[lightman]

With a meeting only once every 4 years for only 2 weeks, things move slowly in the UMC, so changing structures to allow changes in those positions has NOT been the priority. The priority has been on preserving our rules and gain proportional voting.

As a former ELCA (now LCMC) Lutheran one of my lesser criticisms of my former judicatory was that national assemblies were held every two years...might have served a purpose in the the ELCA's infant years, but no longer.

The short cycle fueled a perception (which became reality) that "change is inevitable" because you can revote in just two years.

Fortunately after 2013 the national assemblies will be at three year intervals; unfortunately, change done only as a cost-cutting measure, not for ecclesiological reasons.

[xzins]

You point out that more frequent meetings could be a curse instead of a blessing, and your experience proves your words to be true. Thanks for another view on this.

I’m getting close to retirement age now, and I’ve fought this my entire ministry, so resolving things quickly becomes more important the older I get. Selfish reason, of course: I simply want to be around to see it.

But, you’re right. Best to let things chug along, and I’ll let Jesus fill me in on changes after I leave here to be there.