2007 World Conference Legislation

G-7 Greater Participation by Delegates to the World Conference
(motion to refer carried)

From the South America Mission Center:

Whereas, There are great barriers preventing the participation of the majority of delegates from outside the USA and Canada in the World Conference; and

Whereas, There is a very low probability in most developing nations of obtaining a visa for persons not employed by the church; and

Whereas, It is virtually impossible for delegates of modest means to be able to pay for transportation to Independence, Missouri; and

Whereas, In recent years access to high-speed Internet has become common and affordable in most large and medium sized cities of the world as well; and

Whereas, Article III of the Bylaws indicates: “A basic principle of decision making in the Community of Christ is common consent. Common consent respects the rights of the people to assent to the general conduct of business within the church and to sustain those called of God to provide leadership. Common consent is exercised when members assemble in conferences in congregations, mission centers, and at the World Conference”; and

Whereas, Article IV, Section 2g, indicates: “In extraordinary circumstances, or in situations where a jurisdiction cannot send to the World Conference the number of delegates to which it is entitled, the First Presidency is authorized to implement alternate voting procedures subject to the consent of the World Conference”; therefore be it

Resolved, That as an experiment, the First Presidency provide for a limited number of delegates (the limits to be technical and financial) to participate in the next World Conference remotely via the Internet; and be it further

Resolved, That within one year of this experiment, a report be made available via electronic and print media to the church; and be it further

Resolved, That if this experiment is judged practical, that within technical and financial limitations, more delegates be included using the Internet in future World Conferences.