Today has been a remarkably long day at synod. It’s really the only day at this synod that is entirely in plenary. In other words, it’s the only day when the synod is meeting all day long as a huge group. Most of the sessions until this point have been smaller groups for helping delegates understand the issues or hone the recommendations that will be coming to the whole body. The small groups (aka “advisory groups”), don’t really do “real” business – but they make it possible for the synod to do its business wisely and in a well-informed way
Today’s business ranged from insurance and covenant of care issues to the situation in North Korea. The “Covenant of Care” is a sticky issue in the RCA. In essence, the “Covenant of Care” is the idea that we have the responsibility as a church to ensure ministers are cared for (via insurance). The RCA insurance plan is not a Cadillac plan and it is quite expensive. However, it is also a plan that covers ministers at all ages regardless of their pre-existing conditions. To accomplish such coverage is difficult, and the RCA has only managed to do that by mandating full participation in the insurance program (or allowing people to pay an opt-out fee ). The mandatory full-participation is not appreciated by all, and some ministers and churches have refused to either participate in the plan. Synod is trying to figure out how to reward classes with full participation and give clear help to classes whose churches are not complying with their commitments.
The synod also solicited nominations for Vice-President. Normally the process brings out 4 or 6 nominees. This year there were only two (there may have been others who removed their names from the list before the announcement, but that information is not public). What made this year’s nominees so different is that they both come from the Synod of Albany and they’re both women – one an elder and one a minister. There have, of course, been women presidents. There have also been both elder and minister presidents. But usually female-nominees are the minority – this year both fit that bill. It is also possible the synod will elect a female elder (a rare combination for the presidency in the RCA). To add interest (from my perspective), I know both nominees. One is a member of my current congregation; the other is a colleague I’ve worked with extensively over the years. The 2012 synod will be well-led either way.
Until later….
Grace and peace
`tim
