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Official Minutes of Business Session
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
The 2007 World Conference convened in legislative session at
10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 27, 2007, in the conference chamber of the
Auditorium, Independence, Missouri. President Stephen M. Veazey was in the
chair.
Jerry Pratt was recognized for a question of privilege. The assembly sang the
hymn “Touch Me Lord with Thy Spirit Eternal,” accompanied by Julie Conway on the
organ. A ritual of invocation was led by Marvin Rice, assisted by Bruce Crockett
and Scott Murphy.
Approval of the Minutes
President Veazey called attention to the minutes of the business session of
Monday, March 26, 2007, printed on page 302. The Chair noted that Chito
Magabilin of the Philippines offered the invocation. Rick Sarre requested that
the brief statement on Just War be included in the minutes; the Chair said that
request would be taken under consideration. The minutes were approved as
corrected.
Conference manager Sue Sloan was then recognized to make several
announcements.
Greetings
From: Association of Saints Church Radio Amateurs (ASCRA)
To: 2007 World Conference of the Community of Christ assembled in Independence,
Missouri, USA
Greetings:
As a worldwide church affiliated organization whose motto is “IN SERVICE,”
dedicated to emergency communications and other community support activities,
over 250 members of the Association of Saints Church Radio Amateurs add our
prayers to those of the saints around the world that your fellowship,
deliberations, and worship will be blessed by an abundant presence of the Holy
Spirit.
We pray further that each of you will carry home a great and
positive witness of the experience in community in which you share together
during this momentous week.
May that witness, in turn, enable and embolden the communities,
both sacred and secular, wherein you reside to embrace the goals for which we
strive: to establish environments in which our hope for all people—peace, joy,
love, and healing of the spirit—may become a reality.
God bless you all.
Douglas Shaw, WAØEMX, Secretary
Chuck Palmer, NØONN, Treasurer
Robin Cross, WØFEN, Executive Director
Association of Saints Church Radio Amateurs
Amateur Radio Station WØSHQ
Presiding Bishopric Report
President Veazey relinquished the chair to President Robinson, who called
attention to item D-1, “Presiding Bishopric Report,” pages 122–228, noting that
it was in the Financial Reports book. He called on Bishop Larry R. Norris,
Bishop R. Paul Davis, and Bishop Stephen M. Jones to speak to the report. There
was some discussion.
Auditor’s Report
The Chair directed attention to item D-2, “Auditor’s Report,” on pages 141 and
185. Carole Dudley moved to accept the report, and a second was received. Bishop
Larry R. Norris was recognized to speak to the report. A vote was taken, and the
report was accepted.
World Ministries Budget Projections
President Robinson read item D-3, “World Ministries Income Projections,” on
page 304. After a brief comment on the role of the World Church Finance Board,
the Chair recognized Ruud Leegstra to move approval of the budget projections. A
second was received. Bishop Davis spoke to the item briefly. A vote was taken,
and the item was approved.
Stewardship Foundation Report
President Robinson called attention to item D-4, page 288. Carol Shaw spoke
to the report.
President Robinson relinquished the chair to President Schaal, who acknowledged
the previous action as the last time President Robinson would preside over the
Conference. The Conference expressed its appreciation for President Robinson’s
service.
Graceland Board of Trustees Nominations
The Chair read item B-1, “Graceland University Board of Trustees
Nominations,” on page 232. The following individuals were nominated.
Vacancy 1: Cherry M. Hartnett
Vacancy 2: William H. Pennington
Vacancy 3: Ronald E. Gillilan
The floor was then opened for additional nominations. Since
there were no additional nominations, an election was held by hand vote. The
name of each candidate was presented to the assembly, and each was declared
elected.
Kirtland Temple Visitor and Spiritual Formation Center
President Schaal recognized Lachlan Mackay to make a presentation on the
Kirtland Temple Visitor and Spiritual Formation Center.
The assembly recessed for lunch at noon and reconvened at 3:30
p.m. with President Schaal in the Chair. The assembly sang the hymn, “We Limit
Not the Truth of God,” accompanied by Pam Robison on the organ. Jim Danielson
was recognized for a point of order, that an abstention vote was promised.
Consideration of Letter of Counsel Regarding the Presiding
Quorums
President Schaal directed the Conference to the Letter of Counsel on pages
289–292. The Chair invited Apostle Dale Luffman to offer a prayer.
President Schaal summarized the Letter of Counsel, which called
for the ordination of Kenneth N. Robinson to the office of evangelist; Larry R.
Norris to the office of evangelist; Becky L. Savage as a member of the First
Presidency and a counselor to the president of the church; David R. Brock to the
office of Presiding Evangelist; Stephen M. Jones to the office of Presiding
Bishop; J. Andrew Bolton to the office of apostle and a member of the Quorum of
Twelve Apostles; Carlos Enrique Mejia to the office of apostle and a member of
the Quorum of Twelve Apostles; R. Paul Davis as a counselor to the Presiding
Bishop and a member of the Presiding Bishopric; David J. Brown as a counselor to
the Presiding Bishop and a member of the Presiding Bishopric; and Jane M.
