World Conference 2007

Saturday - March 31

2007-03-31T10:15:00.000-07:00

Photo © John Weese

Good Morning Readers,

Photo © Bob Walker

It’s been a wonderful week here at Conference and it’s almost over. There is a two hour legislative session today followed by the closing worship service. You can tell that even yesterday people had begun trickling out of here. A few more seats were empty as the day went on. Today there will be a few more seats empty. But most – the true Conference fans are still here.

Photo © Bob Walker

Yesterday started with two hours, from eight to ten, in Quorums, Caucuses, and Meetings to consider the document bought by Steve last Sunday night. You may remember that when Steve brought the “Words of Counsel” to the church he said he wanted some time to “discern with the church” the meaning and impact of the words before deciding when they might be presented for inclusion in the book of Doctrine and Covenants. Most thought that might not be until next conference in 2010.

Photo © John Weese

From Sunday on through the week Steve has received words from people around the world, e-mails, conversations, and people sharing about the impact on them reading the words. The Children’s and Youth Caucus sent him a letter describing the feelings of hope that came to them as they read the words. Several young adults wrote Steve with similar feelings of hope and purpose for the church. Folks who had been using the forty day of preparation for conference talked about how the words and the vision of the counsel had impacted them. Steve spent many sleepless nights in prayer and received Divine confirmation that the time was right to ask the Conference to consider the “Letter of Counsel” for inclusion as Scripture.

In the afternoon business session the conference did go through our process of reading, discerning, and voting on the appropriateness of these words being included in the Doctrine and Covenants as Scripture. Most shared words of affirmation and confirmation. A few shared they felt it was too soon for inclusion as scripture. They felt Steve had given in to pressure even after Steve had shared his testimony. This counsel is now Section 163.

Photo © Jim Doty Jr.

I hope you’ve had time to read the “Words of Counsel” for yourself (you can read it here), and I hope that in your families and circle of friends and your congregations there is much discussion about the implication of the words Steve shared with the church. It has been called powerful in it’s vision. It was called by several yesterday dangerous, because if we will actually flesh out this scripture it has the potential to radically change the communities in which we work and play and study and live. May God bless you as you read the words.

Photo © John Weese

After the business session the World Plaza at the Temple became an International Bazaar and market. There were food booths of all sorts. One of this reporter’s favorites was the funnel cake booth. I’ve only seen them here in this area although they may have them at Six Flags or places like that.

Photo © John Weese

They are dough squirted out of a funnel shaped container directly into hot cooking oil. The dough is drizzled, criss-crossed into a circle about the size of a paper plate that looks sort of like lace. After it is cooked, it is sprinkled with powdered sugar, or cinnamon, and topped with cherry or apple pie filling. Quite a treat!

Photo © John Weese

There were also cultural souvenirs from many of the nations and countries around the world for sale at the Bazaar. Folks were shopping and sharing stories with other church folks who brought them.

Photo © John Weese

Colorful woven cloth items, beautiful hand carved wooden items, painted, stained, pottery items were on display all around the entrance areas of the Temple complex.

Photo © Bob Walker

Last night was the Hymn Fest. It was much different that any this reporter had attended. It actually started outside of the Auditorium where large drums from the Orient were set up. The drumming was powerful and loud and called the church to come together in Worship. (Pictures can be found at Jim Doty's album site or at the conference photo gallery at the Community of Christ website.) Moving inside the Auditorium, we were greeted with colors, and sounds from the choir, the organ, piano, and smaller drums, from possibly Africa .

Photo © John Weese

We started out with campfire songs familiar to any who have ever attended a church youth camp or reunion; spirited singing and clapping. We then moved through a worship program of readings and hymns in various languages. Sometimes we all sang one language, English, Spanish, or French. Other times we each sang the same song in the language of our choice. The music hung from the high, arched, ceiling of the Auditorium. It was a spirited and vibrant worship and this reporter will float on the wings of it for some time.

Photo © Bob Walker

Well, it has been awesome sharing with you this week. As I said there’s about two hours of business left and then the closing worship service. But one of the images in the new Section 163 of the Doctrine and Covenants comes to mind. There are additional sacred ministries that will spring forth from the Temple as rivers of living water to help people soothe and heal the pain and brokenness in their lives. I think of a spring of water, high in the mountains, bubbling clear refreshing water out of the ground and spreading in all directions bringing life giving nourishment to the land around it. I see the Temple as the center of that life giving spring, and the cars and people leaving Independence today and the next few days as streams flowing out away from the spring, some not going far, some going around the world all with the potential to be the Living Water of Jesus to parched communities of work and play. Can we – will we become all that our name implies, “Community of Christ”?

Photo © Bob Walker

Thank you for letting me share with you Conference according to Bob. I know there are other interpretations and insights and I hope you get a chance to hear them from the folks in your area who attended. May God bless our efforts to listen and discern how we can truly become a sacred community of healing, safety, peace, affirmation, welcome, encouragement, hope and peace for a world so very much in need. Share Christ, Share Peace!

Photo © Jim Doty Jr.

This is your roving reporter saying, that’s a wrap!

Seventy Bob

Photo © Jim Doty Jr.

These conference reports are also online here (scroll down to March 2007).

Friday - March 30

2007-03-30T06:58:00.000-07:00

Photo © Bob Walker

Good Morning Readers,

Sorry about the glitch yesterday. Not sure what I did wrong, but I hope you either read the column yesterday afternoon or have already read it today.

Photo © Bob Walker

It was another busy day here at Conference. One of the ministries that's available to parents of small children is called "Conference Kids". The folks who provide this ministry do it to provide some worthwhile activities for younger kids so parents can participate and enjoy conference. Conference Kids goes on all day long with breaks for lunch and dinner. Yesterday the kids did a "show" to let parents and others see what has kept them busy during the days. They did gym and athletic activities and helped clown Tinker John lift his heavy barbell by tying helium balloons on it with messages like prayer, witness, fellowship, etc. It was cute. Then they shared some music they have been practicing with Jack Ergo.

Photo © John Weese

We had two business sessions yesterday, one on the morning and one in the afternoon. The clowns always visit one of the legislative sessions during the week to share in a little impish mischief. Yesterday we were privileged to share in their light hearted ministry.

Photo © John Weese

Steve Veazey had shared inspired counsel with the church the first day with no special direction for it at the time. Since then, he has had further inspiration and has decided to offer it for inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants Scriptures. We began praying and discussing it in the afternoon in our Quorum, Caucus, and mass meetings. So the schedule will change today and tomorrow morning to give time for discussion and action on the document.

