Page break

I'm serving as a distribution page at this afternoon's plenary session, so I won't be blogging it, per the assembly rules. Sorry to anyone who's checking here for news from the assembly. I'll be live again tomorrow.

Sunrise at my post

I've got this all worked out now. (Except for the getting up before the sun part... Don't think I'll ever come to terms with that.) I'm at my usual corner on Randolph and Columbus. The guy who walks his Westie through Millennium Park just walked past. I've got a copy of the free daily Red Eye from the Tribune for when things are slow. I'm perched on a retaining wall at the Aon Center, my feet bare, my beverage beside me. Here comes the Westie again, and some of our walkers are on the return trip.

It's almost too bad tomorrow will be my last morning out here.

Please note I said, "almost." ;)

Leisure time

Taking in the Art Institute of Chicago. All I can say is, "Wow." 30 minutes till the doors close - gotta keep moving.

TIDBITS - Plenary 7

Debate has closed for the day on memorials related to human sexuaity. Memorials regarding the blessing of same-sex partners in a committed relationship were referred to the task force studying the issue, for their consideration toward the social statement to be considered in 2009, per the recommendation of the memorials committee.

27 (?) memorials related to ordaining non-celibate GLBT persons in committed relationships, and removing from discipline currently ordained ministers who are in such relationships was debated for most of the hour set aside for this topic today. As the order of the day was called, ending debate for today, the memorials committee's recommendation to refer these memorials as well to the task force was being considered againt a substitute resolution which would enact varioua provisions called for in the memorials, opening up ordained ministry in the church to non-celibate gays and lesbians.

Much of the debate time was taken up by parliamentary considerations and clarifications, since the overlapping memorials and motions from the floor created a good deal of confusion, as well as complication for the chair to navigate.

On a personal note, I was impressed with and surprised by the go-for-broke approach of the alternate resolution. Without speaking to the issue itself, that was a gutsy and provocative move, which certainly makes this assembly more interesting.

At the moment, the assembly is hearing speeches by the eight remaining candidates for secretary. I think I'm headed for the shuttle buses to the hotel.. And some supper.

TIDBITS - Plenary 7

Following the ecumenical greetings, the assembly is now movng on to the report of the memorials committee, considering the memorials (requests) from synod assemblies to the churchwide assembly. A major issue before the assembly once more is what to do with memorials from several synods calling for change in the church's policy on homosexuality and ordaining non-celibate homosexual people.

A motion was made that the assembly stop for one minute of silent prayer for the unity of the church at the beginning of consideration of same_sex relationships, and every 20 minutes during that conversation, which was passed 773-190.

Now we begin...

TIDBITS - Plenary 7

Following the ecumenical greetings, the assembly is now movng on to the report of the memorials committee, considering the memorials (requests) from synod assemblies to the churchwide assembly. A major issue before the assembly once more is what to do with memorials from several synods calling for change in the church's policy on homosexuality and ordaining non-celibate homosexual people.

A motion was made that the assembly stop for one minute of silent prayer for the unity of the church at the beginning of consideration of same_sex relationships, and every 20 minutes during that conversation, which was passed 773-190.

Now we begin...

TIDBITS - Plenary 7

Rev. Deborah DeWinter from the World Council of Churches brought greetings and thanks on behalf of the secretary general of the WCC. She recognized the ELCA's commitment to ecumenism, particularly its commitment to providing mentoring to young adult leaders in the ecumenical movement. She spoke of "the gifts of grace inherent in every tradition and in every culture around the world," and of the WCC's mission to develop "an ecumenical space, a holy space for engagement in God's word."

Clare Chapmann brought greetings from the council and member churches of the National Council of Churches. She discussed the NCC's work with Augsburg Fortress to put an accurate, reliable translation of the Bible into the hands of people. Scripture is a "porch light" to us, she said, showing us where our home is. We must light the light for those in darkness, living scripture into our lives together. She described ways in which the NCC has applied this witness to issues of social justice - food, security and health - in the U.S.