Resolutions Cover Variety of Topics, Emphases
The traditional last item of business on the agenda of the Church of God International General Assembly is several resolutions presented by the resolutions committee. At GA2010 in Orlando, Florida, there were 14 items which were adopted by the General Council and ratified at the General Assembly on July 30.
Resolutions are generated by a committee which works months in advance preparing for presentation to the General Council. Through the years, resolutions adopted at the General Assembly have set church policy on doctrinal beliefs such as holiness and prayer, but also on sensitive social issues including abortion, pornography, racism and gambling. A listing of resolutions adopted since the 1960’s is listed on the Church of God Web site under the Beliefs tab.
The 2010 resolutions committee consisted of Hugh Bair,chairman, Ronald D. Martin, co-chairman, Fedlyn Beason, Wayne Solomon and Lynn Stone.
At GA2010, the General Assembly adopted resolutions on Prayer, The Great Commission and A Quest for Trust, the three ministry emphases of the 2008-2010 General Assembly period. Two resolutions address notable dates in the Church of God: 100 years of World Missions and the upcoming 125th anniversary of the Church of God in 2011. The General Assembly also adopted a resolution on the Church of God as a “movement,” multi-cultural ministry, ministerial care by the local church, and church planting. Resolution #5 addressed the deity of Christ. When read to the General Council for adoption, it received a spontaneous ovation of praise from the body of ordained bishops.
One social issue was addressed: global poverty. After citing scriptural references “to preach the good news to the poor…(Luke 4),” the resolution concluded by stating, “we call upon the governments of the nations represented by the international constituents of the Church of God to honor their promise to halve extreme global poverty by 2015, holding them accountable to act with integrity and justice on behalf of the poor.”
Two other resolutions expressed appreciation: to the International General Assembly leadership and the city of Orlando, Florida and reflective of a portion of the agenda discussed during the week, a resolution expressing appreciation for women in the Church of God was adopted.
A complete list of 2010 resolutions is located on the Church of God Web site on the home page under the GA2010 graphic.