During the business sessions we discussed some ways to try to make it easier and more affordable for folks from outside the U.S. to obtain visa's and participate in conference. We also discussed the possibly of participation by internet or satellite. There would be many things to work out so that people participated simultaneously. There would need to be safeguards and back ups in case of inter-net collapse or power failure. It will not be easy to work out.

Photo © Bob Walker

Being a worldwide church and operating on the principle of "common consent" is getting increasingly difficult as we grow. There are mission centers in the church that are large and people don't even speak the same language across them. To have even a mission center conference is impossible because of travel and language.

We heard some tragic news yesterday. Somewhere in Haiti (this reporter missed the actual city) there was a devastating flood that wiped out part of the village. One of our Community of Christ congregations was hit while the people were at worship. The building was destroyed and at least nine of our brothers and sisters lost their lives.

Photo © John Weese

Last night was the second opportunity for Conference to attend worship in the Temple . Again there needed to be three separate times for all the people to attend. Becky Savage presided and Dave Schaal brought spoken ministry.

Photo © John Weese

It was a powerful service of healing and wholeness and many this reporter spoke with shared a similar perspective, "That spoke directly to me." We heard that NOTHING you do is too small for God to use to bless others. Many people feel their gifts or ministry or talent is not significant. But if God can magnify and bless a small sack lunch of bread and fish to feed thousands of people, with baskets leftover, God can use your gift, bless it and change the communities you interact with. The focus is not small gifts - the focus is a very large God.

Photo © Bob Walker

Well, this reporter feels like the famous saying "Too much to do, too little time." There is only a day and a half remaining to get through all the legislation that is still pending, to review and vote on the "Inspired Counsel", to work on the Habitat for Humanity build that is connected with the Church and Conference, and on and on.

Photo © Jim Doty Jr.

Tonight the worship is the "Hymn Fest." It is one of the favorites here at Conference and certainly one of the favorites for this reporter. There will be a Conference Choir, the Graceland Orchestra, The Auditorium Organ and Trumpets (my favorite part), and an Auditorium filled to capacity with people singing and praising God. If you have high speed internet, or satellite capability, put on the big speakers, and crank up the volume. It will be a treat.

I will close with the question that was posed to the Conference worshipers last night at the Temple . The setting is from the Gospel of John 5:1-9. Jesus spotted a man sitting by the pool of healing who had been there 38 years. Jesus asked the man "Do you want to be healed?" The implication is, are you willing to give up your anger, bitterness, lust, selfishness, judgment, low self esteem that has defined you for so long. Are you willing to take the steps necessary to be healed? Are you willing to pick up your mat and walk? No one can carry your mat but you. Do you want to....? Are you willing to....?

Photo © Jim Doty Jr.

Until tomorrow then.

Seventy Bob

Thursday - March 29

2007-03-29T07:12:00.000-07:00

Photo © Jim Doty Jr.

Good afternoon faithful readers,

It has come to my attention that today's column didn't go out. I must have hit a wrong key somewhere. I apologize and stand for your flogging. Here is today's column.

Hello Vicarious Conference Attenders,

I sure hope the column and the photo's have helped you feel a part or at least informed about what's happening here in sunny Independence . If you want to see lot's more photo's than Seventy Jim puts in the column be sure to go to cofchrist.org. Click on 2007 World Conference and click on photo album.

Becky Savage. Photo © Bob Walker

Yesterday was the second day of "History in the Making". For the first time in the roughly one hundred seventy-seven year history of the church, a female sat in the chair on the rostrum of a World Conference as a member of the First Presidency of the Church. And she took over the chair during part of the legislative session and presided. She received a loud round of applause when she stood to preside.

The legislative sessions went smoothly. Some resolutions passed, some were referred, some were defeated. If you're a person who is really into legislation go to the web site and click on 2007 World Conference, then on daily reports. You will see all that happened yesterday in the legislative sessions.

President of Seventy John Wight and Apostle Stassi Cramm. Photo © Bob Walker

One thing of note yesterday; as I mentioned in an earlier column there is a renewed relationship and pairing of the Twelve Apostles and the Seventy. Anytime there are new Apostles called into the Twelve there is a reassignment of field responsibilities. Usually the person coming in doesn't have the same gifts and skills as the outgoing person. So the Twelve reassign field responsibilities by gifts, skills, and other criteria. Yesterday the new field assignments were announced, and also the new pairing of the Seventy with the member of the Twelve. In the Rocky Mountain Mission Center our new Apostle is Dale Luffman, and Dale will be paired with Seventy Ordinand and Missionary Specialist, Robin Linkhart. I look forward to working with both Robin and Dale.

Translations Staff. Photo © Bob Walker

One of the last things that happened is the chair called all the folks there, who are working on translation, to come to the front. There must have been thirty or forty and some weren't even there. They received special recognition and thanks from the conference. This year we are translating into more languages that ever, both written and spoken; eight different languages I think. French, Spanish, Tahitian, Russian, German, and Oklahoman if I remember right.

Photo © John Weese

Wednesday is traditionally a night off. There is no Conference Worship planned. There are several groups who offer worship. Two that I know of are the Native American Worship and the Contemporary Christian Worship. Your reporter and Melinda decided to take advantage of the gift and go rest a little.

Photo © John Weese

So today is a pretty full agenda. It is the last of the discernment sessions, and a legislative session in the morning, with another legislative session after lunch at 2:00. Tonight is the second Worship in the Temple so again there will be three Worships to accommodate all the people who want to attend. It should be a full and rewarding day. I will keep you informed.

Paraphrasing one of the discernment questions, When you hear God's voice speaking to you, what is He saying is the most important thing for you to lift up to other people?

Photo © Jim Doty Jr.

Until then may God bless you with the Spirit of peace, reconciliation, and healing and may you then "pray it forward" to others.

See you tomorrow!

Seventy Bob

Wednesday - March 28

2007-03-28T10:12:00.000-07:00

Morning Worship in the Temple. Photo © Jim Doty Jr.

Good Morning Readers,

Yesterday was an historic day for the Community of Christ on a number of issues. It's exciting to be part of history and see the growth the church has made just in the short time this reporter has been associated here. I love the direction the church is going (sometimes painfully slow to some and at breakneck speed to others).

Photo © John Weese

There was a time for worship and meditation in the Temple for souls hardy enough to get there at 7:30am. For some it's tough to get going that early after late evenings each night. But for those who can it is a wonderful way to start the day. After the Quorum and Caucus meetings at 8:00, we had our morning Legislative session. We received a couple reports and accepted the Auditors Report for the last two years.

