Official Minutes of Business Session
Friday, March 30, 2007

The 2007 World Conference convened in legislative session at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 30, 2007, in the conference chamber of the Auditorium, Independence, Missouri. President Stephen M. Veazey was in the chair.
The assembly sang the hymn “Siyahamb’ ekukhanyen’kwenkhos’,” accompanied by Twila Rider on the organ. Mike Hoffman of the Kentucky-Indiana Mission Center offered an invocation.

Approval of the Minutes
President Veazey called attention to the minutes of the business session of Thursday, March 29, 2007, printed on pages 346–348. Rick Sarre was recognized for a question of privilege. President Veazey spoke to the use of the previous question in debate. Brenda Mitchell noted that on page 346 the word “if” was incorrectly inserted in the sentence beginning “David Premoe was recognized for a point of order…” The minutes were approved as corrected.
Conference manager Sue Sloan was then recognized to make several announcements. The Chair recognized Apostle Ron Harmon for an announcement.

Wim van Klinken was recognized for a motion to reconsider item G-6, “Assistance in Obtaining Visas.” There was a second, followed by brief discussion. Douglas Bolger was recognized for a question of privilege. President Veazey indicated that there would be an update on the situation in Haiti. A vote was taken on the motion to reconsider, and the motion carried.

Assistance in Obtaining Visas
Wim van Klinken moved to amend Item G-6, “Assistance in Obtaining Visas,” by striking the words “United States of America” from the resolving paragraph, leaving the rest as amended the previous day. There was a second, and brief discussion followed. The vote was taken on the amendment, and it carried. Willie King was recognized with a motion to amend, to strike the words “United States of America” from the second paragraph of the preamble. Without objection, the Chair ruled that the words “United States of America” would be stricken from the preamble in the spirit of the previous amendment. There was a vote, and the item was approved as amended.

World Church Finance Board Elections
President Veazey called attention to Item B-2, “World Church Finance Board,” on page 333 and also to the additional nominations on page 366. Ballots were distributed, and the vote was taken. During the voting, President Veazey provided an update on the flooding in Haiti. President Veazey relinquished the chair to President Savage for a citation and recognition of Berneice Clark, honored for her years of service in sign language interpretive ministry. In response for a request for information, President Veazey noted that Item G-15, “International Men’s Gathering,” was originated by the Second and Third Quorums of Seventy.

Greater Cooperation in Translations
President Veazey called attention to Item G-9, “Greater Cooperation in Translations and Resource Development,” on page 98. Henere Marama was recognized for a question of privilege. President Veazey offered a brief statement on the cooperation of apostles and seventy. Gustavo Vergara Rojas moved to approve the item, and a second was received. Mark Robison moved to amend, striking from the second-to-last Resolved “shall meet only via the Internet, and.” After brief discussion, Ken Miner moved to amend the amendment, reinserting all that was stricken and striking “shall” and inserting “may.” The Chair ruled the amendment to the amendment out of order. There was further discussion. Cynthia Sullivan moved to refer G-9 to the Council of Twelve. There was a second, followed by brief discussion. A vote was taken. The motion to refer carried.

World Church Minister Recognition
President Veazey relinquished the chair to President Savage, who invited ministers with twenty-five years of service up to the rostrum, and the Conference honored them. After a brief statement, President Savage then invited retiring World Church ministers and their supporting family members up to the stage. The assembly expressed appreciation for their years of service.

The assembly recessed for lunch at 12:05 and reconvened at 1:40 p.m. with President Veazey in the Chair. Several announcements were shared.

Leadership Education in Developing Nations
President Veazey called attention to Item G-11, “Leadership Education in Developing Nations,” on page 99. Gustavo Vergara Rojas moved to approve the item, and there was a second. After brief discussion, Greg Savage referred G-11 to the First Presidency. There was a second, and discussion followed. President Veazey suspended further consideration of the item so that the Words of Counsel could be taken up.

President Veazey acknowledged the Conference Kids children and staff. The Conference expressed its appreciation.

