group, and then (an item not noticed by all groups) the implications of this for
the kind of leadership we need from the next bishop.
The reports touched on strengthening and extending many uses of the
General Church, including education, outreach and focusing on essential
doctrines for the sake of life, with several groups mentioning engaging and
bringing along the next generation, attention to the global church, volunteer
service, and a comprehensive approach to translation from training to
publication, so the Writings are available in all languages.
The reports also touched on means of delivery, including marketing,
social media, hardcopy publication of the Writings, and the clear articulation
of vision, mission and the higher reality’s relationship to our lives. Giving
attention to the tone of our message was mentioned, as well, as a way to open
dialogue and find common ground. Needed from the next bishop were things
to facilitate the above, especially leadership in the study of the Word and
setting a tone of dialogue.
The session ended with a few minutes of open microphone, during which
thoughts were shared about a sense of rift between the clergy and the church
and the resulting damage and whether this stemmed from differences in
assumptions and frames of reference. Appreciation was expressed for how
apparent it was from this gathering that we are truly an international church.
And a question was raised as to whether people had expected this meeting to
talk about the qualities of the next executive bishop, priorities among them,
and the process to be used, and whether people wanted to direct this time to
those topics.
When a show of hands indicated that a number of people had hoped
for such discussion, they were invited to meet afterwards in another room.
To close the session, Ned invited Bishop Keith to summarize the afternoon’s
discussion, but he felt that our tradition of the executive bishop not choosing
his successor made it prudent for him to excuse himself from speaking to this
part of the process.
About a dozen people met upstairs in the Dining Hall for half an hour.
Concerns were voiced about the potential outcome of the nominating process
and the church’s response, in its present state, without more lay participation.
Gratitude was expressed for the leadership of the current executive bishop
and hopes for the next. Some felt that an appointed assistant-to-the bishop
presents the church with an “heir apparent” and sought alternatives to avoid
this circumstance in the future.
After a variety of views had been expressed, those gathered joined the
clergy, board and spouses for a social hour in progress in the Dining Hall and
on the patio.
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