Plenary 1

Opening: Moderator, Rev. Charlie Whiston, opened the meeting at 2:00 with a brief greeting and introduction of Carra Bradt who led us in a worship service.

Quorum: A quorum was declared.

Call: Emily Taylor, Conference Clerk, read the Call

Constituting Prayer: Anita White, incoming Vice Moderator, offered the Constituting Prayer

Introductions: Charlie Whiston, Conference Moderator, introduced the people on stage and behind the screen.

The Agenda was approved. It was moved and voted that the agenda as presented be adopted.

Adoption of Rules and Procedures: It was moved and voted to adopt the Rules and Procedures. Charlie added that all amendments must be presented in writing.

Credentials Committee:
It was moved and voted to approve David Jenks, Barbara Bentley, and Joan Grant Gordon to be our Credentials Committee.

Tellers: It was moved and voted that Lois Dennett, Kit Caspar, Kathy Woodside, Mary Baard and Joyce Ingrisano would be the Tellers at this year’s annual meeting.

Parliamentarian: It was moved and voted to accept Nick Nadzo as Parliamentarian,

Approval of the Minutes of the 2005 Annual Meeting. It was moved, seconded and voted with one abstention to accept the minutes of the 2005 Annual Meeting as written.

Printed Reports: Moved, seconded and voted to receive the printed reports as submitted to the Annual Meeting. These are the reports of 3 Commissions, Conference Minister, and Transitional Associate Conference Minister, Minister of Small Church Development and the Coordinating Council actions since last October.

Introductions: Charlie introduced Jeff McDonnell, Peter St. Martin, Susan Stonestreet, and Ewen Moases. Other guests Bill Imes, Daehler Hayes and Jill Saxby were not yet present. Ewen Moases, of the United Church of Canada, brought greetings and words of shared ministry.

Nominating Committee Report: Martha Hoverson reported corrections: Kiley Wilkens replaced Rebecca Lockwood. The positions of Kate Winters and Beth Haynes should be reversed. There were no nominations from the floor. Moved, seconded and voted unanimously that the Clerk cast one ballot for the proposed slate.

Introduction of New Clergy: David Gaewski introduced the new clergy to the Maine Conference: Karen Christensen, John Deal, Dana Douglass, Nathan Gardiner, Susan Kaplan, Heather Kurtz, Susan Reisert, Norman Rust and Neil Wilson. Rev. Robert Grove-Markwood assisted with the on- screen technology.

Newly Ordained: David and June Boutwell introduced those newly ordained: Diane Graham, Beth Hoffman, and Janet Leighinger.

Ordination Anniversaries: 25th Linda Gard, Doug Hedstrom, Peter St. Martin, Richard Weidler, Diane Harvey, 50th Ed Berry, Earl Bell, John Crowe and George Bovill.

Associate Conference Minister Search Committe: Mark Doty reported that the position of Associate Conference Minister has been posted and eleven profiles have been received. The deadline for submitting profiles is December 15.

Prayers: Charlie Whiston reminded us of the sad killings that took place in this area a few weeks ago. He reminded us that many of the people serving us were directly touched.

Sunday Offering: Charlie Whiston announced that the Coordinating Council is recommending that the Sunday offering be presented to the Beecher Memorial in New Orleans.

Speak Outs: Carl Gunn gave a brief overview of the procedures for Speak Outs. Commissions were introduced.

Associate Minister for the Development of Small Church Ministry: David Ray presented what he has been doing with the smaller churches. He emphasized that remnant churches can be the most faithful and can be the “right size”.

Plenary 2

Introduction of Staff: David Gaewski’s introduction of the staff was enhanced by a fine video of all the Conference staff, including a special tribute to Cheryl Tibbetts for 25 years of dedicated service as a support staff person in the Maine Conference office.

Transitional Associate Conference Minister: June Boutwell addressed the meeting charging us to rid ourselves of our theology of scarcity, and trust in a theology of plenty and our call to live out a life of abundant grace.

Pilgrim Lodge: Bryan Breault became the hawker par excellence while peddling Pilgrim Lodge “stuff”. He encouraged us to become involved with this wonderful resource on the shores of Lake Cobbosseecontee. Brian reminded us that the 50th anniversary is coming and our support will be needed. He described and showed us pictures of the PL labyrinth of which he and Gil Healy, a key creator of the labyrinth, should be truly proud.