Photo © Bob Walker

After lunch, the afternoon legislative session was filled with the discussion and deliberation of Steve Veazey's Letter of Counsel to the church regarding retirement, reassignment, and calling of new people to fill rolls in the Church Presiding Quorums and Leadership Team. If you have read and are familiar with the document (if not, it is posted below) you know that several people have retired, and accepted callings to other offices of ministry.

Ken Robinson Presiding over the Conference. Photo © Bob Walker

So after each person was given a chance to speak, they left the rostrum for the last time as a presiding officer of the church. So today, at one point Ken Robinson presided over the conference for his last time as a member of the Presidency. After he shared he left the rostrum. Same for the Apostles who are also retiring and being reassigned. The new people filling the roles can't sit on the rostrum until after the Ordination Service in the evening. So at today's legislative sessions the make up of the Church Leadership Council will look quite different than it did yesterday.

Tahitian Choir. Photo © John Weese

After supper we prepared for the Ordination Service. The Tahitian choir sang and provided music ministry. They are amazing - I could listen for hours. They were all in white this time and all the ladies wore colorful flower wreaths on their heads. Their choir is filled with all ages. They sing with such joy and enthusiasm. This reporter often wonders what would happen if some of the congregations he has visited in the U.S. showed as much joy in worship as the Tahitians or the Africans?

Again referring to the Letter of Counsel there were twelve people being ordained last night. Former member of the Presidency, Ken Robinson, was ordained as an Evangelist. Former Bishop, Larry Norris, was ordained an Evangelist.

David Brock. Photo © Jim Doty Jr.

Former Apostle, David Brock, was ordained Presiding Evangelist for the Church. Former member of the Bishopric, Steve Jones, was ordained Presiding Bishop of the Church.

Paul Davis is "set apart" as a member of the Presiding Bishopric. Photo © Bob Walker

R. Paul Davis, and David Brown, were ordained to the Presiding Bishopric as Counselors.

Carlos Mejia. Photo © Jim Doty Jr.

Former Seventy, Carlos Mejia was ordained an Apostle and member of the Twelve Apostles as was former Seventy, Andrew Bolton.

Jane Gardner. Photo © Jim Doty Jr.

Jane Gardner was ordained President of the High Priest Quorum.

Ruben Landeros is "set apart" as a President of Seventy. Photo © Bob Walker

And finally Ruben Landeros and Richard James were called out of the Quorums of Seventy and ordained as Presidents of Seventy. They will each be in charge of a Quorum of Seventy. And tonight, for the first time in the history of the church, a woman, Becky Savage, who was named in the letter of counsel, was ordained to be a Counselor to the President of the Church, and part of the First Presidency, the leading Quorum of the Church.

Photo © Bob Walker

After the worship service, the "International Village", which is downstairs in the Auditorium and where congregations and Mission Centers from around the world showcase what's happening in their areas opens. There are displays and people to visit and share about the excitement in their area. Individuals and groups can also showcase talent on the open stage. We have seen singers, and dancers, and instrumentalists of all shapes and sizes. Last night two of ours from Brighton, Amber Smith and Bailey Smith sang with Jack Ergo as part of "Conference Kids." They did a great job and mom and dad were proud.

Photo © John Weese

Days are long, sometimes fast paced and hard to keep up with, sometimes agonizingly slow. Nights are short, far too short for some. But still we come, by the hundreds to participate. What draws us? Fellowship? Worship? Wanting to be a part? Curiosity? Control? Whatever draws us we come, we raise our hands, we sing, we pray, we walk, we talk. But for this reporter, I mostly stand in Awe of a God who loves us so much, and whose presence is so evident in the faces and voices of brothers and sisters from around the globe, who don't even speak the same language, and yet they communicate a relationship with a Creator who cares so very much for us.

Photo © John Weese

As I close for today, my hope is that each of you will be assured today that you are a beloved creation of God. And that you will find a fountain of Joy springing up in your soul that will bubble over to the people on each side of you, wherever you are at any given moment.

See you tomorrow!

Seventy Bob

Tuesday - March 27

2007-03-27T09:29:00.000-07:00

Photo © John Weese

Hello Readers,

I forgot to tell you yesterday about an amazing family of young singers and performers. They are from the Ukraine and are called "Oasis of Peace". They have wonderful voices, great stage presence, and they are a delight to listen to. There is a picture in yesterday's post. They are wonderful music ministers who shared with us Sunday night.

Photo © John Weese

Monday was a slow day sort of. We shared in our first discernment groups for a couple hours first thing in the morning to begin the process of listening for God's voice. Then we went to our respective Quorums, Caucuses, or meetings to discuss the first part of the Steve's Counsel to the Church which contains the Leadership retiring and also those filling in those offices of ministry. It's very helpful to share that way because you may not know the person but someone in you small group usually does so you get a better understanding of someone.

Photo © John Weese

After lunch we had our first actual legislative session. The first day is about accepting reports from the previous year. The only actual real resolution we discussed and voted on changes the inter-conference period from two years to three. This has been the wish of the church leadership for several years but the conference always voted it down.

Photo © John Weese

People love to get together and want to do it often. But the cost both in dollars and personal resources is just getting too costly to keep meeting every two years. So next conference will be April, 2010.

Photo © Bob Walker

A friend from our congregation, an adult convert just baptized, is here for the first time ever. It is fun to see conference though his eyes and hear his questions. He is very interested and curious about it all. He sits on the front edge of his seat and listens and watches intently.

Photo © Bob Walker

After supper we had our worship this evening in the Temple - a first for a conference worship. Since the Temple seats less than the Auditorium (about 1600), there had to be three consecutive worship services to seat everyone.

Photo © Bob Walker

Your name badge had your scheduled time that you had to go. It was a wonderful service of healing of the Spirit. There were testimonies and prayers and drama that spoke to our hearts.

Photo © Bob Walker

Prayers for healing were shared after each testimony. It was a soft reflective worship. Very meaningful.

Photo © John Weese

Tuesday starts early with Quorum meetings at 8:00 followed by a legislative session. Tuesday night is the Ordination service for all the new leadership.

Photo © Bob Walker

This is your roving reporter saying have a Glorious and Blessed day. So until tomorrow, be still and listen for God's voice.

Seventy Bob

Photo © John Weese

THESE REPORTS ARE ALSO POSTED HERE.

Monday, March 26

2007-03-26T06:58:00.000-07:00

Good Morning All,

I hope your weekend was special and your worship experience yesterday was Spirit filled and meaningful to you and God. It truly was here.

