Journeying toward aUSA National Conference

An Overview

Journeying toward aUSA 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 aUSA 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 aUSA National Conference

• We share a mission

• We share identity and message

• We share a common story

Journeying toward aUSA National Conference

“…in the midst of the difficult questions and the struggles of life…”

We are called to MISSION

Journeying toward aUSA National Conference

MISSION

defines us

guides us

…in our deliberations as we journey together…

Journeying toward aUSA National Conference

What are the…

…difficult questions and struggles…

• Resolutions submitted to 2010 World conference indicated current pressing issues in the USA

Journeying toward aUSA National Conference

1. Ordination of people involved in same-gender relationships

2. Same-gender marriages/unions

Journeying toward aUSA National Conference

Purpose of a National ConferenceDoctrine 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 aUSA National Conference

Method:

As a church…

• Journey together

• Listen for God

• Engage

…to discover God’s will…

Journeying toward aUSA National Conference

Invitation to…

• Scripture study

• Prayer

• Reasoning together

• Sharing story

• Reflecting on tradition

Journeying toward aUSA 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 aUSA National Conference

Participative Process as individuals and insmall/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 aUSA 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 aUSA 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 aUSA 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 aUSA 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 aUSA 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 aUSA 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 aUSA National Conference

God continues to call us to

MISSION

…in the midst of different opinions…

Journeying toward aUSA National Conference

Many need to hear

the restoring message of the gospel.

Journeying toward aUSA 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 aUSA 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 aUSA 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 aUSA 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 aUSA 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?