A discernment process has been underway. Under our Presbyterian system the decision about what to do rests with Session. Session decided to support a discernment process starting with the Jinocuao Committee itself. By "discernment" we mean to be prayerfully striving for insight and direction, admitting the limitations of our own wisdom and inviting the Holy Spirit to guide us.
Among long time supporters of the sister parish relationship and Jinocuao Committee members there are different views. Some favor continuing a relationship with Jinocuao and some believe it is time to bring it to a close. Understandably, given the years of work and friendship with both members of the Jinocuao community and Ellen and Luis, the AKF team, there are deep feelings over what has happened and over the dilemma in which we find ourselves.
With the help of Rev. Margee Iddings (known to many of you as the former pastor at Silver Spring Presbyterian Church and founder of the Rising Phoenix retreat center) the Committee gathered several times early in the winter to struggle with the issues. The Committee was able to achieve deeper understanding and respect for varying perspectives, and mutual affirmation of one other, but did not find agreement on a recommendation to Session. Session then joined the discernment process, with Rev. Iddings still providing assistance. A Working Group was formed (3 people from the Session unconnected to the Jinocuao Committee, and 3 Jinocuao Committee members) and charged with devising and recommending a process for decision-making.
This group met several times and brought its recommendation to the March 6 Session meeting. The process approved by Session is described on the next web page.
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