GC42 - Day 4

“There’s a River of Life that’s flowing from God’s throne.
Won’t you come on in and see.
This River will set you free.”

Called from our places of rest to focus again on the task before us we are reminded that the river of life flows through us and in those waters we are refreshed, renewed and empowered.

1 Cor.13 – your love makes me sing Hallelujah.

Bishop Marigza
from the church in the Philippines

The reality of the empire faces us today as it has for many years. As in ages past, there are those who still resist and who give all that they have. Their bodies delivered in death because they loved.

Love for justice and truth; God and land.

Behind each one slain is a human story. How many more sacrifices are needed to defend creation and stand up for faith?

Fear is a constant companion on the pathway of struggle but this fear is paired with courage inspired by our people and fueled by our faith. Part of what sustains us are partners who are in solidarity with us. With you walking beside us we are not forsaken.

Thanks to you the UCC for we are not alone

Marilla Schuller
Missionary of the United Methodist Church USA working in Brazil

What happened to love in marriages where violence is present? What happened to love where women are abused? Where did love go?

In the conversation circles we have been gathering to share with women who are leaving situations of violence. 80% of these women did not recognize the psychological violence or the violence of religion. A woman I will call Maria said once

“I have experienced violence for many years. My father beat my mother (he was a pastor)”

Her fathers attitudes were reinforced by the use of the bible. But Maria and others like her are united to break down the barriers and the silence that perpetuates violence in the church and in society. These woman are Koinonia in action.

As we sit here around this table violence against women is happening. Paul calls community to live out the kind of love that transforms the earth. Let us engage in solidarity and action.

We are not alone.

From these stories we move now into commissions where we will be deal with the many issues before us that will reflect our committment to love and justice and peace here and throughout the creation.

Bakeapple Commission

The Council moved into commissions to tend to the work of the church. As part of the Bakeapple Commission we are tasked with decisions dealing with things like Climate justice; green energy investment; Carbon Tax emissions; Pension Board divestment from GoldCorp; transCanada pipeline; Clean water for all Canadians;and other things that pertain to the environment.

It is always fascinating to listen to the varied and diverse voices and to see how different aspects of each proposal is interpreted. As each voice is heard and ideas are shared, at times, there are moments of frustration, or something new comes to the surface but always there are moments of deep education and insight.

From Commissions we returned to the plenary to continue the dialogue around the Comprehensive Review.

One of the biggest frustrations and the greatest joys of being in this denomination is that we gather 400 or so people together and invite them to make decisions. Each of us comes with our particular learning styles and the lenses through which we view the world. The movement from possibility to policy can be long and daunting. Having said that, it is wonderful when we finally reach that destination and we can embrace what has been created.

From possibility to policy …

We have not made it there just yet!

GC42 – Day 4

GC42 – Day 4 Commissions

Bakeapple Commission

Continued Dialogue – Comprehensive Review

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