Official Minutes of the Business Session

Friday, June 3, 2005

Following a festival of hymns, the 2005 World Conference convened in legislative session at 8:35 a.m. on Friday, June 3, 2005, in the conference chamber of the Auditorium, Independence, Missouri. President Peter A. Judd was in the chair and called the assembly to order. He then expressed appreciation for those involve in planning the hymn festival and especially to Jan Kraybill.

Conference manager Sue Sloan was recognized to make several announcements.

President Judd then stated that the minutes of the Thursday evening business session would be printed in the Saturday Bulletin. He also noted that the delegates from the Mexico-Texas Mission Center were not printed in the Credentials Report, and he said that they would be printed in the Saturday Bulletin.

Recognition of Laurel Club
The Chair called representatives of the Laurel Club to the rostrum. He read a citation recognizing the club’s one hundredth year. President Kenneth N. Robinson presented a plaque acknowledging the contributions of the Laurel Club over the past century to Patti Constance, Laurel Club president. The assembly expressed its appreciation with a standing tribute.

Recognition of MAR and MEADS Graduates
President Judd read a statement recognizing those who had completed the requirements of the Ministerial Education and Discipleship Studies (MEADS) program of Temple School and the Master of Arts in Religion (MAR) degree from the Community of Christ Seminary. The names of those completing these requirements stood as they were recognized, and the assembly expressed its appreciation.

President of Seventy
President Kenneth N. Robinson assumed the chair and read the following statement:

To the World Conference:
The Council of Presidents of Seventy recommends the setting apart of Kristin Phillips Judd as a president of seventy and as a member of the Council of Presidents of Seventy. This call has been reviewed in a joint meeting of the Quorums of Seventy and has been approved by the World Church Leadership Council. It is now presented to the Conference for approval.

The First Presidency

Senior President of Seventy Robert R. Kyser II moved to accept the recommendation, and a second was received. Following brief discussion, a vote was taken, and the recommendation was approved.

Update on Sharing Your Witness and Resources
The Chair introduced a brief video updating the assembly on the principle of “Share Your Witness and Resources.” Linda Booth, Robert Kyser, Stassi Cramm, and Steve Jones provided additional information.

Resignation of W. Grant McMurray as President of the Church
President Robinson made the following statement:

On November 29, 2004, Brother W. Grant McMurray resigned as president of the Community of Christ. His resignation was accepted by the First Presidency on behalf of the church, and was announced to the church on December 1, 2004. Brother McMurray’s letter of resignation was published in the Herald along with the official announcement from the First Presidency, a resolution from the Council of Twelve supporting the remaining members of the First Presidency, and a Question and Answer document from Presidents Robinson and Judd. Without objection, these documents will be included in the minutes of the Conference.”

He then noted that consideration of the call of Stephen M. Veazey to be the president of the church would be the major item of business for the day and that the quorums, mass meetings, and caucuses would be considering this matter for the remainder of the morning.

Following the singing of the hymn “Lord, Who Views All People Precious,” a prayer was offered by Katherine Goheen, and the legislative session stood in recess until it reconvened at 2:00 p.m. President Kenneth N. Robinson was in the chair.

The assembly sang the hymn “Church of Christ in Latter Days,” and Andrew Fox of the United Kingdom offered an opening prayer for the session.

Approval of the President of the Church
President Robinson declared that Apostle James E. Slauter would preside over the next portion of the business of the Conference. Apostle Slauter assumed the chair and Presidents Robinson and Judd left the rostrum.

Following some introductory remarks, Apostle Slauter asked Apostles David R. Brock and Leonard M. Young to be associated with him in the presiding function without objection. There was no objection, and Brothers Brock and Young joined Apostle Slauter at the presiding table.

At the request of the Chair, Presiding Evangelist Danny A. Belrose offered a special prayer. Apostle Brock then read the Letter of the Council of Twelve.

Apostle Young provided a report from the Council of Twelve concerning presidential succession.

Apostle Slauter then reviewed the process to be used in consideration of the call of Brother Veazey and made some statements of counsel to the assembly.

Apostle Jac Kirkpatrick, senior member of the Council of Twelve Apostles, moved that Stephen M. Veazey be recognized and approved for ordination as called of God to serve as president of the high priesthood, prophet, and president of the church. Senior President of Seventy Robert R. Kyser seconded the motion.

Brother Veazey then addressed the assembly with a statement accepting his call and then left the conference chamber.

Apostle Slauter called on the councils, quorums, orders, mass meetings, and caucuses make their reports. Apostle Slauter noted that, because the current First Presidency and members of the Council of Twelve have peculiar interest in the matter, these quorums would not offer any additional reports.

