Thread by @spectrummag

The 111-page 2022 GC Session agenda focuses on changes to church policy. This thread offers a summary of Tom de Bruin's article, What Is On The GC Session Agenda... And What Is Missing. #GCSession spectrummagazine.org/views/2022/wha…

The agenda has adjusted the language of the guest speakers policy. While before it gave specific criteria for who could not speak, the new policy gives rules for who is allowed to invite speakers.

Changes have been proposed to nominating committees, giving permission to churches to elect a nominating committee that fills open positions. It is specifically noted that these committees cannot have more than two members from one family and should be diverse in age and gender.

A new position for local churches has been proposed. The Spirit of Prophecy Writings Coordinator would aim to ensure the correct use of Ellen White's writings. Concerningly, this role would have little oversight and may end up playing "The Ellen White Police in the local church."

The GC has also proposed changing the language around their disability ministries to opportunity ministries, seeing disabilities as a unique opportunity rather than a hindrance. While well intentioned, "it does severely minimize the experience of disabled people."

All of the above changes are proposals and subject to change. Below is a summary of what the church has chosen to leave out of the 2022 GC Session agenda.

The news about abuse coverups in the Southern Baptist denomination should cause every church to investigate reports of child abuse. The agenda makes no mention of official investigations.

Nine years before the Columbine massacre, the GC made a statement against the sale of assault weapons. In the immediate aftermath of multiple deadly mass shootings, the church is silent on its position on guns at the GC Session.

With white supremacy on a global uptick, one would assume that the issue of racism affects such a diverse, global church. The GC has not made a substantial change to its position on racism, only adding a Bible verse.

Read the rest of Tom de Bruin's article here. #GCSession spectrummagazine.org/views/2022/wha…