Photo © Bob Walker

We started out the morning in the Temple in a period of silent and guided meditation. There were prayers, readings, music performed and music shared in. It was a free flowing time and one could stay for any length of time from 15 minutes to the total 2 hours. My wife could have spent the whole day.

Photo © John Weese

As we walked from the Temple to the Auditorium across the street for continued worship and Communion, the sun was warm on your face, the music changed from instruments to birds singing, and the air was filled with the scent of flowering trees and plants. Even the walk was worshipful.

Photo © John Weese

The rostrum was filled with several tables covered with rows of trays of communion emblems. The tables had the traditional white communion cloths covered with bright colorful cloths from exotic places around the world. It was a tapestry of color and texture, reminding us of the tapestry of people that make up the church.

Photo © John Weese

I don’t remember exactly, but I think the Auditorium seats approximately 5800. Serving communion to that many folks is quite an undertaking and planning and practice makes it go more smoothly.

Photo © John Weese

If you’re a visual person, and get this newsletter “first generation” you can go to cofchrist.org and click on 2007 World Conference and then click on Daily update or photo gallery. Check back often because photo’s will be added daily. There are several staff photographers, this reporter is one.

Photo © Bob Walker

There are also video clips at the Church’s web site and don’t forget that most worship services are broadcast by satellite and video uplink via the web.

Photo © Bob Walker

Apostle Linda Booth brought the message yesterday and it was a powerful reminder of the Love of God and the hope and promise for those who believe and follow Jesus Christ. Linda speaks with strong emotion and passion and you can feel her conviction and love of the Savior.

Photo © John Weese

In the afternoon we had our introductory session of the discernment groups and how they are going to function. The entire body of delegates will be divided into groups of twenty, in other church’s and places in and around the headquarters buildings. Sister church ’s have opened their door for three discernment session. It became more clear during the worship service last night why there has been such an emphasis this year on personal discernment.

Photo © Bob Walker

After supper we shared in the evening worship. Steve Veazey shared with the church a very powerful, challenging and compelling letter of counsel to the church. Many of you have already read what it turns out was the first part of the letter of counsel regarding the changes in World Church leadership. Last night Steve said when he brought that part he knew there was one other “call” in that counsel. It is a call to the church, you and I. You can read it all in the next post. Dwell on it. Pray about it. Listen to what God is saying in it. Let it speak to your heart – God’s heart to your heart.

"Oasis of Peace" from the Ukraine. Photo © Bob Walker

It was an incredible experience to share in – to watch Steve deliver what he believes to be God’s voice speaking to us in this time and place. To hear his voice, the deep love he has for the church and the hope he sees for the coming of the Peaceable Kingdom , Zion . For some who have wondered out loud “where are we going?” “What do we believe anymore?” Hopefully they will find their answers in the counsel and challenge.

Photo © Jim Doty Jr.

Obviously we will be discussing the counsel in all the quorums, caucuses, and meeting of the church for the next few days. It will be a time of challenge, reflection, and discernment as we each try to hear God’s voice speak to us individually. It’s my prayer that God will speak to you as well.

Until tomorrow then this is your roving reporter saying have a Glorious and Blessed day.

Seventy Bob

Counsel to the Church

2007-03-25T19:25:00.000-07:00

The following counsel to the church was presented Sunday evening by President Stephen M. Veazey.

Every day since being ordained as prophet-president, I have carried the needs of the church on my heart. Sometimes the weight of concern has seemed almost unbearable. Perhaps this is as it should be, because the heaviness of responsibility has pressed me to seek the mind and will of God as never before. Striving to be open to the guidance of the Spirit, while attempting to lay aside my own preconceived notions, has been a challenging but necessary learning experience. And, as I have sought to perceive God’s will for the church through prayer, study, and listening for the Creator’s voice in the voices of the faith community, I have been blessed by the Spirit in various, sometimes surprising ways.

The words and images that follow have been birthed through much struggle, not because of any lack of inspiration, but because of the limitations of the human vessel entrusted with responsibility for articulating divine encounter. Attempting to communicate in words what is ultimately beyond words always leaves one with a sense of incompleteness. Added to this is the challenge of creating phrases that can be translated into the languages of the international church without loss of essential meanings. Fortunately, we have the promise that one of the primary functions of the Holy Spirit is to bear witness of divine truth beyond the confines of language and culture.

Therefore, it is in deep humility and with heartfelt gratitude to God that I offer the following counsel as a witness of God’s eternal purpose and continuing activity in the life of the church. In so doing, I place these words in the church’s hand, trusting that the Spirit will enable the faith community to hear the call of God today with increasing clarity.

I present this counsel with no particular determination in mind at this time regarding its ultimate status. While fully aware of my responsibility and prerogative as prophet-president, I genuinely desire to discern with the church regarding this matter as we continue to explore together what it means to be a prophetic people.

“Community of Christ,” your name, given as a divine blessing, is your identity and calling. If you will discern and embrace its full meaning, you will not only discover your future, you will become a blessing to the whole creation. Do not be afraid to go where it beckons you to go.

Jesus Christ, the embodiment of God’s shalom, invites all people to come and receive divine peace in the midst of the difficult questions and struggles of life. Follow Christ in the way that leads to God’s peace and discover the blessings of all of the dimensions of salvation.

Generously share the invitation, ministries, and sacraments through which people can encounter the Living Christ who heals and reconciles through redemptive relationships in sacred community. The restoring of persons to healthy or righteous relationships with God, others, themselves, and the earth is at the heart of the purpose of your journey as a people of faith.

You are called to create pathways in the world for peace in Christ to be relationally and culturally incarnate. The hope of Zion is realized when the vision of Christ is embodied in communities of generosity, justice, and peacefulness.

Above all else, strive to be faithful to Christ’s vision of the peaceable Kingdom of God on earth. Courageously challenge cultural, political, and religious trends that are contrary to the reconciling and restoring purposes of God. Pursue peace.

There are subtle, yet powerful, influences in the world, some even claiming to represent Christ, that seek to divide people and nations to accomplish their destructive aims. That which seeks to harden one human heart against another by constructing walls of fear and prejudice is not of God. Be especially alert to these influences, lest they divide you or divert you from the mission to which you are called.

God, the Eternal Creator, weeps for the poor, displaced, mistreated, and diseased of the world because of their unnecessary suffering. Such conditions are not God’s will. Open your ears to hear the pleading of mothers and fathers in all nations who desperately seek a future of hope for their children. Do not turn away from them. For in their welfare resides your welfare.