Gardner to be set apart as the president of the Quorum of High Priests.
Apostle James E. Slauter moved that the World Conference approve
the Letter of Counsel dated March 1, 2007, from President Stephen M. Veazey, and
authorize the ordinations indicated. A second was received. President Schaal
referred the assembly to the Letter of Counsel Regarding the Presiding Quorums
on pages 289–292.
Each person named in the letter was called on to make a statement to the
Conference, and the assembly expressed its appreciation to each.
President Schaal then called on the quorums, councils, and
orders of the church as well as the mass meetings and caucuses of the World
Conference to deliver reports of their action with respect to the Letter of
Counsel.
The First Presidency, read by David D. Schaal
To the World Conference:
The Quorum of the First Presidency is pleased to indicate our heartfelt
support for the Letter of Counsel Regarding the Presiding Quorums, and for the
ordinations called for therein. We voice our deep appreciation for the ministry
of those named in the letter who are retiring, and are eager to receive the
ministry of those who are called to new responsibilities.
In Christ’s Peace,
David D. Schaal
Counselor to the president and
member of the First Presidency
The Council of Twelve, read by Linda L. Booth
To the First Presidency and the World Conference:
The Spirit was rich as the Council of Twelve Apostles considered the Letter of
Counsel Regarding the Presiding Quorums on March 26, 2007. Testimonies of the
divinity of the calls and words of support for those accepting God’s direction
in their lives were given. The Council gave thanks for the faithful service and
Spirit-filled ministry of Kenneth M. Robinson, Danny A. Belrose, Larry R.
Norris, John P. Kirkpatrick, and William M. Barnhard. Our prayers and support
are with them as they continue to serve God in new ways.
Respectfully submitted,
James E. Slauter, president
Linda L. Booth, secretary
Council of Presidents of Seventy, read by John S. Wight
To the First Presidency and the World Conference:
Meeting in individual quorum sessions on Monday, March 26, and Tuesday, March
27, the seven Quorums of Seventy gave prayerful and careful consideration to the
Letter of Counsel from President Steve Veazey regarding the presiding quorums of
the church. Each quorum voted to support all of the calls of persons to new
specific offices and responsibilities as well as to accept the letter in its
entirety.
The Seventy wish to express gratitude to those individuals
released from various offices and responsibilities for the years of tireless
service provided to God and to the church.
Respectfully submitted,
John S. Wight, secretary pro-tem
Quorum of High Priests, read by Gary Logan
To the First Presidency and the World Conference:
The Quorum of High Priests has given careful and prayerful consideration of
the Letter of Counsel Regarding the Presiding Quorums shared by President Veazey
on 3 March 2007 and wishes to express profound thanks for his leadership and
witness in presenting these calls to the church.
We are deeply appreciative of the gifts of courage, compassion,
and creativity that are the legacy of those faithful retiring ministers
mentioned. We are grateful for the outstanding leadership each has provided to
the church.
The Quorum affirms the calls for each individual named as ones
presented in faithful response to the Spirit of wisdom and counsel by President
Veazey for this place and time in the life of the church. We stand ready to join
each of the individuals called to leadership with our prayers, support and love,
as together we share the peace of Jesus Christ with the world.
We are grateful for the significant ministry and leadership
which Brother Barnhard has shared with us; and we look forward with anticipation
to the leadership and ministry of Sister Gardner and pledge our support.
Sharon L. Knapp, secretary pro-tem
Order of Evangelists, read by Nori Barber
To the First Presidency and the World Conference:
The Order of Evangelists assembled in session on March 26, 2007, to consider the
Letter of Counsel Regarding the Presiding Quorums.
We express our deep gratitude for the ministry and years of
service offered by those who are now being released into retirement or other
avenues of ministry. Special appreciation was shared for Presiding Evangelist
Danny Belrose, who retired in April 2006.
We dedicate our support to those persons called into new roles
of ministry as we continue our journey on the path to the peaceable kingdom. We
look forward in anticipation to the leadership that David R. Brock will bring to
the Order of Evangelists as the new Presiding Evangelist.
We unanimously accepted the Letter of Counsel and the calls
detailed within.
Order of Evangelists
Richard E. Kohlman, president pro-tem
Nori Barber, secretary pro-tem
Order of Bishops, read by Derek Judd
To the First Presidency and the World Conference:
The Order of Bishops met March 26 in prayerful consideration of the Letter
of Counsel Regarding the Presiding Quorums dated March 1, 2007, gratefully
acknowledging the dedicated service of those being released from their current
presiding quorum assignments.
The members of the order were moved by the spirit of
commendation and the identification of giftedness contained in the wording of
the document, and the conviction of the appropriateness of all the calls,
individually and collectively.
The Order unites in their support of the newly called Presiding Bishopric and
commits itself to working with them in teaching the principles of A Disciple’s
Generous Response and developing generous disciples of all ages and in all
cultures.
