Countdown to General Conference by Schuster!

Text Copy from Annual Conference Communication:

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