The car turned onto the highway with the arrival terminal of Lambert-St Louis International Airport reflected in the rear view mirrors.
The car turned onto the highway with the arrival terminal of Lambert-St Louis International Airport reflected in the rear view mirrors.
Having flown in from Britain, I was now reunited with old friends and together we were heading for the America’s Center in the city and the 58th General Conference Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
“They are worried at [the] G[eneral] C[onference],” said my companion in the front passenger seat. “There are no substantial agenda items save for the ‘Growing In Christ’ statement.’’ When I asked him to elaborate, it seemed the senior leadership was concerned that this 58th business session lacked topics to fire the delegates and create controversy and contention.
“What!” I cried, “You are going into St Louis as a harmonious church and this bothers you?”
With other churches in the world tearing themselves apart on issues such as same-sex ‘marriages,’ abortion, gay clergy and more, it seemed the Adventist Church was almost wishing trouble on itself.
There have been a few rocky moments on the Session floor; those chairing business sessions have, occasionally, been required to steady the ship. But the troubles passed and harmony was restored. Rather than encountering insurmountable difficulties, the World Church appears to have strengthened its position with the election of its first woman Vice President, the adoption of a new Fundamental Belief statement and the declaration of three statements on religious liberty and extremism; affirmation of quality of life; and one on making communities safe.
So, as the 11 days of proceedings inside the Edward Jones Dome draw to a close, what is the assessment of world church president Pastor Jan Paulsen?
“It has not been a bland session. I feel we came with a good blend of menu and agenda but have not needed to address issues that would normally grab the attention and take up days of discussion,” he told ANN in an interview.
“We have included the matters we normally include; elections and matters relating to the constitution and Church manual but also set aside time to discuss everyday issues that affect the spiritual life and witness of our Church. These matters,” he added, “complimented the business agenda.”
Paulsen said he is satisfied the Session has been a good mix of spiritual and business matters and he has thoroughly enjoyed his time in St. Louis.
“As I have walked around [the America’s Center] and watched everyone getting together, it has become very clear that we are a very diverse global community. This was also evident in the committees,” he asserted.
And Paulsen’s car carries him back to Lambert Airport on the outskirts of the city what will be his lasting memory of the St Louis session? “There has been a wonderful sweet spirit,” he says with a smile. “A sweet spirit of family and community; no evidence of division, simply unity and community.”
Editor’s Note: John Smith was a BBC producer and broadcaster for 14 years and part of the team that won a Sony Gold award for the radio coverage of the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales. He is serving as operations manager for the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s communication team at the St. Louis meeting. Views expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect those of Adventist News Network or the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
