Report on the 2017 Council
of the Clergy Meetings
The Rev. Kenneth J. Alden
E
ighty-four ministers attended this year’s meetings, plus one listening via
Internet, two candidates for the priesthood, and one guest, for a total of
88. Of these, 60 were from North America, 22 from Africa, three from Europe,
two from Asia, and one from Australia. Although no theme for the meetings
was planned, strong themes emerged: choosing the culture of the Word over
that of the world; serving the spiritual needs of those in and not yet in the
church; and examining the Latin of the Writings to better understand the
heavenly doctrine the Lord has given.
Tuesday, June 20
Worship
The Rt. Rev. Brian W. Keith opened the meetings with a worship service
centered on Psalm 89 which exalts the Lord for His power. He used His own
power to glorify or make Divine His Humanity. The filling of Aaron, the high
priest’s hand represents the Lord’s power to save. When the Word is placed
in a priest’s hand at his inauguration, it symbolizes that power of the Word
entrusted to priests. They are to lead people to be taught by the Lord directly
from His Word, for in it is infinite power, and it belongs to the Lord alone.
Membership
To invite the full participation of new members, the Membership Committee
report was the first item of business. The Rev. Grant H. Odhner, committee
chairman, recommended the followed newly ordained priests for membership:
Elmo K. Acton (United States), Abel Nguessan Amahin, Etienne Mogue
Beugre, Mellon René Agnes Lasme, (all from Côte d’Ivoire), Leopold Yaovi
Kouglo Assiobo (Togo), and Dong Y. Yang (South Korea). All six ministers
were unanimously welcomed as voting members of the council.
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