Proposed Agenda

What is a 'Committee of the Whole'?

The synod assembly will move into a committee of the whole on Friday evening for the purpose of facilitating conversation about resolutions to the synod assembly concerning the social statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust, the Ministry Recommendations and the recommendations from the ELCA Church Council to the 2009 Churchwide Assembly.

What does this mean? A committee of the whole is a parliamentary procedure used to facilitate debate on a topic (that topic being described in the motion to convene a committee of the whole) for a large group. Debate cannot be closed or limited unless such restrictions are specified before the assembly goes into a committee of the whole. No business will be conducted during this time. It is only an opportunity for voting members and those with voice to discuss the issues.

Members of the assembly (voting members and those with voice) may speak as allowed by the assembly rules; members cannot speak to the same issue so long as a member who has not spoken on the issue is seeking the floor; the committee of the whole cannot alter the text of any resolution referred to it but it can proposed amendments, which it must report in the form of recommendations to the assembly; temporary notes are kept by the secretary for the purpose of reporting to the assembly, but the committee’s proceedings are not entered in the minutes of the assembly.

Workshops

All registrants may choose two “Unity of Spirit in the bond of peace” workshop options. All offered twice on Saturday.

• Just War Theology
  Location: Ballroom 1
  Jack Nelson Pallmeyer, University of St. Thomas
  Over the centuries Christians have use the idea of a “just” war. How did it develop? What does it mean for us in the 21st century?
• Living with Differences
  Location: McDonnel B
  Karen Orloff, Rochester
  The ELCA, the nation, and world are divided over social, political, and economic issues. How can we live and show Christian love in a polarized society?
• Caring for Military Personnel and Families
  Location: Mayo A
  Chaplain Mark Thompson & Rev. Steve Timm
  Most congregations have families with members in active military duty. How can these families be supported when a loved one is deployed and when he/she returns home?
• Islam-People of the Book
  Location: Legion A
  Dr. Charles Amjad-Ali, Luther Seminary
  How does the Islamic faith understand peace? How can Christians, Muslims, and Jews relate in a post 9/11 world?
• Judaism-People of the Book
  Location: Legion B
  Dr. Karla Suomala, Luther College
  How does Judaism understand peace? How can Christians, Jews, and Muslims find peace with one another?
• ELCA Social Statement: For Peace in God's World
  Location: Elliott A
  Rev. Stephen Bouman
  Most in the ELCA probably are not aware that our denomination has adopted a social statement on peace. This workshop will explore what the social statement says about peace and the Church’s understanding.
• Peace from the Perspective of Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service
  Location: Elliott B
  Tara Mulder
  Many people come to the United States fleeing from war and injustice. What does LIRS do and how does it minister to those who lives have been affected?
• Peace from the Perspective of Lutheran World Relief
  Location: Mayo B
  Daniel Lee
  LWR for decades has assisted those whose lives have been torn apart by war, natural disaster, and other tragedies. In this workshop information will be shared on what is being done today.
• Historic Peace Churches
  Location: McDonnel A
  Stan Noffsinger, General Secretary, Church of the Brethren
  The Church of the Brethren, Quakers, and Mennonites are among the Churches that have a pacifist stance toward war. The workshop will seek to bring understanding about this and what we can learn from it.
• Peacemaking
  Location: Ballroom 2
  Glen Stassen
  How to organize a peacemaking group in your church will equip leaders to begin peacemaking in your community.