The Day after Synod

A little local flavor;  the Tampa Convention Center is surrounded by a "riverwalk" area where people are able to dock boats and sit and watch the river.  Between breaks yesterday, someone claimed to have seen a dolphin in the bay.  I spent some time watching, but other than a couple of lizards who played among the palm trees and a few waterfowl, nothing made an appearance in the water.  A large brightly colored sign that says, "Caution Manatee area" hangs over the opening of the bridge to the bay.  When I was in Maine I didn't see any Moose either. 

The last day of business was packed full of more resolutions than I can remember.  In an effort to save money, a proposal was considered which would change the frequency of Synod from every two years (odd numbered) to 3 or 4 years.  This was defeated.  The representatives asked that  the Synod planning committee could consider ways to cut costs for future Synods. 

Two significant resolutions passed by substantial margins;  A resolution to "Counter actions of hostility against Islam and the Muslim Community" was ratified by a 729-10 vote.  Another resolution, "International human rights related to sexual orientation and gender identity" passed by a 757-9 vote.  A church in Worcester, Massachusetts operates a rescue mission for LGBT people who are escaping persecution in their homeland.  Four young people spoke about the physical abuse that LGBT individuals suffer around the world.  There are currently thirty-five people in the program.  More information is available at www.lgbtasylum.org 

Other resolutions that were affirmed;
Affirming Health Care Coverage for Clergy  and Lay employees
Mindful and faithful Eating
Support of the release of Puerto Rican political prisoners
A Covenant for Youth Ministries  (written largely by Sharon Nelson from Orrville) -Ask Melissa for more information
Reflection and advocacy on behalf of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Tracy Hughes spoke to our women's group about the issue.)
The Rights of Lesbian, Gay and Transgendered parents and adoption
Forming a Theological commission for the UCC
Common agreement on mutual recognition of Baptism (I wrote about this earlier.)

Video of these discussions can be found at www.ucc.org/synod/

I'll offer more reflections later.  In these last two days we plan to see the Florida Aquarium located here in Tampa, Busch Gardens and Universal Studios in Orlando and then return late Friday night to Ohio. 

Thanks to those of you  who are stepping up to cover duties while I am gone.