4 Ministry Proposals Adopted

By the end of this very long day, the churchwide assembly approved all four proposals for ministry policies.

Two were decided in the morning session. After changing the order for consideration, what had been the third proposal was considered first. I'm sorry I do not have my notebook with me to tell you the specifics of each proposal. This first proposal was approved with 77 per cent of the vote.

The next three votes were closer. The second proposal was approved by 61 per cent. But it was the third proposal which had the closest vote: 55% to 45%. The final proposal was adopted by 68% of the vote.

It was a very emotional day. And during it I observed a great number of people offering care and prayer to each other. Much praying was going on, even when we were not prompted to do so. People who have opposite opinions on the issues were talking and embracing and praying with each other. If I may offer one opinion, seeing that prayerful activity with my own eyes is an example for us to follow in these next weeks and months.

There was other business today. Most notably is that the election for vice president is going to proceed to a fourth ballot. The three finalists will speak to us tomorrow. There are still several items remaining on the agenda. Saturday looks like it will equally long.