Alternate Youth Event Report: June Boutwell and David Gaewski explained the course of events that took place last summer as the Youth Event at Orono transformed into the Alternative Youth Event at Pilgrim Lodge.

State of the Conference: Following showing us a video with snaps of the churches and the people of the Conference, the Conference Minister, David Gaewski, addressed the Annual Meeting. He used Paul and Peter’s relationship as a model for agreeing to disagree, for engaging in respectful differing, for not being afraid to confront issues. He emphasized the importance of mission as the focus for truly being church. He cited the Bucksport church as an example of how devoting time, money and energy into mission can grow a church. He spoke with pride of the Honduras Partnership and how it was providing a life-transforming opportunity for a great many people. He also brought to the attention of the meeting the challenges that lie ahead, specifically in the areas of clergy enrichment and lay leadership, as well as maintaining the facilities at Pilgrim Lodge. He concluded his talk by thanking Charlie Whiston and Denise Goodman for their dedicated service.

Plenary 3

Introductions: Charlie Whiston introduced Nick Nadzo, Parliamentarian.

Speak Out: Dolores Vail for Maine Council of Churches; Sue Sullivan regarding New Orleans mission trip; Ben Haskell re Uplands Retirement Village; Gini King regarding Resourcing the Local Church; Mark Doty Open and Affirming UCC Coalition; Annette Mott – A Community of Teachers Training; Peter Panagore First Radio Parish Church; Sarah Foulger Hurricane thank you.

Treasurer’s Report: Linda Gard, Treasurer indicated that the 2005 Auditor’s report has just arrived. Linda gave an overview of what the Conference budget supports and its sources. OCWM plus Fellowship dues come to about 66% of the budget. Year 2005 ended with a balance of $11,510. OCWM income declined about 4% from 2004. Benevolences were amazing, an unprecedented amount, especially for the Tsunami and Katrina. Moved, seconded and voted with one opposed to receive the Treasurer’s Report.

2007 Fellowship Dues Increase: Jane Lowell, Chair of the Finance Committee, explained why the need to raise the Fellowship Dues by $1.67 making them $12.40 per member. Moved, seconded and voted with 7 opposed to raise the Fellowship Dues by $1.67 to a total of $12.40 per member per year.

2007 Budget Presentation: Jane Lowell gave a brief overview of what the UCC and the Maine Conference does. She introduced the Finance Committee. Her presentation included the goal and the budget process. The 2007 budget has an overall increase of 2.7% which makes the total budget $1,465,000. Discussion showed concern that we would not be supporting National UCC adequately, therefore suggested that a portion of any surplus should go to National. One suggestion was that $1 of every $2 of surplus goes to National UCC. Moved, seconded and voted with one abstention to pass the 2007 operating budget as proposed.

Recognition of 5 for 5 Churches for 2005: David Gaewski and June Boutwell congratulated Alfred Parish Church, Hammond St. Congregational Church UCC in Bangor, First Church in Belfast UCC, West Parish Congregational Church UCC in Bethel, Brownville Community Church UCC, First Congregational Church UCC in Durham, First Congregational UCC in E. Millinocket, First Congregational Church UCC in Eliot, First Congregational Church UCC in Fryeburg, First Congregational Church UCC in Gray, Union Congregational Church UCC in Hancock, First Congregational Church in Houlton, Second Christian Congregational Church UCC in Kittery, First Congregational Church UCC in Kittery Point, Limerick Congregational Church UCC , Mexico Congregational Church UCC, North Saco Congregational Christian Church UCC, Rangeley Congregational Church UCC, Raymond Village Community Church UCC, Somesville Union Meeting House UCC, State Youth Council, Sweden Community Church UCC, Thomaston Federated Church, First Congregational Church UCC in Waterville.

Plenary 4

RESOLUTION on the Quality and Equality of Marriage. Dawn Berry and Ernie Campbell presented the new resolution on quality and equality of marriage. It was moved and seconded to substitute the new “Resolution to Live in Covenant and Dialogue Regarding the Quality and Equality of Marriage” for the original resolution postponed in 2005.

Point of Order: A point of order was raised that the procedure for consideration of the substitute resolution was out of order. The point of order was denied.

Moved and seconded to suspend Robert’s Rules of Order as regards consideration of the two resolutions on quality and equality of marriage.

