JUSTice Highlights - May 1, 2024
You don’t really know about tomorrow.
What is your life? You are a mist that appears for only a short while before it vanishes.
(James 4:14)
Many pieces of legislation have passed, and many are yet to come in the three days left of the conference. Delegates are fully engaged and on Tuesday there were many debates and amendments. To make good use of time, they voted to limit speeches for and against to 2 minutes rather than 3 minutes.
The list of outcomes from the General Conference will be listed and shared for weeks to come by various groups. Here is a list of SOME things that LYNC Coalition members have been tracking that have passed to date.
Legislative Highlights (These have passed!):
Apology for Illegal Overthrow of Hawaiian Kingdom
Regionalization petitions - 7 of 8 petitions have been passed
Most of the Revised Social Principles have passed
Native American Comprehensive Plan Renewal
Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century Renewal
National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministries Renewal
The Church and Deaf Ministries Steering Committee
Asian-American Language Ministry Plan
Passed a statement condemning religious persecution in India
Deletion of the funding ban on caucus groups or “promoting the acceptance of homosexuality” in ¶613.19 & ¶806.9
Removed anti-gay clergy words in ¶304.5 that were added in the Traditional Plan
Removed several other additions from the Traditional Plan, including mandatory penalties.
Some key things remaining on our list are:
The ban on gay clergy in ¶304.3, on Consent Calendar A05 (Strikes “Incompatible” from clergy ordination qualifications)
Item 535 - the Revised Social Principles ¶161
Item 458 - Chargeable Offenses
Item 466 - Ban on Same-sex weddings from OM
Item 464 - Removing anti-gay words from ¶ 310.2(d)
20897-OM-¶328 Granting Sacramental Authority to Deacons in Their Ministry Setting
This is by no means a complete list, but it reflects the fact that most of the petitions the LYNC Coalition supported are moving forward toward building a new church.
And in a few minutes, it will become inaccurate as the conference moves forward. Many of the items yet to be done are on consent calendar A05.
And don’t forget!
You can shop at the World Wide Craft Market (through Friday at noon) to support ministries around the globe. Read more.
We Build It Together
LYNC shared small bags of Lego building blocks to invite delegates to see what image they could build of a new church. In addition, people have submitted Lego projects from home. What can we build together? Submit your image.
LYNC will be hosting a series of lunchtime speakers
These will be from noon-1:30 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, Dogwood Room C. Bring lunch with you. Come and hear what they have to share on these justice topics:
Wednesday, May 1: This session has been canceled. The hospitality room is open to relax, get snacks and watch the live steam.
Thursday, May 2: Pieter Friedrich is a US-based independent journalist and author of four books. He will talk with us about the rise of persecution of Christians in India, the source and ideology driving it, the direness of the situation, and how it simultaneously impacts other religious minorities.
Craft Market Supports Mission
Don’t miss your chance to purchase one-of-a-kind crafts from international delegates. They have brought items to sell from around the world to support ministries in their home countries and villages. Be part of the connection by shopping for that unique gift for cousin Susie! At the Hilton Garden Inn, Every Day (except Sunday) from 10:30 - to 8:00. Craft Market Closes at Noon on Friday. Read more on the lYNC Website about this special project.
Stay Connected via WhatsApp Chat
Get periodic updates about the General Conference, by joining the GC Progressive Lens community chat. The chat team will offer updates on what is happening on the floor and behind the scenes.
Chaplain Hotline at General Conference: 424-467-9462
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