General Conference 2010 - #8

To begin the day a delegate moved an amendment to change the following proposal: “Marriage … is a monogamous, heterosexual relationship between one male and one female” to “…it is between 2 mutually consenting adults.” There was a huge emotional debate. The amendment was overwhelmingly defeated. About 4 or 5 voted for it, however. Another motion was made to include the phrase “consenting adults” so as to not allow child marriage. It passed. But it caused a problem; because the age of adulthood varies from country to country. So the Church Manual Committee moved that they reverse the vote. The chair didn’t want to reverse it. There was a stalemate between the platform officials. The CM Committee was actually correct in my opinion. The church will be in a lot of legal problems if we went with the voted amendment. There was then a motion to reconsider. It was overwhelming voted to reconsider and not insert the words “consenting adults” and refer the matter back to the committee for study. So what finally happened with all of this is that the original proposal by the CM committee was passed. Just a little commentary here: We have to be careful that in or attempt to correct abuse (or what we in the West perceive as abuse), we do not impose our legal values on the rest of the world. It is fascinating that in the first discussion there were strong speeches that we follow the Scriptures. But nowhere in this discussion was Scripture referenced. In Bible times brides were who we would consider today to be children. Mary was only about 13 years old when she conceived Jesus and got married to Joseph! I’m glad that we did not make a definitive statement today, and allowed the Committee to study it more carefully and come back later with a recommendation.

This afternoon the Nominating Committee brought its final report. The one item that elicited a long discussion was the Ministerial Association. Jerry Page, President of Central California Conference was elected, and his wife as Associate. President Ted Wilson asked the Nominating Committee to hold off on choosing the other Associates. Wilson wants Page to choose a team that will bring a level of spirituality, revival and reformation to Ministerial. There was a long discussion. Many wanted the selections be made here; but many made supportive speeches for Page and Wilson and their desires. The proposal was voted in the affirmative.

The Church Manual Committee brought back several items that were refer back for them to reconsider. The first was for them to reconsider this statement: The Church Manual “is to be followed by every church organization, congregation, and member.” I don’t have the exact word in print in front of me, but here is the essence of the change: The Church Manual is applicable to every church organization, congregation, and member; recognizing the need of variation in the worldwide church. Then the Steering Committee brought back a report of their discussion regarding delegates who are under 30 years old. The stats were interesting. There are over 2200 delegates. They have demographic information for 2033: 1701 males; 332 females. Under 30, = 43; 30-39, = 226; 40-49, = 580; 50-59, = 800; 60-69, = 321; above 70, = 38. There is a push to increase both under 30 y.o. and females in the official delegation.

Sorry that I didn’t get to the NCU get-together tonight; I imagine they were having a hopping time! But it was so good renewing acquaintance from way-back – even seeing Trevor Donaldson from Rollington Town. We are one month apart in age and grew up together at church, and I have not seen him for decades! Tomorrow will be the last day that I'll be in my regular seat: Aisle L26, Section 120, Row 10, Seat 1. There I sit for the last 8 days, and miss no meetings!