The 32rd General Synod of the UCC will begin this Friday, June 21st in Milwaukee, WI. The theme of this gathering will be drawn from Matthew 8, “Let Your Light Shine.”
General Synod is a very important event in the life of our denomination. The business of the UCC is done, worship is had, learning takes place, and relationships are deepened and developed. Those who will be gathering in Milwaukee later this week will consider some important resolutions, vote on the reelection of Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer as General Minister and President of the UCC, elect a new Executive Minister for Global Ministries, celebrate our new union with the United Church of Canada, consider important questions about the role of the local church, and make public statements to advance the cause of social justice. This is not just a fun gathering, but a vital part of the life and ministry of our church.
I have attended several General Synods and have always enjoyed myself. I have greatly valued the honest and earnest conversations that take place. The worship experiences are always powerful. And gathering with other “UCC-nerds” is a lot of fun! While I will miss not being there this year, I will be following along closely with the decisions that are made. And I encourage others from First Congo to do that as well.
All of the worship services and plenaries will be live-streamed. You can click on the link below to watch what is happening and sign up to receive alerts for the events you want to catch:
https://www.ucc.org/synod_stream
You can read the resolutions that are being considered on this page:
https://www.synod2019.org/en/uccsynod2019/Resolutions
I would like to particularly draw your attention to the resolution entitled “On Recognizing Opioid Addiction as a Health Epidemic, Ensuring Access to Treatment and Pharmaceutical Responsibility.” One of my last tasks as Associate for Advocacy and Leadership Development for the UCC’s Council for Health and Human Service Ministries was to research and write this resolution on behalf of CHHSM. It is a privilege to have it considered by the General Synod, and I am so grateful it is bypassing the committee stage and going directly to all of the delegates for a vote as written.
Friday is the beginning of an important week in the life of the UCC and as members of this denomination it is crucial that we follow along and take it seriously. If you have any questions about our polity, what is being discussed and why, or just want to hear my various musings about the future of the UCC, feel free to give me a call!