Jan 29:Update from Phil

 Church Conflict Update

January 2021

 

Dear Members and Friends of First Congregational,

 

This is a preview of the upcoming Moderator’s Report in the February Chronicle, but I wanted everyone to have this information as soon as possible.

 

In December, church Council approved the formation of the Reconciliation Leadership Team (RLT), a group whose objective will be to help First Congregational move forward in support of our shared goals for our church by promoting reconciliation, healing, and forgiveness.  This group will use the suggestions found in the Center for Congregational Health (CCH) report, as well as their own vision and creativity to devise a process to meet those goals.

 

In a January on-line vote, the Council approved the members of the team. They are: Ann Allen, Ed Argue, Dawn Kucera, Linda Laderach, Bob McLendon, Karla Miller, and Phil Taylor. The team will choose its own chairperson. In keeping with the decision that this be a lay-led team, neither Karla nor I will be the chair. The group will operate by consensus and communicate frequently with church Council and the congregation.

 

A potential first step in the process might be a “letting go” ceremony of some sort. This would be designed to focus on our future as a church and put the past controversy behind us. Its emphasis would be on “we” as the church, and not on groups or factions within the church.

The CCH report suggests some themes for discussion, based on what they heard in the listening groups. These themes are: the meaning of being a welcoming congregation; what we mean by being a loving congregation; and the ramifications of our rapid growth.  In addition, following the CCH report guidance, the group will consider the concepts of justice, compassion, taking responsibility for one’s actions, and the ability to self-define our beliefs and to discuss our disagreements and grievances.

 

These discussion groups will be open to everyone (via Zoom), and topic experts may be provided as appropriate.

 

I anticipate that this process will take about four months, but that may change depending on the team’s decisions and the interest level of the congregation. The RLT may also recommend “spin-off” groups to address other specific topics and recommend appropriate actions or decisions.

 

I encourage everyone to watch for more information and to participate in the process as much as possible. I believe there is more that unites us than divides us, and I sincerely hope and pray we can soon find our way to a place where we are united.

 

Phil Taylor, Moderator