General Conference
Day 5
April 27, 2008
Some people seem to thrive in the spotlight. We have been meeting now for five days and there are definitely a certain number of people who seem to love to secure the microphone. It’s also interesting sitting where I sit now and watching the body struggle to stay on task. Many questions are raised concerning trivial matters that consume time and take us away from the heart of our discussions. Shepherding a large group like this without being offensive and insensitive is quite an art form.
Today we heard another excellent sermon from Bishop Minerva Carcano. She talked about Jesus and the Gerasene demoniac and began to talk about modern day outcasts: immigrants who are dying in the desert, those who are suffering from poverty even though we thrive in our abundance, and those who are paralyzed by fear.
It’s kind of like the microphones at General Conference – some dominate the floor, while others struggle to find the way to have their voices heard. There are over 1,000 delegates here – all elected delegates – all with the same rights & privileges – all God’s children. Yet, I still hear people referring to the delegates from Africa & the Philippines as “the foreign delegates.” And I still notice that many of them feel out of place and disenfranchised. They are here, but have we really included them? They are elected just as the US delegates are, but do they feel any sense of welcome or hospitality?
We are a work in progress at this General Conference. There is an undeniably good spirit in this place. People are working and praying and finding a way to laugh. It’s been a good week so far.
Yet, just as with our human family, this family needs to continue to work toward a greater sense of inclusiveness, a stronger extension of hospitality, and a deeper acceptance of all God’s children.
Outcasts? Not in the kingdom of God and I pray not at General Conference. Come to the microphone, one and all. We need your voice. It is an important part of who we are! You are welcome and needed here!
The Journey Continues, . . .
Day 5
April 27, 2008
Some people seem to thrive in the spotlight. We have been meeting now for five days and there are definitely a certain number of people who seem to love to secure the microphone. It’s also interesting sitting where I sit now and watching the body struggle to stay on task. Many questions are raised concerning trivial matters that consume time and take us away from the heart of our discussions. Shepherding a large group like this without being offensive and insensitive is quite an art form.
Today we heard another excellent sermon from Bishop Minerva Carcano. She talked about Jesus and the Gerasene demoniac and began to talk about modern day outcasts: immigrants who are dying in the desert, those who are suffering from poverty even though we thrive in our abundance, and those who are paralyzed by fear.
It’s kind of like the microphones at General Conference – some dominate the floor, while others struggle to find the way to have their voices heard. There are over 1,000 delegates here – all elected delegates – all with the same rights & privileges – all God’s children. Yet, I still hear people referring to the delegates from Africa & the Philippines as “the foreign delegates.” And I still notice that many of them feel out of place and disenfranchised. They are here, but have we really included them? They are elected just as the US delegates are, but do they feel any sense of welcome or hospitality?
We are a work in progress at this General Conference. There is an undeniably good spirit in this place. People are working and praying and finding a way to laugh. It’s been a good week so far.
Yet, just as with our human family, this family needs to continue to work toward a greater sense of inclusiveness, a stronger extension of hospitality, and a deeper acceptance of all God’s children.
Outcasts? Not in the kingdom of God and I pray not at General Conference. Come to the microphone, one and all. We need your voice. It is an important part of who we are! You are welcome and needed here!
The Journey Continues, . . .
Labels: General Conference
posted by Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton @ 12:28 PM
4 Comments:
At April 28, 2008 at 4:21 PM ,
Keith H. McIlwain said...
Incidentally, Bishop...I'm trying to follow other blogs like yours, and your concern about the treatment of our "non-U.S" delegates seems spot on. Folks from varying theological perspectives seem to share your concern. Maybe that recognition is a good sign, and perhaps we can think of ways to affirm those in our own Annual Conference who have "non-traditional" backgrounds.
At April 28, 2008 at 10:12 PM ,
Unknown said...
Good post Bishop. I heard Bishop Carcano speak at SPLAT 2007. I once did a study trip to Nogales, Arizona and then crossed the border into Nogales, Sonora. I was surprised then to hear of the number of those dying in the desert. Here in Western PA, we do not often hear of the struggles thousands of indivuduals go through to survive along the border. I also witnessed first hand a few of the injustices taking place right across our border by American companies. Bishop Carcano is an inspiration to many. I pray that our eyes will open more fully as we strive to be inclusive of our brothers and sisters throughout the world. Blessings to you as you continue to minister to the needs at General Conference.
At April 28, 2008 at 10:45 PM ,
OneFehlSwoop said...
It's difficult, yet not unexpected, to hear that many of the "foreign" delegates are there, but not included. I'm glad that you are noticing them, and hopefully getting to know them! Give my greetings to any brothers and sisters from Mozambique!
- Jonathan
At May 8, 2008 at 6:24 PM ,
smkyqtzxtl said...
To tell you honestly, our own annual conference could use tweaking in terms of making folks feel welcome.
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