General Assembly Gathers in Orlando for Worship and Business

The General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) gathered together in Orlando, Florida from July 13 through 17.  This event, held every two years, brings together Disciples from the United States and Canada (and even beyond) for worship, workshops, and time together.  Eastgate was represented at the Assembly by Rev. Joshua Patty, Chuck Pickrel, Tom Rebecchi, and Suzanne Rebecchi.

Worship, as befits a church with a diversity of races, ages, political and theological beliefs, was an eclectic mix of old and new, with a range of music led by a large praise team.  There was liturgical dance and a variety of ways to celebrate the Lord's Supper, to hear scripture (including in multiple languages), and to pray.

The featured preachers challenged those gathered on the Christian understanding of hospitality and welcome in various ways.  They also each passionately expressed hope for the church's future, despite the frequently depressing statistics and cultural context that suggest the church (or at least part of it) is withering away.

The voters of the General Assembly also met to conduct important work of the wider church.  Some of this work was mundane, receiving reports from all of the general ministries (17 in all), including things like Global Ministries, the Pension Fund, and Chalice Press.

In addition, the Assembly voted on a range of business.  Some of it was specific to the General Assembly, including electing new moderators and members of the general church board and approving the time and place of future General Assemblies (the 2017 Assembly will be in Indianapolis).  Some business involved policy changes for the general ministries.   This year, the General Assembly approved an Open Meetings Policy for the General Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and all of its committees and also approved some border changes to regions.

The General Assembly also voted on non-binding statements that seek to offer a "sense of the Assembly" on various issues facing the church, the country, and the world.  Sometimes, these resolutions seem to be "no-brainers," as this year when the Assembly overwhelming approved resolutions opposed to wage theft and the use of torture.  The Assembly also strongly encouraged congregations and ministries to adopt parental leave policies.

Sometimes, though, these resolutions can be divisive.  This certainly was the case for the most anticipated item of business at this year's Assembly, resolution GA-1327, "Becoming a People of Grace and Welcome to All."  While this might seem non-controversial for a denomination rooted in welcoming all Christians to the Lord's Table and historically seeking to bridge divisions like race, gender, age, class, politics, and other similar things, it also specifically highlighted the issue of sexual orientation, a topic that has been hotly debated in many denominations in recent years.

While non-binding upon any congregation or affiliated ministry, the resolution, which was adopted, calls upon the wider church, among others things, "to affirm the faith, baptism and spiritual gifts of all Christians regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and that neither is grounds for exclusion from fellowship or service within the church...."

As General Minister and President Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins put it in a letter sent to all congregations after the Assembly, "[The resolution] serves as a reminder that among Disciples we do not bar the church door or fence the table from those who desire the embrace of God's love."

The full text of all ministry reports received and resolutions and business acted upon by the General Assembly is available here, as is the full text of Watkins' letter.  There are also videos of the worship services available here.