Monday's thoughts

Report from General Conference
By Charles Schuster

Well, we are half way through the meeting and so far there have been some interesting moments. One of the unofficial groups in the denomination (The Good News Group) purchased cell phones for all the non-US delegates so they could "text-message" information as to how they should vote. Since the non-US delegates comprise 30% of the 1000 people that is not a small issue. Some of us consider this activity over the edge and inappropriate.

The worship services and sermons are wonderful and the debate has been friendly and we have been able to be agreeable with each other so far.

I don't think they will change the legislation on gay clergy and will continue to prohibit their ordination. We might take the phrase "homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching" out of the book of law but I suspect it will remain.

We are struggling with budget issues and what to do about declining income. I think they will allow bishops to remain as bishops until they are 72 years old and they may extend the retirement age for clergy as well.

Most of the really interesting legislation has not come to the floor of the Conference. It has all been done in legislative committees of about 100 members. My legislative committee had three Russians, one Angolan, a man from Denmark (who knew all about the Marcusan Organ company), and several from several other African countries. The international aspect of this meeting is dominant.

Tomorrow (Monday) things will begin to get interesting. I will try to write on occasion so you can have some idea what's happening.

If you have questions about General Conference or anything else send me an email. I will be happy to hear from you.


Charles Schuster

Next Sunday is Youth Sunday. I return Saturday and will be in the Samaritan Class to talk about this event. I look forward to coming home.