Biennial Day Two: Bylaw Changes

3:36 p.m. In recess till tomorrow.

3:32 p.m. Frank Christine Jr. recognized as out going President. Ballot results will be announced tomorrow.

3:27 p.m. 2010 Audit Report

3:25 p.m. Ballots being submitted.

3:22 p.m. Rev. David Gregg speaking for the motion. Two supportive reasons: First, problems with public witness statements are not important enough to vote down the new bylaws. Everyone has a issue with a witness statement. Second, increase freedom to mission with creative like minded people. New bylaws keep us flexible.

3:18 p.m. Rev. Dr. Roberto Dieppa-Baez (speaking in Spanish with translation) speaking for the motion. Structure will allow freedom for new projects.

3:15 p.m. Rev. Dr. Crane (General Board member) speaking for. We modified as a denomination since the beginning. We’ve been repositioning historically. Mission table and mission summit with allow for opportunities. Mic cut off because of 5 minute time limit.

3:09 p.m. Rev. Gordon C Swan speaking against. Article 12: What is proposed for future will require simple majority not super majority. Vote against: promoting an exclusive attitude. Find new ways to dialog.

3:05 p.m. Rev. Susan Johnson speaking in favor: Policy statements will not resolve conflicts within denomination. Rules tell us what playing field we are on. Rules tell us how to play the game. New bylaws will not be about maintenance.

3:00 p.m. Grant Ward from Central Baptist Church Wayne, PA speaking against the motion. Concerns: Bylaws fail to include voices, identity statements. Restructuring does not allow minority voices. Worried about dis-fellowship through policy statements.

2:50 p.m. Reasons why the last bylaw vote failed.  It’s very smart to include this discussion. Airs missteps and misunderstandings. Hard copies of bylaws are present.

2:46 p.m. Motion from Patty Stratton: To approve proposed bylaws.

Head table: Proposed bylaws will not change the mission of the denomination.

Bylaw changes: focuses on mission, less organizational focus…

2:45 p.m. Introductions for Bylaw changes

10 a.m. Social Media Pavilion