Consideration of Words of Counsel
President Veazey indicated that the next order of business would be the consideration of the “Words of Counsel to the Church” that President Veazey presented to the church on March 29, 2007, printed on pages 349–351. President Veazey shared his testimony regarding the consideration of Words of Counsel to the church. He relinquished the chair to President David D. Schaal and then withdrew from the conference chamber during the consideration of the document.

President Schaal reviewed the process of considering the document. He then recognized Presiding Evangelist David R. Brock, who offered a prayer for the deliberations of the assembly.

Apostle James E. Slauter moved that the Conference accept the document of President Stephen M. Veazey dated March 29, 2007, as inspired counsel and direction to the church, and authorize that the document be included in the Doctrine and Covenants. A second was received.

The Conference then received reports from the quorums, councils, orders, mass meetings, and caucuses that had met to consider the document.

The First Presidency, read by Becky Savage

To the World Conference:
The First Presidency met in prayerful consideration of the Words of Counsel to the Church on March 29, 2007. We were blessed by a spirit of confirmation that the Words of Counsel provide a prophetic vision for the church that inspires and challenges each disciple to discern “what matters most.”
With great humility we approved that the “Words of Counsel to the Church,” given by Prophet Stephen M. Veazey on March 29, 2007, be included as divinely inspired counsel to the church and that they be included in the Doctrine and Covenants.

Respectfully submitted,
David D. Schaal and Becky L. Savage
First Presidency

Council of Twelve, read by Linda Booth

To the First Presidency and World Conference:
The Council of Twelve Apostles was moved by the power of God’s presence and God’s call to mission in the Words of Counsel, recognizing the divine challenge of reach of us to be a people of peace, reconciliation, and healing of the spirit.

With hearts full of God’s grace, we give our full support to this inspired counsel to the church and for its inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants, believing that if all of us live these words, Zion, the peaceable kingdom, will be in our midst and bring shalom—wholeness and redemption to all creation.
We give thanks to God and to our prophet for this inspired direction that will change us and the world into which we are called and sent.

Respectfully submitted,
James E. Slauter, president
Linda L. Booth, secretary

Quorums of Seventy, read by John S. Wight

To the World Conference:
The seven Quorums of Seventy met individually on Thursday, March 29, and
Friday, March 30, to consider Prophet/President Stephen M. Veazey’s “Words of Counsel to the Church” for inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants. After prayerful preparation and discussion, each quorum approved the document paragraph by paragraph and in its entirety for inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants.

The Seventy express deep appreciation to Brother Veazey for his willingness to prepare himself in such a way that he could be a vessel for this inspired counsel, for his vision of the future, and for his leadership in forging new partnerships of ministry to carry the peace of Jesus Christ into the world.

Respectfully submitted,
John S. Wight, secretary
Council of Presidents of Seventy

Quorum of High Priests, read by Jane Gardner

To the First Presidency and the World Conference:
The Quorum of High Priests has given careful and prayerful consideration to the document “Words of Counsel to the Church” from President Stephen M. Veazey dated March 29, 2007. We wish to thank President Veazey for his openness to the guidance of the Spirit and appreciate the humble spirit in which the document was presented, leaving the church free to consider an appropriate response. During our consideration, many quorum members shared feelings of being profoundly challenged by this inspired guidance to the church. We recommend inclusion of “Words of Counsel to the Church” in the Doctrine and Covenants.

Jane M. Gardner, president
Arthur E. Smith, secretary

Order of Evangelists, read by Richard Kohlman

To the First Presidency and the World Conference:
The Order of Evangelists assembled in session on March 29 and 30, 2007, to consider the Letter of Counsel from President Stephen M. Veazey presented to the church on Sunday, March 25, 2007. After sharing in worship, the Order considered the document. We were blessed by the Spirit as testimony was shared in response to the counsel presented in the letter.