The earth, lovingly created as an environment for life to flourish, shudders in distress because creation’s natural and living systems are becoming exhausted from carrying the burden of human greed and conflict. Humankind must awaken from its illusion of independence and unrestrained consumption without lasting consequences.
Let the educational and community development endeavors of the church equip people of all ages to carry the ethics of Christ’s peace into all arenas of life. Prepare new generations of disciples to bring fresh vision to bear on the perplexing problems of poverty, disease, war, and environmental deterioration. Their contributions will be multiplied if their hearts are focused on God’s will for creation.

The Council of Twelve is urged to enthusiastically embrace its calling as apostles of the peace of Jesus Christ in all of its dimensions. The Twelve are sent into the world to lead the church’s mission of restoration through relevant gospel proclamation and the establishment of signal communities of justice and peace that reflect the vision of Christ. As the apostles move out in faith and unity of purpose, freeing themselves from other duties, they will be blessed with an increased capacity for sharing Christ’s message of hope and restoration for creation.

To accelerate the work of sharing the gospel, the Twelve and the Seventy should be closely associated in implementing wholistic evangelistic ministries. The seventy are to be the forerunners of Christ’s peace, preparing the way for apostolic witness to be more readily received.

Procedures regarding the calling and assignments of the Presidents of Seventy and members of the Quorums of Seventy shall be developed to facilitate the maximum level of collaboration with the Council of Twelve. The Twelve, the Presidents of Seventy, and the Quorums of Seventy should spend sufficient time together to ensure a mutual understanding of evangelistic priorities and approaches.

Priesthood is a sacred covenant involving the highest form of stewardship of body, mind, spirit, and relationships. The priesthood shall be composed of people of humility and integrity who are willing to extend themselves in service for others and for the well-being of the faith community.

Truly authoritative priesthood ministry emerges from a growing capacity to bring blessing to others. Unfortunately, there are some who have chosen to view priesthood as a right of privilege or as a platform for promoting personal perspectives. Others hold priesthood as a casual aspect of their lives without regard to appropriate levels of preparation and response.

The expectation for priesthood to continually magnify their callings through spiritual growth, study, exemplary generosity, ethical choices, and fully accountable ministry is always present. How can the Spirit fill vessels that are unwilling to expand their capacity to receive and give according to a full measure of God’s grace and truth?

Counsel given previously regarding the need to develop ways whereby priesthood can magnify their ministry or determine their commitment to active service remains applicable and should be more intentionally implemented. The First Presidency will provide guidelines for processes to be applied in culturally respectful ways in the various fields of the church. Fundamentally, however, the ultimate responsibility for priesthood faithfulness rests on the individual in response to the needs and expectations of the faith community.

Scripture is an indispensable witness to the Eternal Source of light and truth, which cannot be fully contained in any finite vessel or language. Scripture has been written and shaped by human authors through experiences of revelation and ongoing inspiration of the Holy Spirit in the midst of time and culture.

Scripture is not to be worshiped or idolized. Only God, the Eternal One of whom scripture testifies, is worthy of worship. God’s nature, as revealed in Jesus Christ and affirmed by the Holy Spirit, provides the ultimate standard by which any portion of scripture should be interpreted and applied.

It is not pleasing to God when any passage of scripture is used to diminish or oppress races, genders, or classes of human beings. Much physical and emotional violence has been done to some of God’s beloved children through the misuse of scripture. The church is called to confess and repent of such attitudes and practices.

Scripture, prophetic guidance, knowledge, and discernment in the faith community must walk hand in hand to reveal the true will of God. Follow this pathway, which is the way of the Living Christ, and you will discover more than sufficient light for the journey ahead.

The Temple is an instrument of ongoing revelation in the life of the church. Its symbolism and ministries call people to reverence in the presence of the Divine Being. Transformative encounters with the Eternal Creator and Reconciler await those who follow its spiritual pathways of healing, reconciliation, peace, strengthening of faith, and knowledge.

There are additional sacred ministries that will spring forth from the Temple as rivers of living water to help people soothe and resolve the brokenness and pain in their lives. Let the Temple continue to come to life as a sacred center of worship, education, community building, and discipleship preparation for all ages.

As these ministries come to fuller expression, receptive congregations in the areas around the Temple and throughout the world will be revived and equipped for more effective ministry. Vital to this awakening is the understanding that the Temple calls the entire church to become a sanctuary of Christ’s peace, where people from all nations, ethnicities, and life circumstances can be gathered into a spiritual home without dividing walls, as a fulfillment of the vision for which Jesus Christ sacrificed his life.

Faithful disciples respond to an increasing awareness of the abundant generosity of God by sharing according to the desires of their hearts; not by commandment or constraint. Break free of the shackles of conventional culture that mainly promote self-serving interests. Give generously according to your true capacity. Eternal joy and peace await those who grow in the grace of generosity that flows from compassionate hearts without thought of return. Could it be otherwise in the domain of God, who eternally gives all for the sake of creation?

Collectively and individually, you are loved with an everlasting love that delights in each faithful step taken. God yearns to draw you close so that wounds may be healed, emptiness filled, and hope strengthened.

Do not turn away in pride, fear, or guilt from the One who seeks only the best for you and your loved ones. Come before your Eternal Creator with open minds and hearts and discover the blessings of the gospel anew. Be vulnerable to divine grace.

God is calling for a prophetic community to emerge, drawn from the nations of the world, that is characterized by uncommon devotion to the compassion and peace of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Through divine grace and wisdom, this faith community has been given abundant gifts, resources, and opportunities to equip it to become such a people. Chief among these is the power of community in Christ expressed locally in distinctive fashions while upholding a unity of vision, foundational beliefs, and mission throughout the world.

There are many issues that could easily consume the time and energy of the church. However, the challenge before a prophetic people is to discern and pursue what matters most for the journey ahead.

In addition to the words offered above, I want to express my heartfelt love for the church as it is and as it is becoming. Despite the challenges involved, it is my pleasure to be able to serve you, my brothers and sisters in Christ, who have been claimed by the adventurous vision and spirit of the Restoration movement. May we journey into the future trusting one another, confident that the One who called the church into being continues to guide it toward fulfillment of divine purpose.

Grace and Peace,
Stephen M. Veazey
President of the Church

Independence, Missouri
March 25, 2007

Sunday, March 25

2007-03-25T10:42:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Readers,

And welcome to the Community of Christ 2007 World Conference. Conference has officially begun. Several things happened yesterday, even before the Opening Ceremony last night. The Quorums of Seventy, which you remember are the out-front missionary arm of the church, always have their first gathering in the morning before conference begins.