Quorums of Seventy, read by Richard W. Hawks

To the World Conference and World Church Leadership:
The seven Quorums of Seventy met individually this morning to consider the Letter of the Council of Twelve calling Stephen M. Veazey to prophet-president of the Community of Christ. Each quorum gave prayerful consideration and shared overwhelming testimonies of support and the divine nature of this call. Brother Veazey’s call to prophet-president of the church was unanimously approved by all the Quorums of Seventy. Brother Veazey has demonstrated throughout his ministry a devotion to Jesus Christ and a dedication to the missional task of the church. We extend to him our blessings and support as he leads the church into the future.

Respectfully submitted
Richard W. Hawks
Secretary for the Council of Presidents of Seventy

Quorum of High Priests, read by Jane Watkins

The Quorum of High Priests met in session to give prayerful consideration to the document dated March 4, 2005, from the Council of Twelve announcing the selection of Stephen M. Veazey as president designate.

There was significant discussion and rich sharing of hopes, expectations, and affirmations. The Quorum expresses deep appreciation to the Council of Twelve and other members of the World Church Leadership Council for their diligent service throughout the discernment process. It is with assurance through the movement of the Holy Spirit that the Quorum gives acceptance and approval to this counsel and selection of Stephen M. Veazey as president of the Community of Christ.

The Quorum of High Priests expresses deep appreciation for Brother Veazey’s many years of devoted service to the church and looks forward with anticipation to his leadership, ministry, and direction as he guides the church into a future of renewed transformation and mission. The Quorum extends its support, prayers, and energies to President Designate Veazey as we stand side-by-side to serve the Christ.

William M. Barnhard, president
Jane D. Watkins, secretary

Order of Evangelists, read by Richard Kohlman

To the Council of Twelve and the World Conference:
Greetings:
The Order of Evangelists assembled in session on Friday, June 3, 2005, to consider the Letter of Recommendation from the Council of Twelve naming Stephen M. Veazey to be the next prophet-president for the Community of Christ.

The Order met in worship and prayer before considering the letter. Many testimonies were shared regarding the movement of the Spirit bringing confirmation of the divine initiative in this call to ministry. There were also expressions of appreciation for the inclusive process that was used in the discernment of Brother Veazey’s call. We acknowledged some of Brother Veazey’s gifts of compassion, humility, openness, intelligence, and his expansive missionary heart. We look for renewed emphasis for the evangel to be empowered in our community as we share with those who have yet to know the saving grace of the gospel.

The Order of Evangelists then unanimously approved the selection of Stephen M. Veazey to be ordained as the next prophet-president of the church.

Danny A. Belrose, presiding evangelist
Richard E. Kohlman, secretary

Order of Bishops, read by Michael P. Hartford

To the First Presidency and the World Conference:
On June 3, 2005, the Order of Bishops met in session under the leadership of the Presiding Bishopric. Following worship and prayers, the Order considered the March 4, 2005 Letter of the Council of Twelve Apostles recommending that Stephen M. Veazey be ordained and set apart as prophet-president of the church.

After accepting a motion to consider the letter, many members of the Order expressed their testimonies of anticipation of his call and their assurance that it expresses the mind and will of God. The motion received the unanimous support of the Order followed by a standing vote of support by all present.

The Order of Bishops looks forward to supporting Brother Veazey in his new calling.

Respectfully submitted,
Michael P. Hartford, chair
W. B. “Pat” Spillman

Mass Meeting of Elders, read by Susanne Holloway

To the World Conference:
The Mass Meeting of Elders met at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 3, 2005 to consider a motion to approve the recommendation of the Council of Twelve that Stephen M. Veazey be approved for ordination as president of the high priesthood, prophet, and president of the church.

Members of the mass meeting expressed several personal testimonies of the Spirit at work in Steve’s life. The articulated position of the body was of overwhelming support for the recommendation of the Council of Twelve.

Susanne Holloway, secretary pro tem
Mass Meeting of Elders

 

Mass Meeting of Aaronic Priesthood, read by David Brown

To the World Conference:
The Mass Meeting of the Aaronic priesthood met and considered the letter of the Council of Twelve recommending Stephen M. Veazey to be president of the church. We commend the Council of Twelve for the spirit and diligence in which it led the church in discerning God’s will for this call.