The Order of Evangelists unanimously voted to approve the Letter of Counsel for inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants. We believe the church will benefit from the counsel as we discern its deeper meanings and blessings and look forward to that day when we can fully embrace what it means to be community.

We commit ourselves as evangelists to be an integral part of a prophetic community leading others to the peace and love that can only be experienced as we express uncommon devotion to the compassion and peace of God revealed in Jesus Christ.

Order of Evangelists
David R. Brock, presiding evangelist
Richard E. Kohlman, secretary

Order of Bishops, read by Stancil Wilson

To the First Presidency and the World Conference:
The Order of Bishops met in a spirit of worship and prayer to consider the “Words of Counsel to the Church” dated March 29, 2007.

In response to the witness of God’s Spirit, and the testimony of our prophet-president, the Order expressed its overwhelming support of the Words of Counsel and approved its inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants.
The Order expresses its deep appreciation for and support of the discernment process and looks forward to sharing with the church as we continue to discern God’s call expressed within these words.

We accept the call to respond as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ in living out the message of the Words of Counsel and anticipate the divine blessing in becoming the Community of Christ.

Respectfully submitted
Stancil Wilson
Derek Judd
Jeff Naylor
secretaries pro-tem

Mass Meeting of the Elders, read by Sue Phipps

To the World Conference:
The Mass Meeting of the Elders met Thursday afternoon, March 29, 2007, and Friday morning, March 30, 2007, to consider a motion to approve the “Words of Counsel to the Church” for the inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants.
Members of the mass meeting shared many testimonies of their discernment as to the Spirit’s presence in the Words of Counsel. The body acknowledged the “Words of Counsel to the Church” to be the Word of God for the church and recommended its inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants. The Mass Meeting of the Elders voted to express to President Veazey their heartfelt appreciation for and support of his courageous and visionary leadership. They acknowledge this counsel as a call to action. The Mass Meeting of the Elders accept this call.

Paul Hardwick & Sue Phipps, co-chairs
Mikal Shedd, secretary

Mass Meeting of the Aaronic Priesthood, read by Joey Kernstock

To the First Presidency and the World Conference:
The Mass Meeting of the Aaronic Priesthood on March 29 and March 30 considered prayerfully the Words of Counsel presented by President Stephen M. Veazey to the church.

After prayer, discussion, and overwhelming affirmative testimony, the document was approved in its entirety. Its inclusion into the Doctrine and Covenants was recommended.

Respectfully submitted
Janice Zimmerman, co-chair
Johnny Stabno, co-chair
Joey Kernstock, secretary pro-tem

French Language Caucus, read by Chola Daudet

The French caucus met on Thursday March 29, 2007, to consider the letter of counsel of our Prophet-President Stephen M. Veazey.
After exploratory reading and meditation, the French caucus voted in favor of the inclusion of this counsel in the Doctrine and Covenants. The French caucus made note that a final review of the translation should be made before final printing.
Chola Daudet
Steve Graffeo

Spanish Language Caucus, read by Angela Ramirez

To the First Presidency and the World Conference:
The Spanish/Portuguese Caucus met on March 29 and 30 of 2007 to consider the Words of Counsel to the church.
After reading each one of the paragraphs of the document and having discussed its contents, they were approved. Subsequently, the document in its entirety was approved, thereby unanimously approving it for its inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants.

We have the conviction that the Holy Spirit has been present through our brother Steve in bringing to us these words of counsel and we are sure that they will serve for the benefit and growth of the church.

In Christ,
Angela Ramirez, leader
John Glaser, co-leader

Tahitian Language Caucus, read by Christine Fareata

To the President, First Presidency, and the World Conference:
May you have life in the name of Jesus Christ because of the power of the Holy Spirit contained in the words and verses of the document of inspired counsel to the church. We accept the prophetic counsel.
Tahitian Language Caucus

Basic English Caucus, read by Malcolm Stephenson

To the First Presidency and the World Conference:
The Basic English Caucus met and considered the Words of Counsel to the church dated March 29, 2007, as presented by President Veazey.