Stephen Veazey addresses the Seventy. Photo © Bob Walker

President of the Church, Steve Veazey addressed the Seventy and spouses with just a first glimpse of a program of missionary outreach that will allow the Seventy and the Twelve Apostles to re-establish the close working relationship that once characterized and energized the missionary outreach of the church. This reporter, a member of the Seventy, is excited at the prospect of being a part of this new/old hand-in-hand thrust to call the church into a renewed sense of mission. More light will come forth as the week unfolds and this reporter will keep you informed as the story develops.

Photo © John Weese

Something new this year are three individual sessions during the day for discussion, information gathering, and exploration of the reports and resolutions that will be deliberated and voted on during the actual business sessions. Steve Veazey, has reiterated to us that we are not just a church with a prophet, but more importantly, we are a church of prophetic people. Prophetic people are a discerning people, and Steve, and the church leadership, challenge each of us, as disciples, to constantly listening to discern God’s will for us as individuals, as congregations, and as a world church. What is God speaking to us today? Where would God have us go today? Who needs the ministry of grace, or mercy, or compassion, or affirmation today? These new opportunities for dialogue and discernment offer us the chance to hear God speak, through the sacred stories of one another. As we listen to each other’s hearts, and honor each other’s journey, we allow God to speak to our heart as we celebrate the diversity and differences that make us, “the collective we”, a stronger and more powerful people.

Photo © Bob Walker

After supper we gathered for the Opening Ceremony. This reporter still gets excited being in the Auditorium with Saints from all over world, in colorful native dress, sharing hand shakes, and hugs, and cheek-kiss greetings with friends from countries and nations from all over the globe.

Photo © Jim Doty Jr.

Try to visit the Community of Christ website or my newsletter partner, Jim Doty’s conference blog and see some of the rich cultural heritage of the “People of the Church.” African’s, Tahitians, native first people, people from India, China or Japan; all places where our church – your church – is impacting lives and offering people a chance to hear the Good News of the Gospel and find the hope contained therein.

Photo © Bob Walker

This reporter remembers when conference began with the roll call of nations and procession of flags from each nation and country parading down the aisles and being placed at the back of the rostrum. Currently, the flags of the nations are furled on the railing of the balcony circling the Auditorium chamber. As each nation in named, in order of the year and time of their official membership, their flag is unfurled and displayed by a person of that country often in cultural dress. It is a cacophony of color and majesty as each successive flag rolls open to display. A swivel neck would be helpful to be able to watch the flags as they circumference the chamber. And each year it is exciting to hear the names, and see the flags of new nations where the church has been established just since last conference. It helps us visualize that we really are a world wide church.

Photo © Bob Walker

Singing hymns with more than a thousand people, and the several hundred piece orchestra from Graceland University , and the Auditorium pipe organ is a sight and sound treat – well, better than dessert. Violins, cello’s, bassoons, base, snare and kettle drums, gongs and chimes and flutes and brass, and the united voices of people from all over the face of the earth singing has to be as close to a heavenly choir as this reporter may ever hear. I’ve stood on the rim of the Grand Canyon, and seen the sun rise on Denali, Mt McKinley, and I think this is as grand and majestic as either.

Today (Sunday) will begin with Worship in the Auditorium including communion. Imagine table after table covered with colorful cloths from exotic places, and filled with stacks of trays of Communion Emblems; then carried by a small army of servers to share with somewhere around sixteen hundred conference attendees. It’s a powerful visual delight to watch, and an uplifting experience to be a part of.

So until tomorrow, faithful readers, may God bless your worship today, and may you find new color, and a renewed sense of purpose and calling in the many places you live, and work, and learn, and play. See you here tomorrow.

Seventy Bob

Saturday, March 24

2007-03-24T09:15:00.001-07:00

Good Morning Readers,

It’s a beautiful morning here in Independence. Birds are chirping outside the window. The grass is green and flowers are poking their colorful heads through the hard earth. Very few signs of winter past are visible and spring has officially sprung here in the mid-west. Spring – the season of hope. The hope that winter won’t last forever; the hope that color and life will return to the cold ground; that new life is coming.

That’s the mood of the folks who gather here every other year from the four corners of the earth. Some come with hope – alive and bubbling over. They come from places where the church is alive and breathing and growing and living. Others come, weighed down, looking for hope; hope that just by being here that they will catch the Spirit and take it back to their small struggling congregation, and bring life anew in their places.

That’s what the church leadership is hoping also. Not that the church will just grow – bigger. But that the church will come alive, and just like the spring flowers, poke it’s colorful head out of the hard soil of doubt, apathy, selfishness, and greed, and offer color, texture, scent to the communities that have been hardened by a blast of winter. We don’t just need bigger communities, we need vibrant communities, warmed by the breath of Heaven, nourished by the Living Water of Jesus Christ, and on fire with the flame of the Holy Spirit. Communities that know the source of Hope, that share the source of Hope, and live out the gospel in caring, accepting, affirming ways.

And so it begins tonight, opening ceremonies, roll call of nations, flags unfurled, greetings from the Mayor, the Graceland University orchestra. Can you hear the call? Can you feel the hope? Is there a place today, for you to “Share Christ, Share Peace”?

This reporter is excited by the hope of what awaits; by the promise of the day, and the week, and the future. Enjoy your day. And I’ll be right here tomorrow, to share more insights, more news, and more of the conference experience. Till then, may God bless you with an outpouring of Love.

Seventy Bob

Friday, March 23

2007-03-23T07:24:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Faithful Readers, and some new ones added this year,

This is your roving reporter preparing to cover another world wide news event just for you. Community of Christ World Conference 2007 is just about to begin. Independence, MO. has been "abuzz" for weeks now making preparation for an influx of several thousand folks from all over the world. Some people have been traveling for days or even weeks already. Some, like this reporter, will start early today. Some will just walk a block or two to get there. But get there we will. And tomorrow the "big event" kicks off.

It's going to be all new this year "they" have been saying for some time. A different type of conference. A new format. A new look. What does it all mean? Well stay tuned and this reporter will do his best with words and hopefully some pictures to help you feel like you're there.

One new and exciting happening is that during Conference this year Habitat for Humanity will be building a house in Independence and service minded conference goers will have ample time to plug in and help raise a house for some deserving family.

So look for this column, hopefully daily, for all the exciting activities, and news that are always a part of World Conference. This reporter and family start the trip in a few minutes.

