Lay Delegate Report 26th General Conference 2016

July 4 – 8, 2016 Victoria, BC, Canada

emerge

Arise, shine; for your light has come! Isaiah 60:1

During this conference, we were asked to Emerge into the calling were we refreshed our vision and empowered one another to continue the important work of demanding, proclaiming and doing justice in the world.

I had the fortunate opportunity to attend on behalf of MCC of Northern Virginia (MCC NOVA) the Metropolitan Community Churches 26th General Conference in Victoria, British Colombia, Canada. I was honored to be there for MCC NOVA to provide voice and vote for my congregation on the new Moderator election, Governing Board (GB) elections, GB proposals, vote for a new Statement of Faith and various bylaw changes. This conference offered 3 Plenary speakers throughout the week which were all very inspiring.

• Monday, July 4th – Ani Zonneveld – was born and raised as Muslim from Malaysia. She brought a message of social justice and peace from a progressive Muslim woman’s perspective.

• Wednesday, July 6th – Mariela Castro – She was the Human Rights Plenary

speaker and is the daughter of Cuban president Raul Castro and feminist. She is an advocate fighting for the rights and protection of LGBT people against discrimination based on gender identity or people living with HIV/AIDS.

• Thursday, July 7th – Jennifer Finney Boylan – praised author and professor.

She is an activist for LGBT people and trans men and women in particular. The conference also had three featured entertainers during the week who kept us laughing, singing and moving to the beat.

• Sunday, July 3rd – Bobby Jo Valentine – is a singer and songwriter who writes songs that travel light, but “grow deeper and deeper with each further listen”. He was born in a Baptist Church of strict lines and sharp edges. He lives north of San Francisco with his partner. His music was awe inspiring and a joy to listen to.

• Tuesday, July 5th – Vickie Shaw – Her Southern US Style belies her sharp edged

with and hilarity. Everyone loved her humor! She gets her comedy from her

life experiences. She kept the audience laughing until their faces hurt and ribs cracked!

• Thursday, July 7th – Jade Esteban Estrada – Latin pop singer, comedian,

burlesque performer, dancer, choreographer, go-go boy, actor, journalist, political commentator and human rights activist. He is considered the “first gay Latin star.”

The worship services each morning and evening were spirit filled, musically exemplary and provided powerful messages to MCCer’s all over the world. During worship we heard about the following:

• Sunday Worship – (Rev. Elder Freda Smith) • Coming Out: Leaving Comfortable Places – General Conference (Rev. Dr.

Nancy Wilson) • Open: Into the Light – Global Justice Institute (Rev. Miak Siew from Singapore) • Clergy Well-Being – (Rev. Elder Tony Freeman) • Unfold: Claiming New Possibilities – Emerging Church Program (Brandiilyne

Dear) • Office of Church Life & Health Revitalization (Rev. Brad Rice) • Let Go: Leaving behind what we don’t need – Rainbow Railroad (Dr. Marcia

McFee & Jordan Decker) • Matching Gift for MCC’s future (Rev. Elder Margarita Sanchez De Leon) • Fly Daring New Heights – Council of Elders (Rev. Dr. Roland Stringfellow)

On Monday, July 4th there was the Business Forum where we went over the following:

• Overview of election procedures • Report from the Moderator Nominating Committee:

o During this time each candidate gave a 5 minute speeches. Below is a

synopsis of their individual speeches:

• Rev. Elder Diane Fisher: Over ½ my life in MCC, Gentle Shepherd MCC in Sarasota, FL. Pastor, regional elder, Canadian, mother. Deep roots in the margins of life. We are needed and essential. Churches are struggling – doing amazing work and yet struggling. Need to close the gap between local churches and leadership as the local churches are what we are about. Use what we already have and if it doesn't work change it. We need to find a way to have everyone at the table – globally. Look to our youth – need to realize that some of us need to change – we need to hear the voices of our youth. We can learn a lot from each other. We have a unique vision. We are many nations and any races. Need not judge but

welcome. Be open to one another. Need to be bold in claiming who we are – moving forward in our struggle for justice.

• Rev. Elder Darlene Garner: 1976 - came into MCC. Stayed with MCC = Christian community, Christian social action and Christian. Many roles in MCC and gained board experiences. Political process doesn’t always mean we are safe. This is a time thought that MCC is needed – but we are needed now as much as it was in 1968. Continued presence is absolutely necessary – through and to our future. We do not face problems we face challenges. In order to touch hearts and transform lives we must be sustainable to future generations.

• Rev. Elder Hector Gutierrez From Mexico – we are in a very interested and demanding time in MCC. Meeting as a family to embrace our different colors and culture. Let the Holy Spirit guide us in decision making. Rejoice and be proud to be MCC.

• Rev. Dr. Irene Laudeman Thanked the MNC. New comer but been involved for 4 years. Vision that draws on decades into experience – turning agencies around. Stabilize our relationships and our finances. A path to revitalize. A leader in the 21st century. Change is difficult. Journey is personal transformation of me. Turned me upside down and sake all the nonsense out of me.