After prayer and many testimonies, the mass meeting unanimously approved the call of Stephen M. Veazey to serve as prophet-president of the church. We pledge as ministers of presence to stand with him as witnesses of Jesus Christ

Respectfully submitted,
David Brown, co-chair
Joan Brown, co-chair
Robert Pratt, secretary

French Language Caucus, read by Rosita Hoffman

The French language caucus met this Friday morning the 3rd of June 2005 to discuss the recommendation that Steve Veazey be named prophet-president of the Community of Christ. After having prayed, introduced the recommendation of the Council of Twelve, and having listened to the testimonies and questions of each person, we recognized that if we are united by the same Spirit then we must trust in that Spirit, which moved and inspired those who gathered together to choose the person called to the role of prophet-president of the church. After having voted the French language caucus, unanimously, approves of and supports this recommendation.

Spanish Language Caucus, read by Jaime Landeros

To the World Conference Church Body:
We, the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking members, met at 9:45 a.m. on June 3, 2005, to consider the letter of counsel given to the church by the Council of Twelve.

We thank God and our Lord Jesus Christ for giving us the opportunity of being part of a prophetic people, and for permitting us for the first time in history, to take part in this call, during which time the church has experienced unity and a sense of direction.

In our meeting, we felt blessed by the presence of the Holy Spirit, we heard testimonies by several brethren of how God has revealed the name of our brother Stephen M. Veazey to serve as prophet and president of the church.

The response of humility, willingness of service, and submission to the will of God given by our brother Veazey is an example of how a disciple should respond to the call.

Through unanimity we gave all of our support to this call, and we are certain that his ministry in leading the Community of Christ will render the stability, direction, and the unity of the church; we reaffirm our total support.

In Jesus Christ,
Mexico-Texas Mission Center
Central America Mission Center
Dominican Republic Mission Center
South America Mission Center

Tahitian Language Caucus, read by Mareva Arnaud

To the First Presidency and the World Conference:
First of all, we would like to express our deep appreciation and love to Brother Grant McMurray.

We prayed steadfastly, carefully analyzed the Letter of the Council of Twelve recommending Stephen M. Veazey to be President of the high priesthood, prophet, and president of the church.

We shared our thoughts, asked questions, heard answers, and offered testimonies.

We have been privileged by his presence in our islands and have witnessed his great kindness and particularly his great humility.

It is in the spirit of peace and support that we accept our brother Stephen M. Veazey to be the prophet-president of the church.

May God bless us and bless the church. Amen.

Tahitian Language Caucus
Mareva Arnaud, chair

Youth Caucus, read by Misha Barbour and Mary Elizabeth Hedglen

To the First Presidency and the World Conference:
The Children and Youth Delegate Caucus unanimously accept and uphold the calling of Stephen M. Veazey to the office of prophet-president of the Community of Christ.

We appreciate the passion Brother Veazey has shown in ministry with children and youth and look forward to his continued support of us in our individual and worldwide ministries.

In our own verbiage: “Steve, you rock!”

Respectfully submitted,
Misha Barbour, secretary pro tem
Mary Elizabeth Hedglen, secretary pro tem

Delegate Caucus, Read by Madeline Midgorden:

To the World Conference:
After prayerful consideration concerning the Letter of the Council of Twelve, the Delegate Caucus voted to approve the recommendation that Stephen M. Veazey be set apart and ordained as the prophet and president of the Community of Christ. We are grateful for his dedication to the Christ, and we pledge our love and ongoing support for his prophetic leadership.

Delegate Caucus
Patti Page, co-chair
Robert Wanga, co-chair
Madeline Midgorden, secretary

There was brief discussion of the matter from the delegates, after which the question was put to the assembly. The recommendation to approve Stephen M. Veazey carried. The entire assembly, including visitors, then rose to express their approval.

The Chair appointed a committee of Apostle John P. Kirkpatrick, Presiding Bishop Larry Norris, President of the Quorum of High Priests William M. Barnhard, and Senior President of Seventy Robert Kyser to escort Brother Veazey to conference chamber. The assembly sang the hymn “Great and Marvelous Are Thy Works.” During the singing of the hymn, “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet,” Brother Veazey and the committee returned to the rostrum.

Apostle Slauter notified Brother Veazey of the action of the Conference by stating,

Brother Steve, it is my happy task to inform you that the World Conference has considered your call to serve as president of the high priesthood, prophet, and president of the church and has approved this call. All of us here in this assembly offer to you our heartfelt support as you assume your new role.

Brother Veazey invited his wife, Cathi, to join him on the rostrum, and he made a brief statement to the assembly.

Conference Manager Sue Sloan was recognized to make some announcements.

The assembly then sang the hymn “The Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning,” followed by a prayer of benediction by Peter Joe of Fiji. The World Conference adjourned at 4:40 p.m. to meet again at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 4, 2005.

A. Bruce Lindgren
secretary