Part 2 of the Report on the Ethiopia Prayer Breakfast for the Diplomatic Community, September 2015.
In my last report, I tried to explain why delegates to GC sessions must “read the fine prints” of proposals brought to the floor for discussion and vote. My basic point was that, delegates should read the fine print in the document files of GC Session Agenda Books because the changes suggested determine the health and direction of the Church.
That previous report was designed to be foundational to what I am about to present in this present report, as well as in the one that would follow this. For, in these follow-up reports, I will focus on some specific changes that were made in both our Fundamental Beliefs andChurch Manual, respectively, at the San Antonio GC Session.
I was hoping to conclude my GC Session Reports with this seventh report (a perfect number for Bible-believing Seventh-day Adventists). And, since for most Adventists, the major thing that happened at the 2015 General Conference in San Antonio was the rejection of women’s ordination (and the attempt by some...
REFLECTION ON THE FIRST WEEK
Dr. Pipim's GC Session Report—Part 2
In Part 1 (“At the GC Session: Why?”) I explained why I chose to attend this year’s session (see, http://tinyurl.com/onagjod). In this Part 2, I’ll give highlights of the first week, which ended on Saturday night. These reports are in response to requests from friends around the world, for me provide periodic theological highlights on the discussions taking place at the GC Session in San Antonio, Texas (July2-11, 2015). The theme chosen for the Session is Arise! Shine! Jesus Is Coming! It points to our hope and calling as Seventh-day Adventists.
Before giving the highlights, allow me to offer a few caveats.
Some Caveats
1. Because I’m writing to my friends, I take the liberty to speak very casually, without the need to be as circumspect as I was in my apologetic works like Receiving the Word, Must We Be Silent, Here We Stand, or Courage (my most recent book on women’s ordination). I want to get my thoughts out while...
In this report, I will explain the importance of carefully reading the fine prints of GC Session documents. I will also briefly explain what these documents are, and why even seemingly insignificant revisions in them can impact the life, identity, and mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
I WILL NOT BE SILENT
We live in a culture of cowardly silence—a controversy-avoiding society where “getting along by going along” is the way of life. In this culture of silence, we tend to be mute on critical issues or conditions, until our personal self-interests are threatened, or until it is too late.
But I refuse to be silent.
As some of you may know, not everyone is happy with my latest book COURAGE and my report and analysis of the recent 2015 GC Session in San Antonio. In fact, during the past four years some of my adversaries did everything in their power to ensure that my voice would be forever silenced on issues being debated in the Church. Not surprisingly, in the wake of the major decisions at the recent GC session, and as the Church gears itself for the next phase of spirited discussions, some of them have renewed their spiritually-disguised campaign of slander. But as I’ve done in the past, heeding the counsel of EGW, I will...
WEDNESDAY WAS ALREADY PRESENT
Dr. Pipim’s GC Session Report—Part 3
[NOTE: On the day the world church voted on women's ordination, it seemed like a contention between the "Church of the West" and the "Rest of the Church." In this Part 3 of my report on the 2013 GC Session, I focus on the women’s ordination vote that took place this past Wednesday, July 8, 2015. I will give a background, offer reasons for the vote and its outcome, and will raise questions about what will happen after the vote. In Part 1 (“At the GC Session: Why?”), I explained why I attended the 2013 GC Session in San Antonio, Texas. In Part 2 (“Reflection On The First Week”), I summarized the major highlights of the first week.]
On Wednesday, July 8, 2015, the GC in Session once again REJECTED women’s ordination—but the vote is more nuanced than it appears. Also, although the vote took place on Wednesday, “Wednesday” was already present from the very first day GC session began six days earlier.
Although the...
SOMETHING HAS CHANGED
Dr. Pipim’s GC Session Report—Part 4
I thought I should address the confusion that is currently being created about whether or not the No vote at the recent GC session means anything. I know several of you have emailed to say you’re anxiously waiting for the last installment of my 2015 GC Session Report, which I title “Read the Fine Print.” That final report should be ready in the next couple of days. In it I will offer some clarity on some significant changes in our Fundamental Beliefs, Church Manual & Church Policy.
I will also explain how, unbeknownst to many, the debate over women's ordination actually began days earlier with innocuous attempts to revise sections of the Church Manual. And even after the No vote on Wednesday, how delegates were almost fooled to not attend the very last business session on Friday.
For now, however, allow me to share some thoughts on the confusing claims by some that the GC Session vote on women's ordination has no bearing...
AT THE GC SESSION: WHY?
Dr. Pipim’s GC Session Report—Part 1
Because I posted on Facebook some of my pictures at this year’s GC session, I’ve been receiving emails and phone calls from friends around the world, requesting that I offer them my take on this 60th Session of the General Conference in San Antonio, Texas (July 2-11, 2015).
In the coming days, I will be sharing my personal observations. In this first post, allow me to repeat what I shared with friends five years ago, giving reasons why every bonafide Adventist should attend a GC session—if they have the means and time to do so. I will also share why I am here in San Antonio. In my subsequent posts I will begin offering some updates on the discussions currently taking place.
Why Attend A GC Session?
GC Sessions are presently conducted every five years. The planning and execution of these events literally cost millions of dollars. I know some people think that these Sessions are a waste of time and resources. But I...