Delegates line up to speak out

Most communication during General Synod Plenary sessions flows from the platform to the floor. That flow reverses during the long-standing feature called “SpeakOuts!”

Delegates sign up for the chance to speak for one strictly timed minute on any topic of their choosing. The microphone is muted exactly 60 seconds after the speaker starts talking. A SpeakOut! block is 10 minutes long, and slots are eagerly pursued.

Ten delegates lined up at 9:01 a.m. on Saturday morning for this General Synod 35’s first SpeakOut! session. As expected, their topics covered a wide spectrum.

Ruth Shaver encouraged those looking to serve the church to consider the Pathways for Theological Education program.

Molly Carlson and Arlene Turner raised awareness that 129 people, including 36 children, died following flooding in Texas last week, and over 160 people are still missing. They called for a moment of silence from the assembly.

Kevin Tindell lifted the Open and Affirming Coalition’s 40^th anniversary. He called on all churches to act out because “they’re trying to kill us all,” and raised a special concern for “our trans siblings.”

Jonathan Bradner of the Heartland Conference announced he is running for public office to the U.S. House of Representatives. He noted that “Black clergy have always understood the importance of serving in office,” but that white clergy tend to stay in their pulpits. He called for clergy, especially those who are younger, to represent their communities in office.

June Boutwell spoke in support of the Council for Racial and Ethnic Ministries or COREM resolution and urged the delegates to quietly reflect as they consider the church’s ongoing response to immigration.

Martha Koenig Stone invited the delegates to join a prayer vigil for peace in Palestine Saturday at 4 p.m. She urged the assembly to “keep your eye” on that land, and that a UCC movement for Palestinian solidarity is necessary.

Zachary Worley lifted the insight that natural psychedelic medications are “wellness tools.” They should be understood in the context of faith and harm reduction, and informational material can be found at that table in the Exhibits Hall.

Bill Bender informed the assembly that the Northern Plains Conference is searching for a Conference Minister. He mentioned that the Conference is located close to the Canadian border, and that there are “plenty of open roads” to enjoy for someone feeling called.

Sheila Harvey celebrated the 40^th anniversary of the United Church of Christ as a Just Peace Church, and over 200 local churches in the Florida Conference who have also adopted that designation.

Terry Williams closed the session with a memorial tribute to Paul Fogel, who passed away in November 2024, and who is known to many of the delegates.

SpeakOut! blocks are scheduled for each of the five remaining Plenary sessions.

Matt McCaffrey is a reporter for the GS35 Newsroom.

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