As I begin to write these reflections on the Twenty-fifth General Synod, news of terrorist attacks in London comes to us. I am sure you join with me in prayers for all who are affected by these horrible events. The ongoing violence around the globe reminds us of how hard it is to bring peace, especially when violence is the alternative chosen to pursue it. We pause in prayer for all who suffer in the presence of such violence.
This note comes with a warning. It will be long. I hope you will take the time to read it all, since the news of General Synod will impact our life together in ways far greater than we might know. I will be including portions of some resolutions in this missive, however you will be able to get copies of all resolutions from the United Church of Christ web site.
Like most General Synod gatherings this one included outstanding worship, inspirational sermons, and joyful community building. The Southeast Conference and Atlanta were gracious hosts. Most of our delegates enjoyed a splendid July 4th fireworks display right outside of our hotel! The Still Speaking Initiative was celebrated, and it was announced that the ad campaign will continue through the next Advent and Lenten seasons when we are able to raise the $1.5 million in matching dollars needed for these ads. The actors who portrayed the bouncers joined us for some lighter moments in recognizing the impact of the Still Speaking Initiative. We experienced a new element at Synod in the formation of community groups. These groups of about 100 folks gathered for Bible study and conversation.
I commend our delegates for their hard work and their attention to the business and life of this General Synod. I hope you will invite a delegate to speak to your congregation about the Synod experience and actions. A list of delegates will be posted on the Conference web site. I am sure each delegate will provide unique and personal observations about the rich experience and exhausting schedule of General Synod.
I am sure your interest is in the resolutions that were adopted by this Synod. I will only address a few of them at this time, but I encourage you to read all the actions of Synod available on the UCC web site. I was pleased that the resolution supporting the sovereignty of Jesus Christ and the continuing use of the cross and crown logo was endorsed by the delegates.
The resolution supporting equality in marriage received much attention in the press. It was passed on the morning of July 4th. During the course of debate, and in the time following the vote, all delegates were civil, courteous and faithful in their words. John Thomas offered a prayer for all of our members and congregations, no matter where they stand on this issue. It was a deeply spiritual moment. The resolution that passed included sections recognizing that equality in marriage is the cause for much struggle in some of our churches. I believe the action of Synod is an important positive voice in response to the many others speaking with prejudice and hatred toward our gay, lesbian, bisexual, and trasnsgendered sisters and brothers. It was an action consistent with the actions of other General Synods. I believe it is also grounded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. However, I share the concern for those who are in different places or not yet in the place of understanding or support for equality in marriage. The resolution “calls upon all settings of the United Church of Christ to engage in serious, respectful, and prayerful discussion of the covenantal relationship of marriage and equal rights for couples regardless of gender, using the ‘God is still speaking about Marriage’ study and discussion guide produced by Wider Church Ministries of the United Church of Christ;” In Massachusetts we have already been engaging in those conversations in our churches, with our deacons, and with each other. I pray we will continue to do so.
The Pronouncement on multiple paths to ordination passed with overwhelming support. Parish Life and Leadership staff are preparing guidelines and resources for church and ministry committees. This material should help outline the work ahead as well as bring some standards of practice to the discernment of alternative paths to ministry. Although this pronouncement does not impact our Conference as much as others at the present time, it might have significant impact in the years to come.
The resolutions around issues in the Middle East received much attention before, during, and now following Synod. Some members of the Massachusetts delegation prepared a substitute resolution encouraging the use of selective investment as the tool for using economic leverage. Although I had no vote, I supported this resolution. It was, for the most part, endorsed by the General Synod committee that debated the several resolutions presented to General Synod. When it came to a vote, however, another resolution was substituted and voted on by the delegates. The resolution that passed was, in my opinion, better than the some of the other options. However, I was disappointed in the process that produced and promoted it. Many delegates seemed confused by the votes and the process in adopting this resolution. The resolution that passed states: “Therefore be it resolved that the 25th General Synod calls upon the Covenanted Ministries, Pension Boards, United Church Foundation, Conferences, local churches and members to use economic leverage, including but not limited to: advocating the reallocation of U.S. foreign aid so that the militarization of the Middle East is constrained; making positive contributions to groups and partners committed to the non-violent resolution of the conflict; challenging the practices of corporations that gain from the continuation of the conflict; and divesting from those companies that refuse to change their practices of gain from the perpetuation of violence, including the occupation;” The resolution also calls for a continuation of our inter-religious dialogue with Jewish, Muslim, and Christian partners to work for peace. We are in the early stages of trying to identify particular options for both dialogue and positive investment in organizations and projects committed to the non-violent resolution of the conflict. Certainly the tragic events in London today underscore the importance of a resolution to the violence in the Middle East. We will support that through our prayers and our engagement through the avenues of economic leverage we feel most appropriate. The resolution passed by Synod underscores the support of the United Church of Christ for an end to violence perpetrated upon the citizens of Israel as well as the occupation of Palestinian territories.
The resolution for removing the wall, or security fence, came late in the Synod agenda. It was adopted. The debate reflected the understanding that Israel has a right to establish its security, but also recognized that this should be done in accordance with Israel’s internationally authorized borders.
The resolution recommending a different form for the fiftieth anniversary Synod in Hartford, CT was rejected by the delegates. At this point I do not know if this decision will affect the original plans to invite representatives from all UCC congregations to be a part of this celebratory Synod. As soon as I hear, I will let you know so you and your congregations can plan accordingly. It is my hope that Massachusetts will be well represented not only by our delegates, but by many visitors as well.
There was much other business conducted, and I am sure you will be hearing more about all of it. Again, I encourage you to read the full reports on the UCC web site. My overall sense of this Synod was positive. There was clear tension in the air around many of our conversations and issues. But this tension was not divisive or harsh. It did seem that the spirit and presence of a still speaking God enveloped our time together. I was especially impressed with both John Thomas’ opening sermon and his speech to the delegates, and I hope they will both be available to us. I know there will be questions and concerns, as well as celebrations that emerge from the actions of General Synod 25. Please feel free to contact me (sterners@macucc.org), or any of our delegates, if you would like to have more conversations about the experience and actions of this General Synod. (Go to a list of Synod delegates.)
