COE 5-22-08

United Church of God, an International Association

Council of Elders Meeting Report

May 22, 2008—Mason, Ohio

On the final day of the May meetings, the Council approved a resolution presented by the president and crafted and approved an announcement to the congregations to be read on the Sabbath, May 24. In other business, the Council approved two papers presented by the Doctrine Committee, approved a resolution from the Roles and Rules Committee and completed a few other tasks. An executive session also took place during the day.

Resolution to Move Forward

In the previous day’s meeting, Clyde Kilough had been asked to present a resolution as to how he would proceed from here. The following resolution was approved by 11 in favor (Richard Thompson was not present due to teaching a class).

Whereas, in light of the passage of the resolution to rescind the 2007 relocation decision, the United Church of God must yet address the strategic issues and questions that led to the 2007 proposal,

Therefore, it is hereby resolved that the President bring recommendations for determining how to proceed from this point in addressing these issues and questions and,

It is further resolved that this report will be presented to the Council of Elders at the August 2008 meeting for Council review and approval.

Announcement to the Congregations

The Council crafted and unanimously approved an announcement about the GCE ballot results to be read in all congregations on May 24, 2008.

Review of Papers From the Doctrine Committee

Larry Salyer led the Council in a review of a study paper titled “Reconciliation and Matthew 18.” This paper had been developed over the last few years by the Godly Leadership Task Force. Leon Walker stated that this paper is meant to be an explanation of the principles of reconciliation that are found in Matthew 18. It was approved by 10 Council members (Richard Pinelli was not present and Aaron Dean abstained).

Leon Walker then led the Council through a statement on swearing. The Church already has an approved statement on this topic, but the Doctrine Committee proposed a more thorough explanation. The proposed statement was approved by 11 Council members (Richard Pinelli was not present).

Resolution From the Roles and Rules Committee

Bill Eddington brought forward the following resolution that had been generated from the previous day’s meeting. It was approved by 11 Council members (Richard Pinelli was not present).

By resolution dated Nov. 17, 1998, the Council of Elders created a specific and separate job description for the international members of the Council. Since then there have been a number of changes in the way the Church is administered that have directly affected the role envisioned for the international Council members at the time the job description was created.

As a result of these changes, the Council of Elders has determined that it is no longer relevant or necessary for the international members of the Council to have a specific and separate job description, as their role is now comparable to the other members of the Council.

To bring this determination into effect, it was necessary to rescind the resolution of Nov. 17, 1998. The resolution to rescind follows:

Whereas, the Council of Elders on November 17, 1998, created a specific and separate job description for the international members of the Council, and

Whereas, the Council at its meeting held May 21, 2008, determined that such a job description was no longer necessary or appropriate,

Now therefore it is hereby resolved, that the resolution dated November 17, 1998, creating a separate and specific job description for international Council members is rescinded.

Letter of Support and Encouragement

As news reports have shown, areas of China have experienced great tragedy as a result of the recent earthquakes. Victor Kubik introduced a letter for the Council to send to Dr. Richard Liu of the Soong Ching Ling Foundation. Frank Fish, an elder in California, was involved with Dr. Liu in making arrangements for Herbert Armstrong to visit China in the 1980s. Dr. Liu also arranged for the Chinese Young Ambassadors to come to America as well. In a memo to Mr. Fish, Dr. Liu had asked that the Church send a letter of encouragement to the Chinese and asked for our prayers. The Council agreed to send a letter of encouragement and, in the closing prayer of the day, Mr. Kubik asked for God’s mercy to come upon those suffering.

Executive Summary of Survey

In order that the GCE have more information as to the findings that led to the briefing book for the strategic planning exercises, Mr. Dick proposed to send the GCE the executive summary of the survey results. The Council approved this proposal by consent without a resolution.

Future Council Dates

Mr. Dick confirmed the next three Council meeting dates for August, December and February:

Aug. 10, 2008, is ABC graduation and is the travel day. Aug. 11 is for committee meetings. The official Council meeting will begin at 9 a.m., Aug. 12, and will adjourn at 5 p.m., Aug. 14.

Dec. 14, 2008, is the travel day. Dec. 15 is for committee meetings. The official Council meeting will begin at 9 a.m., Dec. 16, and will adjourn at 5 p.m., Dec. 18.

Feb. 22, 2009, is the travel day. Feb. 23 is for committee meetings. The official Council meeting will begin at 9 a.m., Feb. 24, and will adjourn at 5 p.m., Feb. 26.

Recognition of Departing Council Members

A tradition within the Council has been that when a member reaches the end of his term of service, gifts and a card of appreciation are presented. On behalf of the Council, Mr. Dick recognized and thanked departing Council members Leon Walker, Jim Franks and Larry Salyer.

Mr. Dick noted that Leon Walker served as the Doctrine Committee chairman and that his many years on that committee have been invaluable.

Mr. Dick stated that Jim Franks had been on the original transition board, and that he had helped put forward the bylaws and constitution and also served on the Doctrine Committee. The Council will still see Mr. Franks, as operation managers will be involved in some of the discussions.

That will also be the case with Larry Salyer, as he, too, is an operation manager. Mr. Dick fondly recalled the long history he and his family have had with Mr. Salyer and his family.

John Foster

Council Reporter

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