Answering the Call: New Life in the Mainline Church
What? Answering the Call: New Life in the Mainline ChurchWhen? August 5-7, 2010
Where? Elmhurst College (Chicago, Illinois)
Why? to issue the call for a new generation of ECOT (evangelical, conservative, orthodox, traditional) pastors and leaders in the historic mainline churchesWho will speak? Robert Gagnon, John Armstrong, Jim Tomberlin, Bob Thompson, and a growing list of Evangelical Congregational Orthodox and Traditional (ECOT) scholars and pastors in mainline settings.
Who should attend? college and seminary students, pastors serving in or interested in mainline ministry, laity interested in mainline renewal
Who is sponsoring the event? The Association of Church Renewal
How do I register? A link for complete registration information will be available on this web site January 31, 2010.
How do I spread the word?
· E-mail starloftin@charter.net if you would like one or more “Save the Date” refrigerator magnets.
· E-mail bob@corinthtoday.org if you would like a speaker to address a student group, seminary setting, or local congregation about this event
Editor’s Note: The following emergency resolution was introduced during the new business section during the first plenary session at the UCC Generaly Synod last week. While it was combined with two other resolutions, we thought you would be interested in the original wording of the document that supports the efforts of the Iranian people who yearn to be free from oppression and to practice fundamental human rights. This was an alternative resolution to one that had been vetted by American Islamist organizations and contained a great deal of unnecessary political verbiage.
Summary
Since the 12 June, 2009, election in Iran, a movement among the people of that country has developed into something much more than protesting over contested election results. This resolution expresses the United Church of Christ General Synod 27’s desire to stand in solidarity with the people of Iran as their hearts yearn to be free.
Background
The Iranian people have repeatedly seen their basic human rights denied. Whether it is freedom of assembly, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, or some other freedom the Iranians have been frustrated in their attempts to express themselves. Their right of valid voting franchise has been called into question. All of this background leads up to the rationale for bringing this time-urgent resolution to the floor of General Synod 27.
Theological Rationale
This resolution exists because: all human beings are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27); and God has created all humans to experience true freedom (Galatians 5:1).
The Resolution
WHEREAS, the people of Iran engaged in an election on 12 June, 2009–exercising their fundamental human right of the voting franchise; and
WHEREAS, the international community significantly questioned the rapid report of results for the position of President; and
WHEREAS, the people of Iran began to peacefully protest on or just after 12 June and at least 8 peaceful protesters were murdered; and
WHEREAS, both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate voted on 19 June to condemn the violence perpetrated in Iran against peaceful protesters; and
WHEREAS, also on 19 June, the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khameni stated euphemistically that any further protesters would suffer “the consequences” of their own actions; and
WHEREAS, on 20 June thousands of Iranians turned out despite threats of violence, which tragically did become reality with numerous protesters killed; and
WHEREAS, Iranian reporters are being tortured and forced to make confessions; and
WHEREAS, protesting against “frauds and lies” is an Iranian right (Mousavi); and
WHEREAS, Iranian parents have the right to habeas corpus–knowing where their children are; and
WHEREAS, we “mourn the loss of each and every innocent human life” (President Obama);
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this Twenty-seventh General Synod of the United Church of Christ stands in solidarity with the people of Iran who are yearning to be free from a tyranny that oppresses almost every citizen in the country;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this General Synod condemns the violating of basic human rights against the Iranian political opposition;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this General Synod condemns the physical violence perpetrated against peaceful Iranian protesters, reporters, and others ;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this General Synod condemns the abrogation of human rights by the Iranian government against its people.
FUNDING
Funding for the implementation of this resolution will be made in accordance with the overall mandates of the affected agencies and the funds available.
IMPLEMENTATION
The Twenty-seventh General Synod encourages the Justice and Witness Ministries of the United Church of Christ to implement this resolution.