So until tomorrow, this is your fellow servant saying, "Share Christ, Share Peace"

Seventy Bob

Conference Photos

2007-03-22T09:21:00.000-07:00

The photos that illustrate these reports are provided by Bob Walker, John Weese, and Jim Doty, Jr. The photos by John and Bob are taken at the 2007 World Conference. Jim's photos come from the 2004 and 2005 World Conferences.

Conference Reports on Two blogs

2007-03-21T09:27:00.000-07:00

Seventy Bob's conference reports will be posted on two blogs: Ministry.JimDoty.com and WConf2007.Blogspot.com. Bookmark both sites in case one site is temporarily down. The only difference is that the reports are split at the Ministry blog so only the title and lead-in of each report appears on the "front page" and you click on "more" to see the rest of the report. The full reports appear on the "front page" of the WConf2007 blog.

The photos with the reports are pulled from a photo album at a third site. If the album site is temporarily down, the reports will still appear but without the photos.

Letter of Counsel

2007-03-20T21:57:00.000-07:00

Stephen M. Veazey, President, Community of Christ
Photo © Jim Doty Jr.

Letter of Counsel Regarding
the Presiding Quorums

One of the particular responsibilities of the prophet-president of the church is to constantly engage in discerning the divinity and timeliness of calls to World Church leadership roles. This is a responsibility that I take very seriously because of the obvious significant impact in the lives of persons and in the life of the church. Calls to the presiding quorums of the church begin to emerge from the consideration of many factors, perspectives, needs, and opportunities that must be carefully weighed, including the awareness that more than one person may be qualified to serve in a particular role. Ultimately, however, such calls are presented in faithful response to the spirit of wisdom and revelation that emanates God, which always exceeds the reasoning of humankind. Therefore, after much listening, prayer, and reflection, it is with deeply felt humility and profuse gratitude to God that I present the following counsel regarding the presiding quorums of the church.

To the Councils, Quorums, and Orders, to the World Conference, and to the Church:

1. Kenneth N. Robinson has served for thirty years as a World Church minister, including sixteen years in the Council of Twelve and eleven years in the Quorum of the First Presidency. Brother Robinson has fulfilled his calling as a counselor to two presidents of the church in an exceptional manner. In 2005 Ken played an indispensable role in guiding the process of presidential transition as a member of the interim First Presidency. Ken shall now be released from the Quorum of the First Presidency and afforded the honor of retirement at an appropriate date. Ken’s outstanding contributions to the evangelistic, intercultural, leadership development, strategic planning, and community formation ministries of the church have been a genuine blessing in the fields he served as an apostle and during his tenure in the Presidency. His visionary work regarding the relationship between the ministries of the Temple and global church mission has laid a foundation for creative endeavor that will shape the church for many generations. Freed from the arduous burdens of administrative responsibility in the Presidency, Ken is called to serve in the office of evangelist. As an evangelist, his ministerial gifts and spiritual insights will be further magnified to bless the worldwide church as it seeks to truly become a prophetic community that authentically represents the healing, reconciling, and redemptive ministries of Jesus Christ.

2. As previously communicated to the church, the First Presidency approved Danny A. Belrose’s request to be released from his role as the Presiding Evangelist and to retire from church appointment on his planned retirement date of April 30, 2006. Brother Belrose served for twenty-five years as a field appointee, member of the Council of Twelve, and as the Presiding Evangelist. His ministry was marked by his evangelistic zeal, invigorating humor, and his unsurpassed ability to help the church accept its imperfect humanity along with its great potential to be a vessel of divine blessing in creation. Danny’s creative genius for crafting sermons, hymn texts, and poetic expressions that proclaim spiritual truths has helped the church to see the essence of the gospel with new eyes. The church looks forward with great anticipation to Danny’s continued service as an evangelist, author, pastoral minister, and educator during his years of retirement.

3. Larry R. Norris has served as an appointee minister for twenty-seven years, including fifteen years in the Presiding Bishopric. He was called to serve as Presiding Bishop in 1996. Brother Norris shall be released from his role as Presiding Bishop and afforded the honor of retirement from appointment. The church is grateful for Larry’s devoted service in the Presiding Bishopric. Concepts and principles of stewardship rooted in the call to respond to God’s lavish grace through growing generosity were birthed under Larry’s leadership. He has also skillfully guided processes whereby the tangible assets and investments of the church have been managed in such a way as to provide increasing funds to support the World Ministries budget, which has been especially important during recent times. Larry is now called to serve in the office of evangelist. As an evangelist, he will function as a minister of spiritual blessing for those who need uplift on the wings of hope in the midst of life’s darkness and despair. As he embraces this call, he will discover new dimensions of ministry that will not only confirm, but deepen his testimony of the healing movement of God’s Spirit in creation.

4. John P. Kirkpatrick has served as an appointee minister since 1976 and as a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles since 1988. Brother Kirkpatrick shall be released from the Council of Twelve and afforded the honor of retirement. Upon retirement, he will serve as a high priest under the supervision of the Director of Field Ministries, with the expectation that he will work on strategic projects that will enrich the mission of the church. As an apostle, Jac led the church’s development in a variety of international settings including nations in Africa and Asia. He also helped the church embrace the realities and blessings of cultural diversity more completely through initiatives such as designing more culturally respectful policies and procedures. Additionally, the highly successful WorldService Corps emerged from Jac’s passion for opening additional opportunities for volunteers to serve in ministerial roles throughout the church. Jac may now lay aside the rigors of apostolic ministry with the assurance that his contributions not only have, but will continue to enrich the lives of many people all over the world.

In order to fill the vacancies thus created, the following counsel is given in response to the persistent promptings of the Spirit:

5. Becky L. Savage is called to serve as a member of the First Presidency and as a counselor to the president of the church. Sister Savage is exceptionally prepared for church leadership through her family heritage, professional training, theological education, and distinguished service as a high priest and World Church appointee minister. Her calm and reasoned manner, coupled with her astute awareness of the movements of the Holy Spirit, will serve her and her colleagues well in the years ahead. As a member of the Presidency, Becky will continue to provide overall direction to evolving comprehensive leadership and priesthood formation initiatives that are indispensable to the church’s vitality and forward movement. In addition, she will prove to be instrumental in accelerating the church’s proactive response to gender and cultural biases and inequalities resident in church life as she gives voice to the insights and sensitivities that have been given her in divine anticipation of this call. While this call may seem daunting at times, Becky may respond with confidence to the sure witness of the Spirit that she is called to the Presidency according to her gifts for such a time as this.