The order unanimously approved the Letter of Counsel and is
sincerely grateful for the prophetic leadership of President Veazey.
Respectfully submitted,
Derek Judd
Steve Kellogg
Dan Whittemore
secretaries, pro-tem
Mass Meeting of Elders, read by Mikal Shedd
To the First Presidency and the World Conference:
The Mass Meeting of the Elders met to consider the Letter of Counsel
Regarding the Presiding Quorums on Monday, March 26, 2007. After considering
each call individually and the letter as a whole, a vote of support was taken
and passed. The Mass Meeting of the Elders expressed their heartfelt thanks to
those who are retiring for their many years of service to the church. A special
thanks is extended to President Veazey for his spiritually sensitive guidance to
the church.
Respectfully submitted by:
Paul Hardwick, Sue Phipps, co-presiders
Mikal Shedd, secretary
Mass Meeting of Aaronic Priesthood, read by Michael Lindgren
To the World Conference:
The Mass Meeting of the Aaronic Priesthood met and considered the Letter of
Counsel of Stephen M. Veazey regarding the presiding quorums.
As we considered each person being called to a new
responsibility, testimonies were given and God’s confirming Spirit was felt. The
mass meeting approved each of the calls and also approved the entire letter.
We wish to express our support for each of those named in the
letter and call upon the church to join us in lifting them up in prayer
continually.
Respectfully Submitted,
Janice Zimmerman, co-chair
Johnny Stabno, co-chair
Michael Lindgren, secretary
Delegate Caucus, read by Ruthann Essig
To the First Presidency and the World Conference:
After prayerful consideration, the Delegate Caucus voted to accept the
recommended changes in the presiding quorums as outlined in President Veasey’s
Letter of Counsel dated March 1, 2007. The Delegate Caucus expressed its deepest
gratitude to those persons being released, and we commit our love and prayerful
support to those persons moving into their new ministerial roles. We anticipate
many rich blessings to come as we journey and work together to bring to pass the
peaceable kingdom.
Respectfully submitted,
Patti Page, co-chair
Robert Wanga, co-chair
Ruthann Essig, secretary
Youth and Children’s Caucus, read by Mikal Farley
To the First Presidency and the World Conference:
All changes regarding the presiding quorums were sustained by unanimous
votes, and we look forward to the ministries they will provide.
Greg Ardito, chair
Mikal Farley, secretary
French Language Caucus, read by Chola Daudet
To the First Presidency and to the World Conference:
The French caucus met on Monday March 26, 2007, to consider the Letter of
Counsel of President Stephen Veazey concerning the quorums of presidents.
Many positive testimonies were shared in favor of those who are
taking on new responsibilities in the church. Following the testimonies, the
caucus voted unanimously to accept the letter.
The French caucus would like to express its gratitude and
appreciation for the noble service given by those who are retiring.
Chola Daudet, co-chair
Steve Graffeo, co-chair
Spanish Language Caucus, read by Angela Ramirez
To the First Presidency and the World Conference:
With a spirit of harmony, we have carefully read the Letter of Counsel
Regarding the Presiding Quorums paragraph by paragraph. After varied discussion
concerning the callings regarding the quorums, our unanimous vote was to support
the sisters and brothers and accept their callings to their specific functions.
We are convinced that the Holy Spirit is using them to bless us.
The Community of Christ in Latin America is grateful for the
callings of our brethren who are serving the people, and especially for the
calling of Carlos Enrique Mejia.
We profoundly appreciate the ministry of Brothers Robinson,
Belrose, Kirkpatrick, Norris, and Barnhard, desiring blessings for them in their
release and retirement.
Angela Ramirez, secretary
Tahitian Language Caucus, read by Christine Fareata
To the First Presidency and the World Conference:
The Tahitian language caucus appreciates the good news of the wonderful
service and supports their calls. Concerning those who are called to new
responsibilities, we are very happy to support our sisters and brothers.
Christine Fareata, secretary
Basic English Caucus, read by Angie Elliott-Koéné
To the First Presidency and the World Conference:
The Basic English Caucus affirms the ordination of each person named in the
Letter of Counsel under discussion.
We also express our appreciation for the years of service given by all the
persons released from General Officer roles.
Respectfully Submitted,
Angie Eliott-Koéné
Malcolm Stephenson
co-chairs
President Schaal put the question regarding each of the calls
indicated in the Letter of Counsel. Each call was approved on individual votes.
President Schaal called for a vote on the letter as a whole. The
vote carried. President Schaal noted that provisions had been made for the
service or ordination later in the evening. President Schaal relinquished the
chair to President Veazey, who thanked the Conference for their participation in
the process of addressing the Letter of Counsel Regarding the Presiding Quorums.
The assembly sang “For All the Saints,” then Luis Diaz
Cervantes, from Nicaragua, offered a prayer of benediction. The World Conference
adjourned at 5:45 p.m. to meet again at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 28, 2007.
Andrew M. Shields
Secretary
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