Dear RSNY Church Family and Friends,
It’s About Time: General Synod
As we adjust our thinking to forming Middle Assemblies, I would like to offer a brief reflection on how we prepare for General Synod, and how we might want to change that from our concept of preparation from yesteryears.
I recall my first General Synod as an Elder Delegate and Minister delegate in the 1970s, I would fly and generally connect in transit to a terminal filled with delegates holding Orange binders. These Binders were held as high importance to our calling, as if they were our Biblical scrolls. Many of us would still be reading from the binders on the plane, making notes on the essential information, and inserting our cultural views on recommendations. We would use sticky notes or highlighters to comment on a particular reference, and compare it with the small orange book, called the Book of Church Order. We were engulfed in our orange books, as though we were preparing a hermeneutical paper to convince delegates to accept or disapprove our position at General Synod.
Perceptions can be many, yet the significant position of our representation from the different Classes meant so much for our presence at General Synod, and these Orange books were powerful tools of knowledge addressing statements we hold dearly to our faith journey in building meaningful Ministry and Mission. Perception could also mean that you had not read the Processing of General Synod in the Workbook based on questions asked.
When we arrived at General Synod, at one of our RCA Colleges, with our bias, hoping to change the denomination’s world, a world that eventually became “them and us,” or the Midwest and the Eastern Churches. At our tables there was both anxiety and frustration as we grapple with change.
The passage of time at General Synod can significantly alter our perceptions and the way we view the life of God’s Church, ourselves, and the world around us. Looking back at our past can be a powerful tool for personal growth and understanding. It can also be a source of “Separate but Equal” or Oneness in Christ when we address the presiding officer with behaviors unchristian, especially as we review the many overtures and avoid the question related to sexuality or denominational finance.
I remember one delegate who would share how much he hated the business aspects of General Synod. He would cry out “boring and painful” as if dealing with congested traffic or trying too hard not to fall asleep. The voice of these same complainers could be seen running to the mic and loudly voicing his or her opinions and thoughts of prayers were offered that the days fly by.
For me, at the end of Synod, I would thank God for the new friends of the faith, the knowledge gained about Church Order, and the time of Praise and Worship. Then I would fly home questioning the lack of diversity and gender representation when we pride ourselves as being an inclusive family.
Today, with all of the virtual and electronic devices, have we really changed since the time of carrying the Orange Books? In reflection, whether Orange books or new day technology, praying before and after General Synod, being open to the leading of the Spirit to align us with God as we seek God’s direction in Kingdom building, justice, equality, and reconciliation is the best preparation yet.
Prayerfully
Rev. Dr. Micheal Edwards, Executive Minister