ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The 2023 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference took place July 4-8 in Cincinnati, Ohio, with about 1,400 people attending—including 441 delegates. Tim McElwee of Fort Wayne, Ind., served as moderator.

During business, delegates approved a request for an Annual Conference study on calling denominational leadership, approved a change regarding the process for nominations from the floor, updated guidelines for continuing education, adopted restated and amended articles of organization for Eder Financial, approved a 5.3 percent recommended cost-of-living increase for pastors on the annual salary table, adopted “Resolution—With Actions and in Truth: A Lament on the Doctrine of Discovery” with two amendments, and heard a variety of reports. The Conference also observed a time of silence for “confession and repentance concerning our mistreatment of one another in our discussion of human sexuality,” and each day featured times of worship and Bible study.

Dava Hensley of Roanoke, Va., was called as moderator-elect, among election results. Three new congregations, fellowship, and projects were recognized, including the Madtown Brethren start in Illinois/Wisconsin District. The 100th anniversary of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) and the 75th anniversary of Brethren Volunteer Service were also celebrated.

Colin Scott of Mechanicsburg, Pa., will serve as Mission and Ministry Board chair for the next two years, with Kathy Mack as chair-elect. In Council of District Executives meetings prior to the Conference, Northern Ohio district executive Kris Hawk was called as chair to fill an unexpired term, and Illinois/Wisconsin district executive minister Walt Wiltschek was called as chair-elect. Jeanne Davies (York Center) continues to serve on the Breaking Down Barriers study committee.

In a public witness event organized by On Earth Peace, a group of about 100 people gathered behind an orange banner stating, "We can end gun violence,” and walked to Cincinnati’s city hall while singing “Down by the Riverside.” Cincinnati vice-mayor Jan-Michelle Kearney joined the group, voicing her concerns over gun violence and expressing the need for change. Three local TV stations covered the event.

A concise summary of Annual Conference 2023 highlights and decisions is available in an online wrap-up news sheet.

According to the Annual Conference office, 16 of a possible 38 delegates from the district attended the conference in Cincinnati this year. Your voice is important, so consider sending a delegate from your congregation to next year’s Annual Conference, July 3-7, 2024, in Grand Rapids, Mich. Madalyn Metzger, who grew up in the Springfield (Ill.) First congregation and now lives near Elkhart, Ind., will serve as moderator for 2024.