Tuesday's Thoughts / Remembrances

So much has happened in the last day and a half. I wonder how I can possibly tell it all in just a few sentences. In a few minutes, I need to rush back to the conference chamber for more discussion.

Yesterday in a non-legislative session, we listened to one another on the topic of baptism. All of the details are not clear yet about how we might accept baptisms from other denominations. There is so much to consider like what would be the acceptable age of baptism in another faith? The First Presidency stated that inspired counsel outruns our ability to understand implementation of the counsel. We were reminded "It's not the form of the sacrament...but the divine outpouring of God's grace..." We are promised by the First Presidency that there would be a time of education and training prior to confirmation. Until a detailed policy is in place, our current policies stand. New directions may not be ready until September 2011. Yesterday, 3 unique perspectives were shared from Germany, Fr. Polynesia, and Nicaragua with regards to baptized persons who considered joining Community of Christ. Then opinions were shared from delegates. One comment that stands out in my mind was that it seems too bad that membership is attached to the issue of baptism. An interesting question was raised..."Why can we accept baptism from another church but not confirmation?"
We were encouraged to experience the presence of God, to express diverse view points, to liste to each other with open hearts and minds in order to help members grow in discipleship, to help each other understand the complexities of the issues and to let others be who they are.
One person described our experience thus far as a powerful week of entering into discussions. Some are on one side of the fence while others are on the other and still some sit on the fence. But no matter which side of the fence you're on, we need to get rid of the fence. We have a proverb that states, "Good fences create good neighbours." It's time we get rid of the fences.

This morning in our non-legislative session, we listened to various people describe to us some complex issues that are foreign to me. Rashni talked about the status of women in India. Ben from Australia shared his pain over cohabitation in an accepting culture and how it rubs up against our standards for priesthood. Robert Wanga from Africa spoke about spouse inheritance. Douglas Graves from California share his experience of acceptance / non-acceptance of homosexuality in Community of Christ. Michelle from Haiti expressed just how taboo it is to even have a discussion about homosexuality, even with your spouse.
We were asked to share with one other person what our hopes and fears are surrounding issues of behaviour and relationships and what questions we need answers for. On question presented to the whole group was, "If this document should pass, what harm might come to some areas of the church?" The response was that hopefully the likelihood of harm would be reduced. Apostle Andrew Bolton spoke eloquently about how this document makes the statement that we will not stand for victims of any sort. We will not tolerate crucifixion of any kind.