Official Minutes of Business Session
Saturday, March 31, 2007

The 2007 World Conference convened in legislative session at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 31, 2007, in the conference chamber of the Auditorium, Independence, Missouri. President Stephen M. Veazey was in the chair.

The assembly sang the hymn “O God, Our Help in Ages Past,” accompanied by Aaron Jaynes on the organ. An invocation was given by Olga Stafievskaya from Russia.

President Veazey called attention to the minutes of the business session of Friday, March 30, 2007, printed on pages 374–377. On page 374, under the heading “Leadership Education in Developing Nations,” on the fourth line, the sentence should read as follows. “After brief discussion, Greg Savage moved to refer G-11 to the First Presidency.” On page 377, in the right-hand column, end of the first paragraph, please add the sentence “Each paragraph was approved.” Susan Rasmusson rose to a question of privilege. Willie King was recognized for a question of privilege. Erika Weeks was recognized for a question of privilege. The minutes were approved as corrected.

President Veazey announced the results of the World Church Finance Board election, which was held on Friday morning. The Chair declared Andrew M. Fox, Durkje M. Bokma, Gilbert B. Alberti, Cynthia C. Hatch, Lucia M. Piehi, George E. Barber, Bradley G. Johnson, Helen M. Taylor, Marjorie G. Martens, and K. Michael Zabel elected. The vote totals were as follows:

(in order of votes)

President Veazey called attention to Item A-2, “Sustain General Officers,” on page 333. It was noted that Jane Gardner’s middle initial should be listed as “M.” Gwendolyn Hawks Blue moved to approve the item, and there was a second. There was a vote, and the motion carried.

President Veazey called up Item A-3, “Sustaining of Quorums, Councils, and Orders,” on page 378. Aggrey Chilembo moved to approve the item, and there was a second. A vote followed, and the motion carried.

President Veazey recognized Apostle Linda Booth for a presentation on the Chattanooga outreach program.

President Veazey shared some information with the assembly regarding the day’s business. Items not acted upon would be considered referred to the First Presidency, moving to the agenda of the World Ministries Coordinating Team or the World Church Leadership Council. Katherine Goheen moved to limit debate to three minutes for the first “for” and “against” speeches, two minutes for subsequent speeches, doubling time for those requiring translations. The motion was seconded. The Chair called for a vote, and the motion carried by the required two-thirds majority.

President Veazey called up G-11, “Leadership Education in Developing Nations,” on page 99. The Chair noted that the assembly was in the process of debating a motion of referral to the First Presidency. Discussion followed. Jeff Naylor was recognized for a question of privilege. Mary Jo Jackel was recognized for a question of privilege. Without objection, the Chair put the previous question on the referral to the First Presidency. A vote was taken, and it passed by the required two-thirds approval. The assembly then voted on the motion to refer the item to the First Presidency. The motion to refer carried.

President Veazey called up Item G-12, “Conditions for Membership,” originally printed with the title “Rebaptism,” on page 99. The Chair recognized Tim Brown for a point of order. The Chair ruled that the resolution is in order because it does not create change. Bob Fisher rose to a point of order. The Chair ruled that the point was not well taken, as the resolution indicates that the First Presidency should issue instruction relevant to the day, rather than dictating what that instruction would be. Robert Wanga moved to adopt the item, and a second was received. There was discussion. Tom Hawkins rose to a point of order. The Chair clarified the legislative situation. Jim Danielson was recognized for a point of order. The Chair reminded all speakers to speak to the motion. Discussion continued. Howard Booth moved to amend by adding a paragraph to the preamble: “Whereas, For some individuals who desire to be considered members, this requirement for rebaptism diminishes the power, value, and beauty of their previous baptism and commitment to Christ; and” between the fourth and fifth paragraph. Without objection, the Chair put the previous question on the amendment, and the motion passed by the required two-thirds vote. The assembly voted on the amendment, and the amendment carried. Discussion continued. Without objection, the Chair called for the previous question. A vote was taken on the previous question and it carried by the required two-thirds vote. A vote was taken on the item as amended, and the item was approved.

Rick Sarre was recognized for a question of privilege. The Chair reviewed the legislative situation. President Veazey considered the remaining resolutions referred, in spirit, to the First Presidency, to be put on the agendas of the World Ministries Coordinating Team and the World Church Leadership Council. The Chair offered brief comments on G-13, “Practicing Environmentally Friendly Stewardship,” on page 99; item G-14, “Struggle against HIV-AIDS,” on page 334; item G-15, “International Men’s Gathering,” on page 334; item G-16, “Save Darfur,” on page 334; and item G-17, “Continuing Scriptural Exploration of Peace and War,” on page 335. Susan Mullins was recognized for a question of privilege. Justice Manning was recognized for a question of privilege. The Conference expressed appreciation to the Chair.

Apostle James E. Slauter moved that the Conference be adjourned sine die, and the motion received a second. A vote was taken, and the motion to adjourn was approved.

The Chair announced that the minutes for this session would be reviewed by a committee formed of Don Compier, Kent Bradford, and Gwendolyn Hawks Blue prior to posting on the Web and printing in the Herald. The assembly sang “Redeemer of Israel”; then Jacob Blakesley, from the Southern Great Lakes International Mission Center, offered a prayer of benediction. The World Conference adjourned at 10:00 a.m.

Andrew M. Shields