• Report from the Governing Board Nominating Committee o During this time each candidate was asked to give a brief speech:

Lay Candidates

• Kimberly Brown Grew up in MCC – US born. Lived on 6 of 7 continents – thinks globally but acts locally. Attorney – working in nonprofits. Can read policies, tax laws, financial records. I am queer and invite all the other queers!!

• Mark Dalgeish I don’t want it do this – it’s not what I want – it’s what I need to do. It’s about how we can all be better. Worked in a hospice care – looking after the subjective wellbeing that are suffering with challenges and that’s what we are all do. Not equipped to do the work but prepared to do the work.

• Angel Collie Was not in attendance

Clergy Candidates

• Rev. Onetta Brooks Systems engineer for 34 years. Wonderful to go on an adventure even when you aren't sure where it’s going. Not to be invested in being right. Last 6 months taught me to give up my ego and know this isn’t all about me. I bring that bridge of the last 6 years and the lessons learned. I feel called. I’m here for MCC.

• Rev. Dr. Stephanie Burns The decisions we make give us our path. Has tremendous hope for our future. MCC’s full inclusion and still called to be a voice in pain to help obtain peace on earth. Power and equip local MCC’s. Redefine our faith movement, growth, financial growth. Committed to transparency and working collaboratively with you. I work for and am accountable to you – the local MCC’s. As a global movement we still have the ability to make change for the greater good.

• Rev. Joe Cobb Pastor at MCC of the Blue Ridge and President of the PTA at his children’s elementary school. It’s the beautiful that counts. Here on behalf of my children and for those who are uncertain of their own beauty.

• Rev. Jakob Hero Has a Chaplain’s heart and was lead to pastorate. Grew up in MCC as a young adult. This community helped me understand who I am. Communities are nasty, diverse and beautiful. I’m okay with conflict. Spiritual home for those who are marginalized. Conflict is an opportunity for us to discuss our growth.

• Rev. William Hubbard Knight I believe in the power of prayer – Lord is it I. You did not chose me, I chose you! MCC offers you the opportunity to be your authentic self. Want to see MCC prosper. Continues to offers a safe place to be for all of God’s children.

• Report from the Statement of Faith Commission • Proposed Bylaw Amendment Proposals • Report for the Governing Board • Moderator Report

No decisions were made during this time. This forum was a time for questions, answers, and to share point of views.

On Tuesday, July 5th the Business meeting began at 10am and concluded at 5pm. During this time the following activities occurred:

• Adopt Business Agenda - Approved

• Honoring retired clergy since 2013 – 25 retired

• Remembering those who have passed. – 4 have passed away since 2013

• Welcome new clergy - 44 since 2013

• Welcome LEAD graduates - 11 since 2013

• Garner Institute graduate – 1

• LMR graduates – 33

• Recognizing Network Leaders – 25

• Welcome New Churches – since 2013 – 6 – Puerto Rico, Philippines & Brazil

• Welcome Emerging Churches – 46 since 2013

• Welcome Oasis Communities – 9

• Aligned Organizations – 4

• MCC in new countries – 8 countries

• Special Guests – Welcome

Moderator’s Address

Called to be fearless and unshakable and we are not here to serve ourselves. We are not here for our own agendas – but for God’s holy purpose. Globalism is here to stay – it is a way of the world. Dismantling where we are and that is hard and costly. But worth it!! Open yourself up to the Global mission of MCC. A church that cares only for their own will die. We need to be changed – we need to find more ways to have access to us. We still act like a family size denomination – we need to move ahead.

I believe in growing trustworthy leaders – we are make mistakes and we need to ask forgiveness and hold each other accountable in love – listen and believe the best about each other even when we doubt. Relationships don’t just happen – they take work. I have no regrets – 11 years is enough. It’s time for me to reinvent myself and for MCC to reshape itself for the future – I hope to let go in profound ways. I aspire to be as good to our new moderator as Troy Perry has been to me. I hope to see you all in Orlando in 2019 – we will be the same and we will be different. The General Conference has two houses – the Lay house and the Clergy house. In order to win the election – the candidate needed to obtain 50% + 1 of the votes from both houses.

