Good morning, friends. Thank you for being there, among God's faithful. Today is the last day of Annual Council 2019.
We are looking for the Abortion Statement to be brought up again and voted on. For the last 48-hours it has been in the hands of the writing committee, whose task is to consider suggestions that were mentioned in the discussion time on Monday. There has also been input from the BRI (Biblical Research Institute), who originally wrote the document. Hopefully any changes will be for the better.
Yesterday, Compliance issues took up half of the day. The outcome of that meeting is that six Unions will receive a formal warning from the world Church, sort of a symbolic gesture of displeasure. It is richly deserved, in my opinion.
Tuesday Night Podcast:
9:06 Am — Pastor Ron Kelly speaking . . .
“When we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another.”
“Actions develop character.”
“Recommit ourselves to the work of reformation.”
Business meeting begins . . .
Global Center for Muslim Relations being discussed . .
Abortion Statement coming next.
Schedule is running late . . .
Hope Channel report — accepted
ADRA report
claims to have helped women, climate change, and community development
Spent over 200 million dollars in 2018
Advocated for children to attend school
programs on food security and gender equality
Went to Bahamas in the wake of Hurricane Dorian
Abortion Statement now
Artur Stele says the statement is now better. Not all of the suggestions were accepted.
Some scriptural references were added.
Most changes were in the Implications section.
Artur Stele. To solve an act of violence (rape) with another act of violence (abortion) is incorrect.
Kathy Proffit — supports Statement. Abortion is genocide.
Time to vote . . .
The Abortion Statement passed !!
The vote was almost unanimous. There were 4 no votes, and about 270 yes’s.