[RMC News] Countdown to General Conference!

[Roe, Ben]

COUNTDOWN TO GENERAL CONFERENCE!

The Rocky Mountain Conference Delegation leaves for General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas on Wednesday, April 23.    As a delegation, we have been meeting monthly to build community, pray for each other, and learn together.   Each of the delegates has been assigned to a legislative committee.  Our alternates and guests will be monitoring the legislative processes as well.   In anticipation of our work, we want to share some of our learnings, passions, concerns, and prayers.


Reflections from a derelict/delegate
By Charles Schuster

This will be the sixth General Conference I have been elected to attend. It continues to be a high point in my life and I am so grateful for the support from clergy colleagues who have elected me to serve the church in this way. I hope to represent the Rocky Mountain Conference in a manner that is worthy of the trust I have been granted.

I am assigned to the Faith and Order Legislative Committee. Among the issues we will be debating include the following:
	1. In spite of our effort to use inclusive language we should be encouraged to use phrases such as "Lord", "King", and "Father" in our imagery of God. (I will vote against this petition)
	2. No person should be excluded from worship and/or participation in the life of the church on the basis of race, ethnicity, economic status, sexual orientation, or history.  (I will vote in favor of this petition)
	3. It shall be the responsibility of each annual conference to determine how we will evaluate homosexuality as it relates to fitness for ministry. (I will vote in favor of this petition)
	4. For the purposes of interpreting all provisions of the United Methodist Book of Discipline and the Social Principles, a person's biological gender at the time of birth is to be considered the person's gender throughout his or her lifetime. (I will vote against this petition)

This represents a sample of some of the issues the Faith and Order legislative committee will consider. Expect the debates to be vigorous, and the resolution to be difficult. Four years ago it seemed to me the "Faith and Order" committee could change its name to the "Law and Order" committee. There was so much contention with the presiding officer on matters of procedure. 
 Generally, my approach to the issues will be represented by an attitude that seeks to keep our church open-minded in its doctrine, and open-hearted in its acceptance of all people of faith.


Our communications team, Skip Strickland and Olon Lindemood, will be posting General Conference reports from April 23 to May 2.   One of the delegates will write a daily reflection as well.   You may access information during the General Conference at www.GC2008.umc.org    Worship, special addresses, and celebrations will be offered in live video streaming.   You may also track legislation.

We covet your prayers and traveling mercies!   

Grace,
Janet Forbes and Josh Davies


(via Ben Roe
Information Administrator
Rocky Mountain Conference, The United Methodist Church
ben at rmcumc.com  303-325-7046  800-536-3736x146)
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