It was considered paragraph by paragraph and in its entirety and was approved for inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants.

The caucus expresses its appreciation for President Veazey’s courage and faithfulness in seeking God’s word for us for this time and for presenting them to the Conference.

Respectfully submitted,
Malcolm Stephenson
Angie Elliott-Koéné
co-chairs

Youth and Children’s Caucus, read by Lydia Douglass, Wiliama Sanchez, Alisha Bauman, and Mikal Farley

To the First Presidency and the World Conference:
On March 29, 2007, the youth caucus voted unanimously to accept the “Words of Counsel to the Church” humbly presented by President Stephen M. Veazey to the Community of Christ on Sunday evening, March 25, 2007.
We have many testimonies concerning the Words of Counsel to the church. These include the call for us to become a prophetic people in community and to strive for peace and justice. In addition, the Children and Youth Delegate Caucus was reassured of the necessity of earthly stewardship and the further revelation of priesthood’s continual need to grow in Spirit. We found the reference to scripture pointing to God instead of it being worshiped and idolized to be especially poignant and of divine inspiration.

We, the Children and Youth Caucus, find this document to be inspired by the Holy Spirit and after praying and considering it, we have decided that we feel this document is inspired and should be canonized. We share the vision presented in this document. It is our opinion that the document presents information relevant to today and that it truly contributes to the goals that the church should strive towards.

Respectfully submitted by:
Lydia Douglass
Wiliama Sanchez
Alisha Bauman
Mikal Farley
Committee for Records

Jessica Shultz
secretary pro-tem

Greg Ardito
chairman

Delegate Caucus, read by Ruthann Essig

To the First Presidency and the World Conference:
After prayerful discernment and discussion, the Delegate Caucus overwhelmingly approves President Veazey’s “Words of Counsel to the Church,” dated March 29, 2007, for inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants. The Delegate Caucus appreciates President Veazey’s servanthood and leadership of this diverse Community of Christ. We pledge our continued support and prayers.

In the Spirit of Christ,
Patti Page, co-chair
Robert Wanga, co-chair
Ruthann Essig, secretary

Each paragraph was read by President Savage, and there was discussion on various paragraphs. During the discussion, Harry Fielding rose to a point of order. President Schaal ruled that the point was not well taken, because the document was being read and it had been adequately translated. Joni Rillos appealed the decision of the Chair, but the Chair ruled the appeal out of order because business had intervened. Markie McCoy rose to a point of order. The Chair ruled that the point was not well taken because the time limits for debate were set by the body. Bruce Judd rose to a point of order. The Chair ruled that using the existing lectern system increases the decorum of the assembly and its accessibility to all delegates.

President Schaal opened the discussion on the document as a whole. Without objection, President Schaal called for the vote on the “Words of Counsel to the Church” as a whole to provide for its inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants. The motion carried.

The Chair asked President of the Council of Twelve James Slauter, Senior President of Seventy Robert Kyser, Presiding Bishop Stephen Jones, President of the High Priest Quorum Jane Gardner, and Presiding Evangelist David Brock to go to President Veazey to advise him of the action taken by the Conference and escort him back to the conference chamber. The Conference then sang the hymn “Santo, Santo, Santo,” accompanied by Jan Kraybill. Ruth Haynes was recognized for a question of privilege. The Chair then provided an opportunity for the entire assembly to express its support for the document.

President Veazey was escorted into the chamber while the assembly sang the hymn “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet,” and President Schaal made the following statement:

President Veazey, it is my privilege to inform you that the “Words of Counsel to the Church” have been approved by the Conference, and its inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants has been authorized. We are grateful for the guidance which has been given to the church, and now I return the chair to you.

The Conference expressed its appreciation to President Veazey, and he briefly addressed the assembly.

The assembly sang “Seek Ye First,” and then Renand Hilaire, from Haiti, offered a prayer of benediction. The World Conference adjourned at 4:45 p.m. to meet again at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 31, 2007.

Andrew M. Shields
secretary