For those who don’t know, business at General Synod is done by bringing resolutions to the whole body (something like 800 delegates from all over the UCC). Before a resolution goes to the whole body they are passed through a committee to do some word-smithing, and make a recommendation as to whether the resolution is to be passed by the whole body or not.

Last night (Sunday) and this morning a total of 5 hours is spent in these committee meetings. Because it is me making the report, I love this process! To me this is where I see the still speaking God, in the voices of delegates speaking the truth through resolutions, compromise and relationship with each other.

My committee took on 2 resolutions as you saw in my previous post. Here’s the breakdown.

On good meeting practice: We spent about 2 hours talking over and praying over this resolution. There was broad support for the resolution form the very beginning, we just made some small changes to strenthen the language and recommended that it pass. This resolution does a good job of asking all settings of the UCC to take into account creation, labor policies, accessibility, and social justice when organizing meetings.

In support of those effected by the current economic crisis: We sent about 2 hours debating this resolution. This one also had broad support, we added some language to give it some teeth, and add pieces about our Global Economic System. We did some final word smithing and recommended it pass.

We will see what happens with both of these when we gather tonight at our next plenary session. VERY EXCITED! The work is my favorite part of Synod!

UPDATE: I just heard as people were walking by that one of the proposals for single governance has passed its committee unanimously. We will need prayers for peace on the floor. I pray we can listen AND speak with truth, and love.