recognize that sexuality is God's good gift to all persons. We believe persons may be fully human only when that gift is acknowledged and affirmed by themselves, the church, and society. We call all persons to the disciplined, responsible fulfillment of themselves, others, and society in the stewardship of this gift. We also recognize our limited understanding of this complex gift and encourage the medical, theological, and social science disciplines to combine in a determined effort to understand human sexuality more completely. We call the Church to take the leadership role in bringing together these disciplines to address this most complex issue. Further, within the context of our understanding of this gift of God, we recognize that God challenges us to find responsible, committed, and loving forms of expression.
Although all persons are sexual beings whether or not they are married, sexual relations are only clearly affirmed in the marriage bond. Sex may become exploitative within as well as outside marriage. We reject all sexual expressions that damage or destroy the humanity God has given us as birthright, and we affirm only that sexual expression that enhances that same humanity. We believe that sexual relations where one or both partners are exploitative, abusive, or promiscuous are beyond the parameters of acceptable Christian behavior and are ultimately destructive to individuals, families, and the social order.
We deplore all forms of the commercialization and exploitation of sex, with their consequent cheapening and degradation of human personality. We call for strict global enforcement of laws prohibiting the sexual exploitation or use of children by adults and encourage efforts to hold perpetrators legally and financially responsible. We call for the establishment of adequate protective services, guidance, and counseling opportunities for children thus abused. We insist that all persons, regardless of age, gender, marital status, or sexual orientation, are entitled to have their human and civil rights ensured.
We recognize the continuing need for full, positive, age-appropriate and factual sex education opportunities for children, young people, and adults. The Church offers a unique opportunity to give quality guidance and education in this area.
Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth. All persons need the ministry and guidance of the church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching. We affirm that God's grace is available to all, and we will seek to live together in Christian community. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons."
And here's the new:
"We affirm that sexuality is Gods good gift to all persons. We call everyone to responsible stewardship of this sacred gift.
Although all persons are sexual beings whether or not they are married, sexual relationships are affirmed only within the covenant of monogamous, heterosexual marriage.
We deplore all forms of commercialization, abuse, and exploitation of sex. We call for strict global enforcement of laws prohibiting the sexual exploitation of children and for adequate protection, guidance, and counseling for abused children. All persons, regardless of age, gender, marital status, or sexual orientation, are entitled to have their human and civil rights ensured and to be protected against violence. The Church should support the family in providing age-appropriate education regarding sexuality to children, youth and adults.
We affirm that all persons are individuals of sacred worth, created in the image of God. All persons need the ministry of the church in our struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationship with God, with others, and with self. The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching. We affirm that gods grace is available to all. We will live together in Christian community, welcoming, forgiving, and long one another, as Christ has loved and accepted us. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons.”
We SHALL Overcome
I'm depressed. As you know. I'm also hungry. I'm tired. My eyes hurt 'cause I've been crying way too much. If you hadn't gotten the message yet, I'm really sad...
But please don't feel too disheartened, dearly beloved. A few songs that are going through my head:
"There is Hope" by GLAD. Lyrics aren't available online; I'm too tired to type them in. Maybe tomorrow. In the meantime, another song by GLAD, equally good:
“May We Be One”
by GLAD on The Symphony Project
Sometimes while on the journey
We can lose sight of our goal
And suddenly petty disagreements rule our soul
How it must hurt the Father
To see us so spiteful and small
Oh how we need
The patience to see
That Jesus has love for us all
Refrain
May we be one
Let no more walls divide us
May we be one
Let the cross of Christ unite us
So the world can know the Father has sent his only Son
May we be one
May we be one
So many truths to fight for
And sometimes we never agree
But there are so few that matter for eternity
Jesus has died to save us
He’s risen and coming again
And when he returns we’ll all be made perfect
So let this be our aim until then
Refrain
You can draw a line
That your faith sets us apart
Maybe music or the way that you dress
But if you take the time to hear the Father’s heart
Well I know that you’ll see you’re no different from me
‘Cause everyone of us needs his forgiveness
Refrain (twice)
Today was beautiful, by the way. A long Judicial Council was read after the vote during announcements. Many people stood up and we all began to sing "Jesus Loves Me," eventually switiching into "Jesus Loves Us." At the end of the dinner break, lines of people dressed in black formed tunnels at the main doors of the Convention Center. They were nonviolent, but were obvious and powerful. This reminds me more and more of the Black Civil Rights Movement...
And just like it was for the blacks and racial minorities, my brothers and sisters, I must sing:
We shall overcome
We shall overcome
We shall overcome some day
Oh, deep in my heart
I do believe
We shall overcome some day
But please don't feel too disheartened, dearly beloved. A few songs that are going through my head:
"There is Hope" by GLAD. Lyrics aren't available online; I'm too tired to type them in. Maybe tomorrow. In the meantime, another song by GLAD, equally good:
“May We Be One”
by GLAD on The Symphony Project
Sometimes while on the journey
We can lose sight of our goal
And suddenly petty disagreements rule our soul
How it must hurt the Father
To see us so spiteful and small
Oh how we need
The patience to see
That Jesus has love for us all
Refrain
May we be one
Let no more walls divide us
May we be one
Let the cross of Christ unite us
So the world can know the Father has sent his only Son
May we be one
May we be one
So many truths to fight for
And sometimes we never agree
But there are so few that matter for eternity
Jesus has died to save us
He’s risen and coming again
And when he returns we’ll all be made perfect
So let this be our aim until then
Refrain
You can draw a line
That your faith sets us apart
Maybe music or the way that you dress
But if you take the time to hear the Father’s heart
Well I know that you’ll see you’re no different from me
‘Cause everyone of us needs his forgiveness
Refrain (twice)
Today was beautiful, by the way. A long Judicial Council was read after the vote during announcements. Many people stood up and we all began to sing "Jesus Loves Me," eventually switiching into "Jesus Loves Us." At the end of the dinner break, lines of people dressed in black formed tunnels at the main doors of the Convention Center. They were nonviolent, but were obvious and powerful. This reminds me more and more of the Black Civil Rights Movement...
And just like it was for the blacks and racial minorities, my brothers and sisters, I must sing:
We shall overcome
We shall overcome
We shall overcome some day
Oh, deep in my heart
I do believe
We shall overcome some day
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