Journeying toward a USA National Conference An Overview

Journeying toward a USA National Conference …timely resolution of pressing issues in various nations is necessary for the restoring work of the gospel to move forward with all of its potential. Therefore, let the proper World Church officers act in their callings—as already provided in church law—to create and interpret church policies to meet the needs of the church in different nations in harmony with the principles contained in this counsel.

Journeying toward a USA National Conference Where possible and appropriate, convene national or field conferences to provide opportunities for broader dialogue, understanding, and consent. In those gatherings, let the spirit of love, justice, and truth prevail -Doctrine and Covenants 164:7c,d

Journeying toward a USA National Conference We share a mission We share identity and message We share a common story

Journeying toward a USA National Conference “…in the midst of the difficult questions and the struggles of life…” We are called to MISSION

Journeying toward a USA National Conference MISSION defines us guides us …in our deliberations as we journey together…

Journeying toward a USA National Conference What are the… …difficult questions and struggles… Resolutions submitted to 2010 World conference indicated current pressing issues in the USA

Journeying toward a USA National Conference 1.Ordination of people involved in same- gender relationships 2.Same-gender marriages/unions

Journeying toward a USA National Conference Purpose of a National Conference Doctrine and Covenants 164 provides opportunity for national conferences to participate in decision-making about issues related to moral behavior and relationships that cannot be addressed at World Conference because of starkly different cultural perspectives and national laws.

Journeying toward a USA National Conference Method: As a church… Journey together Listen for God Engage …to discover God’s will…

Journeying toward a USA National Conference Invitation to… Scripture study Prayer Reasoning together Sharing story Reflecting on tradition

Journeying toward a USA National Conference Timeline… Dates and Time: –Open on Wednesday, July 18, 2012, by 7 p.m. (CDT) –Close on Sunday, July 22, 2012, by noon (CDT) Participative process begins now

Journeying toward a USA National Conference Participative Process as individuals and in small/large groups: Reflection ideas for use in individual and small group spiritual formation Information distribution at USA mission center conferences Group study ideas for use at reunion and other gatherings Regional opportunities for sharing and discerning together Surveys or other collection tools for collecting input and feedback

Journeying toward a USA National Conference The Participative Process will inform us as we prepare for USA National Conference. We will… Review existing policies Create new policy proposals if needed Continue to exercise our communal prophetic voice Work towards consent

Journeying toward a USA National Conference The USA Conference will provide additional opportunities for: Broader dialogue Participate together in building consent regarding recommendations and insights about whether policy changes are needed related to relationships, marriage, and ordination

Journeying toward a USA National Conference CONSENT: Benefit from the work being accomplished by Len Young on participative group processes Specifics pending We are committed a process that –Involves many people –Engages different methods of seeking God’s will together

Journeying toward a USA National Conference POLICY: Multiple opportunities to engage with others between now and the USA National Conference USA National Conferences will build consent for affirmation of current policy, or providing inputs for new policies If required, new policies written and approved by the Council of Twelve and the First Presidency

Journeying toward a USA National Conference We are… Called to live as a prophetic people “characterized by uncommon devotion to the compassion and peace of God revealed in Jesus Christ” (D&C 163:11a).

Journeying toward a USA National Conference We are… Challenged to discover the “power of community in Christ expressed locally in distinctive fashions while upholding a unity of vision, foundational beliefs, and mission throughout the world” (D&C 163:11a).

Journeying toward a USA National Conference God continues to call us to MISSION …in the midst of different opinions…

Journeying toward a USA National Conference Many need to hear the restoring message of the gospel.

Journeying toward a USA National Conference We must generously share the peace of Jesus Christ… through our testimonies and resources …even while we struggle together on pressing issues.

Journeying toward a USA National Conference Our response to mission is accelerated and strengthened… … as we continue to… discover together how God is shaping us …as signal communities and sending us into the world as prophetic people.

Journeying toward a USA National Conference Initial Feedback from USA Gathering at World conference Individual surveys collected: 1073 Small Groups surveys collected: 395 Strong support for weekend conference versus midweek Split response on spring versus summer

Journeying toward a USA National Conference Other “pressing issues” from surveys… Mission/church growth The congregation Disciple’s Generous Response/finances Priesthood faithfulness Connection to young adults, youth, etc Variety of peace and justice opportunities

Journeying toward a USA National Conference Other questions asked…responses still being evaluated… As we journey together toward a USA National Conference, what type of individual, small- group, and large-group experiences would be helpful? How does Doctrine and Covenants 164:7d frame your expectations of what will happen in our journey together?