Each Wednesday Tim Carson shares the wonderings of heart and mind and the inspirations and quandaries of the spirit. You are invited to wonder along with him through the telling of stories, reflections on faith and observations on the events that shape our lives.  

Tim Carson

 

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Wednesday Wonder
July 29, 2015

 

Nearly 4000 Disciples gathered from across the nation and world for its biannual General Assembly July 18-22 in Columbus, Ohio. For Disciples, this represents a time to gather the tribe,  conduct business of the General Church, participate in dynamic worship, learn through a myriad of workshops and forums, and visit the display areas and leaders of many Disciples-related organizations, including those of our universities and seminaries. We receive updates on the ministry being shared through the General units of the church.

 

In addition to all that we consider and act on "sense of the assembly" resolutions, statements on various current issues made from the point of view of faith. Since the resolutions of the Assembly are not binding in a doctrinal way, but rather represent the consensus of the gathered church at one point in time, individuals and congregations are challenged to seriously reflect on the many issues and positions. They most often arise from particular congregations or groups of congregations engaged in the issue itself. Resolutions of a global nature often arise from mission staff, partner churches or ecumenical organizations close to the situation. And the collective record of these resolutions reflects a consensus of perspective and thought of the gathered church over time.

 

As the resolutions come to the Assembly they are presented with an opportunity for lively debate and often contrasting points of view. We agree to certain disciplines as we do so. Those include respectful listening to the many voices. We do not clap and cheer when we hear a speaker with whom we agree nor do we applaud when our particular position prevails.

 

What strikes me about the resolution process is that presentation and debate is itself of value, end result aside. And after the church has found consensus on an issue that does not end its discussion; the very best outcome would be continuing intentional conversation in congregations around the issues themselves. Let me summarize a few of them for you. You may find and read the entirety for yourself at ga/disciples.org/business:

 

Resolution 1540 expressed support for diplomatic efforts with Iran. Even though negotiated agreements are never failsafe, diplomacy is an important aspect of peacemaking and an alternative to armed conflict and war which is always understood as a last resort. Though some voices strenuously expressed an opposing view, the resolution passed with a clear majority.

 

Resolution 1539 expressed solidarity with those suffering from the Charleston tragedy and the burning of the black churches. The resolution challenged the Assembly to not only respond to such suffering but to continue to address the root causes of racism. The unanimous vote paralleled Resolution 1518 that Black Lives Matter; a corrective to prevailing racism and a reaffirmation that Disciples are a "pro-reconciling, anti-racism" church. This resolution was also adopted.

 

Resolution 1519 spoke to an international justice issue, the remembrance of the Armenian genocide on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. The systematic and often denied genocide of over a million Armenians in Turkey was adopted as part of truth-telling; whenever genocides take place we are to recognize their existence as the first step to healing, reconciliation and justice. It was overwhelmingly adopted.

 

Resolution 1520 tied environmental degradation to racism and poverty. One of the ways in which the poor and marginalized are exploited is to pollute and degrade their environment because they are powerless to resist the large concerns that are complicit in the violation. Because they are unable to speak for themselves others must do so for them. The resolution passed.

 

Resolution 1521 addressed the rising tide of gun violence throughout society, from schools to churches to neighborhoods to homes. Though the resolution recognized constitutional rights to possess and responsibly use firearms it also decried the proliferation of military style assault weapons, lack of enforcement and a culture of violence. Debate was lively along predictable lines with measured arguments on both sides. The resolution passed.

 

Resolution 1522 urged reunification on the Korean Peninsula. Most of the resolution originated with family members and Christians divided between North and South and expressed their suffering and longing to be reunited. Though the political issues involved are thorny the familial and spiritual hope abides. The church is challenged to persevere in the pursuit for reconciliation. The resolution passed.

 

Resolution 1523 addressed the need for open acceptance for those suffering with mental illness. This challenge includes overcoming the stigma surrounding mental illness and the ways that Christians and congregations may reach out in compassionate ways. The resolution passed.

 

 

There were "operational" resolutions that required organizational decisions, but those are not so interesting. On a personal note there is one aspect of attending Assemblies I am finding more and more inspiring; the turning of the wheel, the rising of new generations into leadership. I am so delighted to witness the presence and hear the voices of new generations passionate for the life of faith. The ones who were the children, youth and young adults of the churches I have served are themselves bringing leadership. It is as it should be. It is a beautiful thing.

 

@Timothy Carson 2014

 

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