Watching the AC2019 compliance deliberations two days ago, I could not help to think about a Dutch saying – “Paper is longsuffering.”
This means paper does not demand accountability. As long as it is written on paper, it serves a goal – often not more than ‘window dressing’.
I watched the LIVE broadcast until 01:00h local time. I wonder now if it was worth my sleep deprivation. They kicked the can all the way down the hill now.
It was sorry to see the Executive Committee take matters in their own hands from the beginning, downsizing the consequences of the proposal.
This culminated in not allowing for secret ballot-voting for the hostile amendment, while knowing that many would feel intimidated to raise a red card. That was the second misjudgment. Praying and thanking and singing afterwards means nothing.
The third blow was further weakening the position of the world Church, by not referring to the position of the members, who will have to live this horror for the coming years.
A Hostile Motion
The motion not to reprimand the NAD unions was utterly hostile. The parliamentarians and legal councillors most surely see that, but they did not advise the chairman properly.
In the WP there is disciplinary policy is in place, in section L-60/15 for misconduct by a Union /Conference Presidents. This is put in place by God, if we would acknowledge His hand in the Working Policy. And my, did we see some misconduct Tuesday! One of the rebels said openly, “and I can live with the warning to my union”.
Did you see how the NAD representatives glowed after the amendment moved? They are mocking the Church in public; they mock the body they are part of. They show not an ounce of respect while demanding respect.
Now, they continue being unfaithful and disrespectful. There is no church discipline against them. They can go home and coerce and oppress the brethren, and no one but God to stop them. What a blatant disrespect!
Letting a hostile amendment pass, was a very dangerous move, because what would have happened if the rephrased motion didn’t moved? Would we have ended with four unions with a warning violation, and the NAD (CUC and PUC) with blatant rebellion getting a free pass? It is good to see that the Lord did some serious damage control there!!
The administration (ADCOM) thinks the 2/3 rule ties their hands. That’s the cause for their inaction in this matter, letting it simmer for almost 11 years now. It is a Pilate attitude of, ‘We can do nothing more than suggesting more (ambiguous) policy’. And those high-jacking the Church make good use of this utter lack of courage.
ADCOM simply does do not trust God. They forget that if discipline is the right way to go, God is there also to back it up. He can give the 2/3, but the body must make the effort FIRST.
What I mean, is that 2/3 to remove the unfaithful and disrespectful presidents IS possible, IF only ADCOM would have trusted God's hand. But that third measure was not presented, for the leaders proved to be weak and afraid. The most unlearned member in the pew shows more courage.
God proofed time and time again, that He cannot work with weak hearts and knocking knees.
It brought tears to my eyes Tuesday night to see the body scared and intimidated, and backing off, while the culprits excelled in boasting and sentimentalism.
Keep in mind that if ever there was a time to be courageous and strong, it was Tuesday, because the NAD cannot hold the Church anymore in a neck grip with tithes. With God, money is not a problem. He wants action. That was not taken Tuesday!
I hope the bystanders (we who watched in utter dismay), and the faithful delegates, noticed that a 2/3 majority is possible, seeing the amendment moved with a clean 2/3. This is promising for a spontaneous motion at GC 2020 when there will be a decision on parity. NAD cannot have it both (or many) ways.
I am very, very disappointed to see that there are no brave and courageous men any more.
And that, for a Church which was given so many tokens of God’s leading.
It was a sad day for the Church. Very few asked themselves what impact this will have on the people, who are encouraged to keep on bringing in more tithe and offerings.
Anyway, it was once again a time of reassuring for me .... don't put your trust in men!!
Ingrid Wijngaarde is a member of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee in Netherlands Union of Churches Conference. She is a member of Groningen SDA Church, and a senior policy advisor for the Dutch government.