Commentary:  A View from the Western Jurisdiction

On Wednesday morning the General Conference delegates voted down an amendment around adding committee members to those geographical areas where there are more than 1.5 million members. As someone stated, it sounds like an equitable resolution, but, in fact it is the opposite. If it were passed, those geographical areas that are already marginalized and under-represented would have been even further marginalized and under-valued. Judith Kenaston, the Rules Committee Chair rightly said, “It is not about proportionality but our philosophy of inclusion – to have people’s voice at the table.”

As young people challenged us this morning, we are charged, rooted and united in the spirit of Jesus Christ.