REFLECTIONS ON THE 2005 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

1. The 2005 Annual Conference will probably be remembered for two primary reasons. One was the absence of any new queries coming in from churches. The other was the Christ centered emphasis that was proclaimed in keeping with the Annual Conference theme, "Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus."

2. Clearly, Jim Hardenbrook from Idaho proved to be a very capable Moderator. His Moderator's Address was one of the best you'll ever hear. And his keeping a Christ honoring emphasis even during business was welcome and refreshing.

3. To the Brethren who have bought into the notion of pluralism, I'm sure the "Jesus as the Only Way" emphasis was disturbing.

4. A representative of the Ashland Brethren Church in his greeting made a comment suggesting that those who are outside of Christ are going to hell. That comment brought one speaker to the microphone clearly disturbed about such a suggestion.

5. A query on Studying Cross Cultural Issues was carried over from last year and a request for one more year of study was granted.

6. Another query on Doing Church Business was also granted another year of study. This query arose out of the discontent about Annual Conference's opposition to licensing and ordaining homosexuals (that was decided in 2002). Those who are opposed to that decision would like to find a way around taking up and down votes on controversial issues that result in some people feeling like losers

7. It is very interesting that when the conservative causes were voted down some years ago a lot of counsel was heard about continuing to be supportive of the church, not to withhold giving, and to keep on working for the common good. But when another side is losing some turf, they are not sure they like taking votes on things.

8. The Voices for an Open Spirit (VOS) group for the first time was allowed to have a booth at this year's Annual Conference. This group was formed in opposition to the 2002 Annual Conference decision to not recognize the licensing and ordination of practicing homosexuals. Their Web site conversation indicates that about the only thing they are really "open" to, is to try and lobby the church in the direction of openly accepting everything there is to accept related to homosexuality. Did anybody hear Alexander Mack turning over in his grave?

9. Galen Hackman brought a straight forward, prophetic type message on Sunday morning suggesting that God's smile is no longer on the Church of the Brethren. Some of the reasons given were a lack of Christ centeredness, an undue worship of Brethrenism, and spiritual deadness. Some didn't like the negative tone, but that is usually the way people feel when a prophetic message is heard.

10. Considerable attention was given to try and rescue the Brethren Medical Plan. A Study Committee has been formed to bring back some recommendations.

11. Much BRF interest was centered around the publishing of two more Brethren New Testament Commentaries. With these two, Matthew and Revelation, a total of six volumes are now available. This may prove to be one of the more important legacies that BRF gives to the church. Copies are available by writing to BRF's Ephrata, PA address.

12. You can head your car in much the same direction for next year's Annual Conference to be held at Des Moines, Iowa. Those traveling from the east may want to consider spending part of a day at Springfield, Illinois where a large, new, very interesting center has been opened to honor the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln.

—James F. Myer
September, 2005