Official Minutes of Business Session
Saturday, March 24, 2007

The 2007 World Conference convened in legislative session at 6:30 p.m on Saturday, March 24, 2007, in the conference chamber of the Auditorium, Independence, Missouri. President Stephen M. Veazey was in the chair.
The Graceland University orchestra played “Music for the Royal Fireworks” by George Frederick Handel. President Veazey then called the Conference to order, after which the assembly sang “Redeemer of Israel” accompanied by Jan Kraybill on organ, and the orchestra, as the church flag entered the conference chamber. Peter Lonsdale of Perth, Australia offered a prayer of invocation.

President Veazey gave a statement of welcome, to those present and to those watching from around the world. He noted the presence of the flags of the nations in which the church has been established, has a recognized presence, and where members and friends are working to establish a foundation for the church. As he read the list of nations, the flag of each nation was unfurled along the front of the balcony, where they were to be displayed throughout the Conference. Flags included the earth flag and the Eagle Feather Staff. David Bolton provided a musical background on the trumpet.
The assembly then sang the hymn “Let Us Sing a Worldwide Anthem.” President Veazey introduced Don Reimal, mayor of Independence, Missouri, who addressed the assembly with a statement of welcome.

Selection of Presiding Officers
President Veazey asked who the Conference would have preside over the Conference. Apostle James E. Slauter moved that the First Presidency preside over the World Conference and be authorized to complete the Conference organization. Bishop Larry R. Norris seconded the motion, and the chair was relinquished to Apostle Slauter, who put the vote. The motion was approved, and the chair was returned to President Veazey.

Credentials Committee Report
The Chair referred the assembly to the report of the Credentials Committee, Item C-1, on pages 249-264. Andrew M. Shields moved acceptance of Item C-1, the Credentials Committee Report, with a provision that alternates certified as delegates after the report was printed also be included as full participants in the Conference in accordance with the Bylaws of the church and the Standing Rules to be adopted by this Conference. A second was received. President Veazey noted that changes had been made since the printing of this report, and that changes would continue. He referred questions and changes to the acting World Church Recorder, Carina Wilson. A vote was taken, and the report was approved. President Veazey pointed out that, as is our custom, delegate seating was offered to First Nations with two seats, Graceland University with nine seats, and military chaplains with one seat. He also called attention to the caucuses that would be in place during Conference.

Standing Rules
President Veazey read the Standing Rules on page 101, noting that the official item C-2 would appear in the Monday bulletin. Greggory S. McDonald moved approval of the Standing Rules, and a second was received. A vote was taken, and the standing rules were approved as they had been proposed by the required two-thirds vote. President Veazey acknowledged the translations team, observing that this Conference translated more languages than any previous Conference. He also announced that the custom of the World Conference was to ask for abstentions as well as votes for or against major legislation.

Conference Appointments
President Veazey that the appointments to various responsibilities of the World Conference on page 5.

Announcement of the Official Program
President Veazey noted the official program of the Conference on pages 9-17. He noted that on the list of World Church Officials on page 4, the names of Danny A. Belrose and Richard W. Hawks were not listed due to retirement in the inter-conference period, adding that they would be recognized during the Conference with other retiring general officers. President Veazey encouraged delegates to familiarize themselves with their Conference schedules. He then declared the Conference organized and ready to do business.

Legislative Procedures
President Veazey reviewed the procedures to be used in the consideration of legislative items, as described in the Parliamentary Guidelines booklet.

Evacuation Statement
The Chair called attention to the Evacuation Statement on pages 29 and 31-33 and offered explanatory comments. Derek Judd was recognized for a question.

Printed Reports
President Veazey requested that note be taken of the various printed reports on pages 49-92.

Greetings
World Church Secretary Andrew M. Shields read the following greetings to the Conference.

From U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II, Fifth District of Missouri:

Dear Conference Delegates:
As the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District and an ordained Methodist minister and Senior Pastor at St. James United Methodist Church in Kansas City, I am honored to welcome you to the 2007 Community of Christ World Conference. You have joined together from all over the world to reaffirm your religious mission and “promote communities of joy, hope, love, and peace”.
One of the basic truths of the Bible is “you will reap what you sow.” You don’t plant corn and harvest soybeans. You don’t plant an apple seed and expect an orange tree to sprout up.

A person that sows anger will reap bitterness and division. But a person that sows love and understanding will reap a harvest of peace.

As you join in prayer you will find the way to sow the seeds of civility. As people of faith, you gather at the Community of Christ World Conference to give thanks for God’s love and grace and ask for his guidance.

Our world is not as God intended it to be because of our sin and error. But we know the truth of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words that humankind is caught in an inescapable network of mutuality. When any of us suffers injustice we are all diminished. But in the same way, when any one finds peace we all benefit.

May all of you be blessed in what is said and sung and planted in the hearts of all who share this conference experience. We reap what we sow. I think God is pleased when we as citizens of the world and people of faith sow courtesy, civility and kindness with each other, and raise up a harvest of grace and peace.

May you receive guidance from the Holy Spirit and may this World Conference provide you with the spiritual seed that will spawn joy, hope, love, and peace.
Warmest regards,
Emanuel Cleaver II

From U.S. Representative Leonard L. Boswell, Third District of Iowa:

Greetings to the World Conference,
As you go forward with the Community of Christ World Conference of 2007, I wish to extend heartfelt wishes for a successful conference. Our people have gathered to the Center Place from all over the world to engage in working together to promote the teachings of Jesus and make our world more meaningful and safer for all of our lives.

From my perspective due to what I do each day here in Washington, I am fully aware of the great needs for outreach, compassion for one another here and all over the world. Acts of terror are never acceptable; every life is sacred and special wherever we might live. The message of Christ and the message of peace have never been more needed or more important.

My personal prayers and wishes for a successful conference are extended to all. I cannot be present, but I am with you in the Spirit of the Master.

In Gospel Bonds and with Warmest Personal Regards,
Leonard L. Boswell

From Missouri State Governor Matt Blunt:

Dear Friends:
Welcome to the Community of Christ World Conference. It is my privilege to welcome you to Independence for this occasion.

Thank you for your commitment to your family, state and country. Your devotion to promoting communities of joy, hope, love and peace is commendable and is an example for all who serve today.
During your stay in Independence, I encourage you to explore the many different attractions of this historic and culturally diverse city. Again, thank you for your service and best wishes for a productive and enjoyable event.
Sincerely,
Matt Blunt

Conference manager Sue Sloan was then recognized to make several announcements.
The assembly then sang the hymn, “This Is My Song.”

“We Open Ourselves to the Spirit”
President Schaal assumed the chair and led the assembly through the conference ritual, “We Open Ourselves to the Spirit,” found on page 21 assisted by Bruce Crockett.

Report of the First Presidency
President Veazey introduced a video presentation reflecting the significant events in the inter-conference period. Following the presentation, President Veazey shared a statement of expectation related to the special requirements of a Conference focused on discernment. The Conference offered its appreciation to the staff involved in Conference.

Disciples’ Generous Response
Hiroshi Matsushita gave a statement and a prayer, followed by the receiving of the Disciples’ Generous Response.

Apostle Ron Harmon offered a closing Prayer of Blessing, after which the assembly sang the closing hymn, “Now In This Moment.” Conference manager Sue Sloan gave a sending forth. The World Conference adjourned at 8:40 p.m. to meet again at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 26, 2007.

Andrew M. Shields
Secretary