Final ONA Language

Wanted to make sure that everyone had the final language from the "Therefores" in the Opening and Affirming Resolution passed at Annual Meeting on Saturday. There were a couple changes from the proposed language.

ONA Final Language

From War Front to Home Front: Helping Veterans Heal

Doris Waggoner and Katy Lloyd, UCC Clergy, presented a workshop on Friday and also brought a powerful moment of concern during the plenary this morning. Last year's Annual Meeting passed a resolution encouraging us to learn more about the experience of Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, to be supportive in the healing process. Their committee collaborated with the Washington Association of Churches and a Veteran's Admin. representative to organize and present workshops around the state.

Katy Lloyd shared a story about her response to an NPR story several years ago about a mother/soldier who would be deploying to Iraq, in addition to the fathers of her children, leaving the children with their grandmother. Katy began praying for this family and continued for 5 years. This Fall, she googled the mother/soldier (Kay Sweitzer) and began an online conversation about her concern over the years. When Katy told her about the workshops, she said that she wanted to come. What a powerful moment to introduce her.

Resolutions will be discussed tonight at 8:30 hearings

The Process we use to consider resolutions at the Conference is similar to what is used at UCC General Synod.  Qualifying resolutions are scheduled for a hearing at the Conference.  Participants discuss the resolution and decide whether to recommend it to the full Conference as is, turn it down or amend it and recommend it for passage.  Here is the text of the resolutions that will be looked at tonight.

Resolution for Just and Equitable Tax Structure in Washington
Resolution for Abolishing Tax Structure
Resoultion Affirming Health Care Coverage for Clergy Families

Also, their is an amendment to the UCC Constitution that each Conference must consider related to procedures around ministerial authorization.  Here is the text of this amendment:
UCC Constitutional Amendment concerning ministerial authorization