6. Awareness of David R. Brock’s call to serve as the Presiding Evangelist of the church has been emerging for some time and has recently been reiterated by the Spirit’s clear direction. Brother Brock’s compassion, spiritual perception, language ability, and years of service as an apostle upon the isles and continents of the world, have fully prepared him for this call. He has the spiritual insights and gifts that will help the church experience the unifying, reviving, and sending breath of God’s Spirit in ways that are especially needed at this time. Through his leadership, the Order of Evangelists will gain additional understanding of its role as ministers of blessing and builders of sacred community grounded in the peace of Christ. He is also called to help the youth and young adults of the church discover transformative encounter with God’s Spirit as the foundational reality of responsible life and healthy relationships. If the church will truly heed David’s written and spoken guidance, it will begin to understand more precisely the spiritual language, attitudes, and behaviors that engender abundant life in the peaceable Kingdom of God as revealed by Jesus Christ.

7. Stephen M. Jones is called to serve as the Presiding Bishop of the church. Brother Jones’s prior experience in industry and, more recently, as a counselor to the Presiding Bishop, coupled with his vibrant witness of the essential relationships between God’s grace, faithful discipleship, and generous stewardship, equip him well for this new responsibility. As Steve embraces this calling in faith and confidence, he will discover new opportunities for teaching the principles of A Disciple’s Generous Response among diverse groups of people throughout the world, including younger generations of disciples and disciples-to-be. As Presiding Bishop, Steve is also called to continue to focus the efforts of the bishops on their primary calling: to inspire church members to share generously through local and world ministries tithes and the offering of surplus so that the ministries of the church may increase. He is also called to continue exploration of how the church’s assets can be developed and better aligned in support of mission priorities.

Counsel is also given through the impress of the Spirit regarding the subsequent vacancies in the Council of Twelve and the Presiding Bishopric:

8. J. Andrew Bolton is called from his current roles as a seventy and in peace and justice ministries to serve as an apostle and member of the Council of Twelve Apostles. During a time when the Council of Twelve is clarifying the nature and scope of its witness, Brother Bolton will contribute vital perspective, knowledge, and vision. A native of the United Kingdom, Andrew’s educational and work experience in England, Wales, the United States, Germany, Spain, and Japan, plus his commitment to living in just and compassionate Christ-centered community, shall be given greater opportunity for expression through his apostolic ministry. Andrew’s humble yet eager willingness to answer the call to share the blessings of the gospel with the poor and oppressed of the world will bring desperately needed hope and opportunity to many who suffer under heavy burdens of humiliation and despair. Also, his knowledge of the world’s major faith traditions will enable him to build bridges of understanding in the spirit of Christ’s message of love of neighbor and peacemaking in a world of religious conflict.

9. Carlos Enrique Mejia is called from his current ministry as a seventy in Central America to serve as an apostle and as a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles. Brother Mejia’s passionate witness of the gospel, including his own conversion, linked with his church leadership experience in Latin America, position him to make a significant contribution to the growth of the church, especially among, but not limited to, Spanish-speaking people. Carlos’s boundless desire to be a faithful servant of Jesus Christ in any circumstance of life distinguishes him as one who knows the heart and essence of the gospel message. His unique insight and testimony will bless the church with a better understanding of God’s will for creation, including God’s unwavering, passionate concern for earth’s multitudes who do not yet have access to the economic, political, and educational opportunities enjoyed by others. Carlos should accept the call to be an apostle with full assurance that his witness and leadership are needed and will be greatly valued.

10. R. Paul Davis is called to continue as a counselor to the Presiding Bishop and as a member of the Presiding Bishopric. Since the last World Conference, Brother Davis has demonstrated an unusual capacity to master the complexities of church financial operations and organizational processes. He has freely offered his expertise during organizational redesign in the face of serious budget constraints, including taking on additional heavy responsibilities as needed. Paul should now be afforded greater opportunity in the Presiding Bishopric to apply his spiritual insights, theological knowledge, and communication skills to help the church more fully practice faithful stewardship principles. He is called to be persistent and creative in response to the challenge of expanding the numbers of faithful stewards, especially younger members, who support the local and world ministries of the church.

11. David J. Brown has worked closely with various Presiding Bishoprics during his thirty-three years of executive minister service. He is now called to serve as a counselor to the Presiding Bishop and as a member of the Presiding Bishopric. Dave has an unwavering commitment to the stewardship vision, principles, and practices of the church as they have been defined and honed over the generations. His professional expertise in financial accounting practices, investment strategies, and budget management processes clearly qualify him for this role. In addition, David carries a spirit of unassuming servant ministry that draws attention away from himself and toward the Christ, who comes among us as one who serves. The weaving of Dave’s gifts with those of his colleagues in the quorum will form a Presiding Bishopric that has the capacity to wisely manage the church’s temporal resources and effectively promote the liberating truths of A Disciple’s Generous Response while maximizing the funding available to support the expanding ministries of the church.

I also wish to give the following guidance regarding the leadership of the Quorum of High Priests:

12. William M. Barnhard, who will soon retire from more than thirty-two years of church appointment, has served in a number of World Church leadership roles. Most recently, Brother Barnhard has functioned as Director of Human Resource Ministries and as President of the Quorum of High Priests. During his tenure as president of the quorum, Bill guided a visionary educational process that clarified the ministries of the high priest in today’s church. In light of his approaching retirement, Bill shall be honorably released from his role as President of the Quorum of High Priests. This action comes with great appreciation for his willing and capable service as a quorum presiding officer while carrying other major responsibilities in the church.

13. To fill the need for quorum leadership, Jane M. Gardner is called to serve as president of the Quorum of High Priests. Sister Gardner has been a member of the quorum leadership team during a pivotal time of exploration and renewed emphasis on the ministry of the high priest. Jane is prepared through experience, spiritual maturity, and inherent giftedness to provide leadership to the quorum. She is called to work with the quorum leadership team to continue to envision and implement ways to motivate and equip high priests around the world to function to their fullest capacity according to the needs and opportunities before the church. In conjunction with this calling, Jane is to provide leadership to the continued unfolding of the ministries of the Temple for the blessing of the church, with adjustment to her duties at international headquarters to allow sufficient time to fulfill her quorum and Temple ministries responsibilities.

With sincere appreciation for the sacrificial service of those being released from their respective roles, may the World Conference now prayerfully consider the approval of the calls of the persons named in this letter, who have indicated their willingness to bear leadership responsibilities on behalf of the church as a witness of their devotion to the cause of Christ.

In the peace of Christ,
Stephen M. Veazey, President

Coming Soon!

2007-03-18T21:12:00.000-07:00

The biennial World Conference of the Community of Christ will be held in Independence, Missouri the last week in March. Conference reports by Seventy Bob will appear here.