Election of Governing Board

Introduce voting judges – 3 people Practice voting was taken place. Vote to approve the GMNC report – approved Names of nominees was read for both clergy and lay delegates running. Results: Voting for the GB results: 185 ballots in clergy house (C) 155 ballots in lay house (L) Clergy vote: Onetta Brooks: C62 -L62 – not voted in Stephanie Burns: C67 - L74 – voted in – 3 year Joe Cobb: C77 - L73 – voted in – 6 year Jakob Hero: C86 - L85 – voted in – 6 year William Knight: C73 - L77 – voted in – 3 year Lay Vote: Kimberly Brown: C85 - L83 - 6 years Angel Collie: C74 - L75 – 3 years Mark Dalgleish: C83 - L86 – 6 years

MCC’s New Governing Board members:

New Clergy members

Stephanie Burns Joe Cobb Jakob Hero William Knight

New Lay Members:

Kimberly Brown Angel Collie Mark Dalgleish

Vote to accept Moderator’s Report

Passed in both houses

Vote to accept Governing Board Report

Passed in both houses

Motion #1 from GB

• Move to form a commission to review the basis of assessments. Report to be presented at a virtual GC within 18 months.

o Passed in both houses

Motion #2 from GB

• Move Article IX.B.1 – Church Finances – move to policy handbook to sit alongside the assessment.

o Amendment to add the word church after affiliated – Passed in both houses

o Original motion is passed in both houses

Statement of Faith Commission Vote

• Vote to accept report – Passed in both houses • Vote on Statement of Faith – passes in both houses overwhelming!!

Newly Adopted Statement of Faith

Preamble Metropolitan Community Churches is one chapter in the story of the Church, the Body of Christ. We are people on a journey, learning to live into our spirituality, while affirming our bodies, our genders, our sexualities. We don't all believe exactly the same things. And yet in the midst of our diversity, we build community, grounded in God's radically inclusive love for all people. We are part of an ongoing conversation on matters of belief and faith, shaped by scripture and the historic creeds, building on those who have come before us. Our chapter begins when God says to us: "Come, taste, and see." Our Faith "Come, taste, and see." Jesus Christ, You invite all people to Your open table. You make us your people, a beloved community. You restore the joy of our relationship with God, even in the midst of loneliness, despair, and degradation. We are each unique and we all belong, a priesthood of all believers. Baptized and filled with Your Holy Spirit, You empower us to be Your healing presence in a hurting world. We expect to see Your reign on earth as it is in heaven as we work toward a world where everyone has enough, wars cease, and all creation lives in harmony. We affirm Your charge to all of humanity to care for the land, sea, and air. Therefore, we will actively resist systems and structures which are destroying Your creation. With all of creation we worship You—every tribe, every language, every people, every nation. We know You by many names, Triune God, beyond comprehension, revealed to us in Jesus Christ, who invites us to the feast. Amen.

Statement of Faith Proposal – Step 2

• Creates a repository for MCC Core Documents – passed in both houses

Statement of Faith Proposal – Step 3

• Move to Core documents – passed in both houses

Statement of Faith Proposal – Step 4

• Rename – passed in both houses

Motion #3 – GB

• Move to continue to follow the prescribed assessment rate reduction as schedule – passed in both houses

Bylaw Changes

• Editorial Changes: o Paragraph Renumbering Cleanup – Passed in both houses o Increase to 5 persons – GNC – Passed in both houses

Vote to receive Moderating Nominating Committee report

• Passed in both houses

Moderator Vote

There was a motion on the floor to suspend the election and place an interim Moderator – this was seconded

• Motion failed in both houses We proceeded with the moderator vote after a prayer: First Round Clergy House Fisher 28% Garner 25% Gutierrez 17% Laudeman 18% Abstain 12%

Lay House Fisher 31% Garner 25% Gutierrez 14% Laudeman 22% Abstain 9% Second Round Clergy House Fisher 32% Garner 27% Gutierrez 12% Laudeman 17% Abstain 11% Lay House Fisher 39% Garner 27% Gutierrez 9% Laudeman 15% Abstain 8% Third Round Clergy House Fisher 38% Garner 31% Gutierrez 6% Laudeman 10% Abstain 13% Lay House Fisher 44% Garner 27% Gutierrez 6% Laudeman 12% Abstain 9% After the 3rd vote, Rev. Dr. Irene Laudeman & Rev. Hector Gutierrez decided to withdraw their nominations. Fourth Round Clergy House Fisher 44% Garner 39% Abstain 16%

Lay House Fisher 56% Garner 32% Abstain 10% Even with just two candidates remaining, it was still the case that 84% of the clergy house and 90% of the lay house had at least one candidate that they wanted to see as moderator. However, neither candidate had the required 50% in both houses. At this point, the planned process had been completed, and no candidate had been elected. After some discussion, the General Conference decided to hold one additional round of voting. However, the vote to do this was close, and nearly failed in the clergy house. Fifth Round Clergy House Fisher 42% Garner 30% Abstain 26% Lay House Fisher 60% Garner 26% Abstain 12% The fifth round of voting ended the election process. The moderator position was declared vacant. Due to the vacancy, the Governing Board will have to appoint an interim Moderator until the next General Conference in 2019. Thank you for the opportunity to represent MCC NOVA at our General Conference. It was truly a life changing experience that will go with me through the rest of my life. Mark your calendars now for July 1 -5, 2019, and make plans to join us for the next General Conference in Orlando, Florida, USA! Respectfully Submitted, Jane E. Bennett Lay Delegate, MCC NOVA Fairfax, VA