Moved and seconded to call the question of suspending Robert’s Rules. The motion passed by 2/3 vote.

Motion to suspend Robert’s Rules was defeated with 6 yes, 1 abstention and an overwhelming number of no votes.

Moved and seconded to call the question regarding motion to substitute the new resolution for the original resolution. This motion is to stop debate. Motion passed by 2/3 vote with 17 opposed, 4 abstentions.

Back to the motion to substitute the new 2006 resolution for the 2005 resolution. This is a procedural vote, substance can be dealt with later. Motion passed.

Back to 2006 substitute resolution as presented by Berry and Campbell:

Moved and seconded to: Amend 2006 resolution so that line 196 (the last line of the substitute resolution) be extended to read: “of marriage; and urges congregations and individuals of the Maine Conference to prayerfully consider supporting local, state and national legislation to grant equal marriage rights to couples regardless of gender, and to work against legislation, including constitutional amendments, which would deny civil marriage rights to couples based on gender.” Motion passed.

Proposed to accept friendly amendment to the amendment language of substitute resolution, to substitute “encourages” for “urges”.
Friendly amendment accepted.

Proposed to accept friendly amendment, to amend line 191 by extending it to include after the word “marriage” the following: “and requests the Commission for Witness Life to form a team within the Maine Conference to support congregations in this dialogue.” Friendly amendment accepted

Moved and seconded to amend the substitute resolution by adding the following immediately after the amendment earlier voted on: “; and LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED that the 2006 Annual Meeting of the Maine Conference of the United Church of Christ encourages congregations, after prayerful biblical, theological and historical study, to consider adopting Wedding Policies that do not discriminate against couples based on gender; and” Motion to amend passed

2006 Substitute Resolution was Voted to pass as amended: 12 opposed, 5 abstentions.

Resolution to Live in Covenant and Dialogue Regarding the Quality and Equality of
Marriage

Background
Ideas about marriage have shifted and changed throughout human history and in the history of the church. At different points in time the purposes of marriage have been defined in response to economic realities, by the primacy of procreation and by societal roles for men and women. Scripture itself, along with the global human experience, offers many different expressions of what family is. Jesus reinterpreted the meaning of family from blood relation to whoever does the will of God.
It was not until the English Reformation that weddings took place in the church building. Before that, the participation of the clergy in weddings came about to provide legal written documents of the marriage since clergy were often the only literate persons in the townships. Legal documents were needed to prevent clandestine marriage, to provide for the legitimacy of offspring and uncontested inheritances. The legal character of marriages is reflected in the earlier language of contracts – “to have and to hold,” “from this day forward,” and “I give thee my troth.” When clergy officiate at the right of marriage, they serve in a dual role. One is as pastor of their local congregation and the other is as civil servant of the state. The rite of marriage has both religious and legal meanings and implications. Legal marriage carries with it significant access to institutional support, rights, and benefits. There are more than 1,400 such rights and benefits in the federal statutes alone. Efforts to ban civil marriage to couples based on gender denies them and their children access to these rights and benefits, undermining the civil liberties of these couples and putting them and their children
at risk. Legal cases regarding the equality of marriage are being decided in neighboring states. Maine law defines marriage as between a man and a woman. All the cases are making the news and are both vigorously supported and contested. The United Church of Christ and its antecedent denominations have been at the forefront in the struggle for justice and equality. For more than 30 years, the General Synod of the UCC has
adopted resolutions affirming lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons, consistently calling for an end to discrimination, equal protection under the law, deploring hate crimes and violence against LGBT persons, supporting LGBT relationships and families, celebrating the gifts of LGBT persons for ministry and encouraging all settings of the church to be open and affirming of LGBT persons, welcoming them and encouraging their participation in every aspect of the mission and ministry of the church. Although some of a growing number of local congregations and Associations in the Maine Conference have become open and affirming, stood against discrimination, and acknowledged the calls of LGBT persons to ministry, the Maine Conference has yet to address the injustices against LGBT persons nor supported through a resolution the vocations of LGBT persons baptized into the church and their participation in the rites and sacraments of the church.

