Celebrations
The 100th Anniversary of (EYN) and the 75th Anniversary of Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) were observed and celebrated.
Reports
Reports were received from
- Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board
- Leadership Team
- Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee
- Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee
- Delegates to Christian Churches Together
- Delegates to the National Council of Churches of Christ
- Delegates to the World Council of Churches
As well as reports of the Annual Conference Agencies: (1) Bethany Theological Seminary, (2) Eder Financial, and (3) On Earth Peace; along with the financial statements of Church of the Brethren, Inc.; Bethany Theological Seminary; Eder Financial, and On Earth Peace Assembly, Inc.
Unfinished Business Items
UB 1. Query – Standing with People of Color
Action of the 2023 Annual Conference: Annual Conference adopted the Standing Committee recommendation to extend the term of the assignment of the Standing with People of Color committee by one additional year to 2025.
New Business Items
NB 1. Request for an Annual Conference Study on Calling Denominational Leadership
Action of the 2023 Annual Conference: Annual Conference adopted the Standing Committee recommendation that the concerns of New Business #1 ‘Request for an Annual Conference Study on Calling Denominational Leadership’ be accepted and elected three people to form the study committee.
The committee is encouraged to consult with current members of the Nominating Committee and others who have had experience with the nomination process. In subsequent action, Annual Conference elected Eric Bishop, Erika Clary, and Emmett Witkovsky-Eldred to serve as members of this study committee.
NB 2. Recommendation regarding Nominations from the Floor of Annual Conference
Action of the 2023 Annual Conference: Annual Conference adopted the Standing Committee recommendation that the proposed change in Conference Rule #12 concerning nominations from the floor be adopted. One amendment, in two parts, affecting three areas of the text of the document will be incorporated in the minutes.
The recommendation was adopted by more than a two-thirds vote as a change in polity.
NB 3. 2023 Guidelines for Continuing Education
Action of the 2023 Annual Conference: Annual Conference adopted the Standing Committee recommendation that the proposed 2023 Guidelines for Continuing Education be adopted.
The guidelines were adopted by more than a two-thirds vote as a change in polity.
NB 4. Restated and Amended Articles of Organization for Eder Financial
Action of the 2023 Annual Conference: Annual Conference adopted the Standing Committee recommendation that the Restated and Amended Articles of Organization for Eder Financial be adopted.
The restated and amended articles were adopted by more than a two-thirds vote as a change in polity.
NB 5. Recommended Cost of Living Adjustment to the Minimum Cash Salary Table for Pastors
Action of the 2023 Annual Conference: Annual Conference adopted the Standing Committee recommendation that the proposed 5.3% cost of living adjustment to the Minimum Cash Salary Table for Pastors be adopted.
NB 6. Resolution – With Actions and in Truth: A Lament of the Doctrine of Discovery
Action of the 2023 Annual Conference: Annual Conference adopted Standing Committee’s recommendation that the Resolution – With Actions and in Truth: A Lament of the Doctrine of Discovery be adopted with two amendments incorporated in the final resolution.
The following text from Page 181, Lines 17-30 incorporates the amendments to the text in the 2023 Annual Conference booklet:
Recommendations
- That the Church of the Brethren commit to ongoing advocacy, dialogue, education, and relationship-building regarding rights of Indigenous peoples.
- That invitations be extended to facilitators of the Blanket Exercise from Kairos Canada to host sessions for Church of the Brethren leadership and staff and to present at relevant church events, such as Annual Conference.
- That attendance of Church of the Brethren leaders and staff at the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition’s conference be funded. Attendees may include Dine’ members from the community in Lybrook, N.M., Intercultural Ministries staff, and other denominational leaders.
- That the Church of the Brethren consult with Indigenous organizations and tribes to develop opportunities for congregations, districts, and the denomination to consider some form of reparation following the leadership of Native nations or organizations.
Elections
The 2023 elections and appointments are found in a separate document entitled “Elections and Appointments.”
The final report will be found in the Minutes of the 2023 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren.