From the Council of Elders:

Announcement to be Read in All Churches on the Sabbath of May 24

We have just completed a profitable General Conference of Elders meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio. Our new strategic plan, the operation plan and the budget for the next fiscal year were approved by large margins. We greatly appreciate your prayers for the overall success of this annual event.

This announcement is to update you regarding the proposed Home Office relocation to Texas. As you know, a resolution to rescind last year’s ballot approving the move was placed on this year’s agenda. This resolution passed by 187 in favor and 175 opposed. It is clear that the two ballots on the relocation of the Home Office demonstrate that we are not united on this issue.

So how do we proceed now?

All of us who serve on the Council of Elders and in administration want you to know that we remain dedicated to our primary purposes of preaching the gospel and preparing a people. We must not allow our differences over the relocation issue to undermine our commitment to do the Work that God has called us to do. All of us want the facilities which will best serve our needs.

The initial reason for proposing the move was to address the needs of the Church, both short term and long term. The administration has the task of bringing to the Council recommendations on how we should now proceed. We will keep you informed of decisions and progress on this important aspect of God’s work.

Thank you for your continued prayers and faithful support.