Our original plan for this issue of OUTLOOK magazine was to share information about the General Conference Session. As you have likely heard, GC Session has now been delayed until June of 2022. And for good reason.
Unfortunately, I have heard multiple conspiracy theories about how a few individuals are manipulating this for their own gain, or ability to retain power, but actually nothing could be further from the truth. I hope I can reassure you that no one’s behavior has been inappropriate or misleading in the process to first delay the session to 2021, and now again until 2022.
The most challenging aspect the GC has to deal with regarding this decision during the pandemic is their own constitution, which states that there is to be no proxy voting and that all votes must be cast in person. If you are like me, you probably have thought, “Well, with an online meeting, a person is technically present and will be casting their own vote.”
As it turns out, the GC has hired leading attorneys in our country regarding organizational constitutions to read our by-laws and weigh in as to whether or not a Zoom-type meeting would be admissible. In each case, the answer has been the same…no!
World-wide Collaboration
Evidently, you are required to interpret the by-laws according to original intent—as they were written and voted years ago—when there was no such thing as the Internet or virtual meetings. Therefore, you must be literally (physically in person) at the meeting to be counted as present.
The GC by-laws require over 900 delegates to be present in person to establish a quorum for opening their session. In January of this year, all the divisions realized that with travel restrictions in place, they could not meet that quorum requirement. Therefore, the division leaders, in consultation with the union leaders, advised the GC to postpone the session.
Through this process, I saw a good example of how we as a church worked together within our structure to make a very important decision. Additionally, you should know that the GC officers recused themselves from the meetings regarding the session delay because they realized their input might be construed as self-serving. Instead, the divisions were asked to reach out to their unions and conferences. Input was gathered from around the world and a decision reflective of our global church was reached.
It is my understanding that one of the first items we will address when we do meet again will be a vote to hold virtual GC Sessions if necessary. But until then, we must work with our current constitution.
Two GC Sessions
It is always a privilege and honor to host a GC Session, and we will have that opportunity both next summer (June 6 – 11, 2022, due to a scheduling conflict with the convention center in Indianapolis) and again in 2025 when the GC Session will be held at the same location in St. Louis. The America Center is all under one roof, which makes it very easy to move between the business meetings and the food service areas. The Dome stadium at the America Center seats approximately 67,000 and the Lambert St. Louis Airport is located only 13 miles from downtown, making this location well-suited to our needs.
International Pathfinder Camporee
In addition, in August of 2024, the International Pathfinder Camporee is coming to Gillette, Wyoming. This is the largest Adventist youth activity in the world, with over 55,000 from 105 countries attending in 2019. Thousands of young people committed their lives to Christ and 1,320 were baptized at the last camporee which took place in OshKosh, Wisconsin.
The Cam-Plex facility in Gillette, Wyoming, regularly hosts large events that include camping and on-site activities. It boasts the largest campground of full amenities in the world. Pathfinder can expect double the indoor activity space, more camping space, and over 25 new additional activities unique to the west.
The Lord has smiled on us to be chosen as hosts to our Adventist world church family during these upcoming events. Together as a MAUC family, let’s pray for, plan for, and support these wonderful events coming to our territory.
Until Jesus comes, the one thing I am certain of is that we are stronger together.
