wfn.org | COB - Delegates approve church bylaws, act on two queries

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

> Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania -- July 5, 2010

Delegates voted to approve revised bylaws for the Church of the Brethren, and 
acted on two queries during the Annual Conference business sessions on Monday, 
July 5 in Pittsburgh, Pa.

The Annual Conference adopted revised bylaws for the Church of the Brethren and 
addressed a query on the structure of Annual Conference during business 
sessions today. Also addressed was a query on guidelines for implementation of 
the Congregational Ethics Paper (report to come).

> Query: The Structure of Annual Conference

Delegates gave overwhelming support to the Standing Committee recommendation to 
adopt the query on the structure of Annual Conference, and to refer its 
concerns to the Annual Conference Revitalization Task Force--a body that 
recently was put in place by the Annual Conference officers.

The query asks, "What ways are there to structure Annual Conference that might more 
effectively fulfill the mission of Annual Conference to unite, strengthen, and equip the 
Church of the Brethren to follow Jesus?"

Standing Committee delegate Vicky Ullery, from Southern Ohio District, told how a group 
of pastors from Southern Ohio initiated this query. She said it was not designed to do 
away with the business function of Annual Conference but soeeks to uncover ways of 
enhancing Annual Conference?s function of strengthening unity and equipping the church to 
be the church. Words such as passion, energy, joy, and enthusiasm describe the hope for 
what Annual Conference may become. The Revitalization Task Force was not yet formed when 
the query was initiated. Ullery stated that when the query writers discovered that others 
also were working to address the issue, they felt confirmed that this seeming coincidence 
was a "God thing."

Many people spoke from the floor in favor of the motion, some making 
suggestions for the task force to consider. Several hoped for more of the 
flavor of National Youth Conference. Moderator Shawn Flory Replogle noted that 
two members of the task force have been NYC staffers.

Query: Guidelines for Implementation of the Congregational Ethics Paper

The delegate also overwhelmingly approved adoption of this query and the Standing 
Committee recommendation "that it be referred to a committee consisting of the 
appropriate Congregational Life staff and three persons appointed by the Annual 
Conference officers and confirmed by Standing Committee."

The query asks, "Would it not be helpful and contribute toward the unity of the Body 
if Annual Conference developed a uniform denominational process by which districts might 
deal with a congregation that engages in questionable ethical activity?"

Standing Committee?s recommendation was presented by delegate Roger Forry from 
Western Pennsylvania District, which brought the query. During discussion 
district executive minister Ron Beachley noted that since the Ministerial 
Ethics paper contains a specific process to follow in the event of allegations 
of ministerial conduct, there was a desire also to have a similar process 
applicable to  congregations.

Some who spoke from the floor were concerned about the scope of the committee?s 
mandate, whether the group was only to answer yes or no to the question in the 
query, or was to also come up with the process. Moderator Shawn Flory Replogle 
conferred with the officers and said if the committee decides a process is 
needed, they will move forward to develop it, and bring it back to a future 
Annual Conference.

Another concern was that a single process applied across all districts may not 
be appropriate because of differences between districts. One person wondered if 
a congregation accused of ethical violations might simply decide to leave the 
denomination, rather than submit to such a process. The presenters pointed out 
that the intent of the congregational ethics paper is to keep both parties in 
relationship and to bring healing and transformation, not punishment.

Nominating Committee of Standing Committee requested delegates to give them 
names of people who may bring particular wisdom and expertise to the committee.

> Church of the Brethren Bylaws Revision

The delegate body accepted a Standing Committee recommendation to adopt the 
revision to the bylaws of the Church of the Brethren by well over the 
two-thirds margin required. The bylaws under revision were adopted in 2008, 
when the former General Board and Association of Brethren Caregivers joined 
together in one organization creating the new structure under which the church 
is now operating.

In 2009, a shorter, clearer revision of the bylaws was brought to Annual 
Conference for a first reading. Delegates were invited to send in suggestions 
and concerns. The process resulted in minor changes to the document, made for 
additional clarity or better  wording.

In discussion before the vote, a few delegates raised concerns or offered comments. One expressed 
concern about the legal language, suggesting that the document not refer to the organization as a 
corporation, but as a church. General secretary Stan Noffsinger replied that the bylaws is a legal 
document, and that such language is necessary in accordance with the laws of Illinois where the 
church corporation legally resides. He noted that the denomination needs to maintain its status as 
a corporation so that member congregations can claim non-profit status. Another delegate added that 
the Latin root of the word "corporation" refers to the "body," meaning that a 
corporation is a group that acts as one body.

Composition of the Mission and Ministry Board was another concern. Following 
these bylaws, the denomination is divided into five areas with two board 
members coming from each, and Brethren populations that vary widely from area 
to area. Noffsinger replied that members of the denominational board have been 
either elected or ratified by the Annual Conference delegate body and always 
have represented the entire denomination, not just their home districts. He 
also noted that the Mission and Ministry Board will continue to receive 
concerns.

The provision that one at-large member of the board can be a person with 
particular expertise who is not a member of the Church of the Brethren also 
prompted concern. Noffsinger replied that he could not envision a scenario in 
which this would be necessary, but that the committee who developed the 
document wanted to provide for the opportunity if needed.

?Frances Townsend is pastor of Onekama (Mich.) Church of the Brethren

> ---------------------------------

The News Team for the 2010 Annual Conference includes writers Karen Garrett, 
Frank Ramirez, Frances Townsend; photographers Kay Guyer, Justin Hollenberg, 
Keith Hollenberg, Glenn Riegel; website staff Amy Heckert and Jan Fischer 
Bachman; and news director and editor Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford. Contact 
cobnews@brethren.org .

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