2007 World Conference Legislation

G-8 Extension of the Seminary into Non-USA/Canada Fields (motion lost)

From the South America Mission Center:

Whereas, The mission statement of the Seminary of the Community of Christ declares in part that “The mission of the Seminary is to educate and to prepare—through learning, teaching, service, and mentoring—creative, discerning, and faithful leaders for ministry in congregations and the World Church”; and

Whereas, Three of the seven Commitments of the Seminary (www.graceland.edu/seminary) are:

·        A community proclaiming faith and learning that includes women and men of diverse ethnic, economic, social and national backgrounds

·        An educational context that is ecumenical and global and that honors the indigenous peoples of the world

·        A dynamic relationship between searching and learning with local congregations of the church and denominational jurisdictions of all levels; and

Whereas, The church outside the USA/Canada represents a significant and constantly growing portion of the World Church; and

Resolved, That the First Presidency in cooperation with the Seminary board of directors, create a strategic plan to (a) allow students from around the world to participate in Seminary courses using creative media (e.g., distance learning, a “traveling” seminary, etc.), (b) increase the number of mobile faculty and/or adjunct faculty available to expand the Seminary to new areas around the world as visiting teachers or by assisting in distance learning, and (c) evaluate how to best meet the needs of the Community of Christ outside the USA/Canada at the same level of graduate education currently being offered by the Seminary; and be it further

Resolved, That a report on progress toward creating such a strategic plan for the Seminary education outside the USA/Canada be given to the next World Conference.