General Synod

I just returned today from six days of inspiration, discernment and worship at the 30th General Synod of the United Church of Christ. This was my thirteenth Synod experience and, by far, the most exhilarating celebration of the Church that I have witnessed. Here is why.

Firstly, on the first day of business, the Supreme Court of the United Stated released a ruling that said that States may no longer restrict marriage rights from those of same genders. While not everyone agrees with that decision - nor does everyone support it - the determination marked the realization of decades of work by the United Church of Christ. The response that we may make to those who disagree, or who seek to understand how a church can support such a ruling, is simple. The United Church of Christ stands with Christ in applied love and acceptance of all people, even if that stance seems to differ from Biblical principles that are derived from and developed within particular human contexts. Regardless of who, what race, what ethnicity, what gender, what economic or social status, what life-style, what sexuality, what politics, the United Church of Christ seeks to accept all people.

Secondly, the United Church of Christ called and installed the next General Minister and President of the denomination. His name is John C. Dorhauer, a seminary classmate of mine, who is a recognized expert in the field of white, male privilege and a warm, engaging minister and pastor. Though a middle class, straight, white male, John offers us an opportunity to see ourselves, and our callings, from new perspectives. As another friend of mine says about John, "He offers me hope for the future of the Church." I concur. This was a fine choice for General Minister and President of the Church. John will help us maneuver paths toward justice and peace among all persons.

Thirdly, and I think most importantly, the United Church of Christ is finally matching the arc of social evolution with its ministry and mission focus. The denomination had always been out ahead. We looked too liberal, too progressive, odd and dangerous. Now, with recent social and cultural evolutionary steps, the United Church of Christ is reflective of and relevant to the directions of the world in which we live and serve. Culture is moving. So is the United Church of Christ! Finally, we seem to be moving together!

At Synod, I served as a member of a committee that deliberated a resolution of attaining a just peace in the Israeli-Palestinian territories, including boycott, disinvestment and sanction in relationship to companies that profit from acts of violence and exclusion in the territories. After some amendment, this resolution was overwhelmingly ratified by the plenary. Another, related resolution on Israel-Palestine failed, however, mainly because it sought to label the climate in Israel-Palestine as "Apartheid." Those who lived through the 70's may remember the Apartheid government in South Africa, where a racial minority ruled over a racial majority. Because of the distinctions between that situation and that of Israel-Palestine, and because the term is incendiary, the resolution was rejected by the plenary. While human rights violations have certainly come to light, the commitment of the UCC is to a resolution of the conflicts instead of a further incitement of the divisions.

The Worship of General Synod 30 was inventive, inspiration, meaningful and powerful. Shiloh will be seeing some of that worship form and content throughout the summer months. We hope that you will attend, being part of this congregation and the denomination to which we belong. We are the United Church of Christ, where we encounter God in unexpected places and through unanticipated means. Help the world encounter God with us, as we stand with Christ in applying unconditional love and acceptance.