Theological and Biblical Foundations
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus said to them, “Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage.” Luke 20:34-35
…let each of you lead the life that the Lord has assigned, to which God called you. This is my rule in all the churches. 1 Corinthians 7:17
For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them. From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way…All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation… 2 Corinthians 5:14-18
As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:27-29
For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14

The Sacrament of Baptism was instituted by Jesus who was baptized in the River Jordan by John and sent his disciples into the world to baptize. Through the Sacrament of Baptism, we are united to Jesus Christ, one with each other, and called to participate in Christ’s ministry of reconciliation. Our life together in the Church is a covenantal relationship characterized by equality and freedom expressed in neighbor love. Though much has been said recently about marriage regarding its legality, definition and/or description; the biblical narrative offers little regarding the definition of marriage. When Jesus addressed issues of marriage in the Gospels, it was in response to theological traps set to test him by the Sadducees and Pharisees (Lk 20:27-40; Mt. 19:1-12, Mk. 10:1-12) and to turn water into wine at the wedding in Cana, a sign of God’s presence in him (Jn. 2:1-12) What we learn from Jesus is that marriage is a commitment for this lifetime only and that divorce is not what God has
intended for married couples. Jesus’ statements are descriptive, not prescriptive. Quoting from Genesis (1:27 and 2:24), Jesus does assume that marriage is between a man and a woman. Within the tradition of the Protestant Church, marriage is not a sacrament. John Calvin wrote for all Reformers: No [man] ever saw it (matrimony) administered as a sacrament until the time of Gregory VII. And what sober [man] would ever have thought it such? Marriage is a good and holy ordinance of God; and farming, building, cobbling, and barbering are lawful ordinances of God, yet not sacraments. For it required that a sacrament be not only a work of God but an outward ceremony appointed by God to confirm a promise (Institutes IV, xix, 34, p.1481)

Marriage has been understood as a sacred covenant for the expression of affection, the provision of companionship (Gen. 2:18), the nurturing of children, and the public witness of faithful commitment. The covenant of marriage is a vehicle of God’s grace when couples experience the “patience of undeserved forgiveness.” It is the obligation of the faith community to nurture and uphold persons in their marriage, those whom God has joined together, let no one separate. (Mk. 10:9)
The Apostle Paul provides theological insight into the issue of the quality and equality of marriage beyond the war of biblical proof texting. As the Gospel was preached and welcomed among people who were not Jews, the question of inclusion of gentiles into the church arose. Did gentiles have to become like Jewish Christians and obey the Law of Moses (be circumcised and adhere to the dietary prohibitions) to be included in the covenant? Or, did Jesus establish a new covenant that included gentiles by faith through baptism alone? Paul brought the question to the first Church Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15). In the company of the apostles and elders, it was
decided that the gentiles did not have to become like Jews first. If we extrapolate this biblical narrative to the present day question regarding the full and equal inclusion and participation of LGBT persons in the church, the decision of the Council of Jerusalem would lead us to agree that LGBT persons do not have to become like heterosexuals to be included and participate in the sacraments and rites of the church. LGBT persons are called to lead the life assigned them by God in whose image all humankind is made. The church has a pastoral and ethical obligation not to abandon LGBT persons. Pastoral care without public recognition of the covenantal vows made by same gendered couples undermines the faithfulness of their commitment and the extravagant welcome of the church. Through baptism, all people are equal members of the church and equal participants in the sacraments and rites of the church. The theme for last year’s Annual Meeting reminded us that God requires us to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with our God. We are a people of God in the world who cannot ignore systems of injustice that demean and marginalize persons because of race, gender, sexual orientation, or economic status. Justice as right relationship seeks both personal and communal well being.
Walking humbly with our God, we recognize the distress this resolution may cause some among us and in our local congregations. Prayerfully, we speak from the conviction of our own hearts and without condemnation of anyone who struggles with this resolution. Relying on God’s reconciling love and trusting our covenant together as churches of the Maine Conference of the United Church of Christ, we seek to be reconciling where kindness and mercy flourish among us.

Resolution to Live in Covenant and Dialogue Regarding the
Quality and Equality of Marriage

WHEREAS the Bible narrates the purpose of God for creation as communion/community and the making of
covenants as the intervention of God’s redemptive love to restore communion; and
WHEREAS the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth provides ample examples of not negating Scripture, but
reinterpreting it; and
WHEREAS Jesus spent most of his ministry advocating for and befriending oppressed persons, so too, we are
called to treat oppressed persons with dignity and care; and
WHEREAS we give witness to a faith in the “crucified and risen Savior” who has reconciled the world to God;
and
WHEREAS we proclaim ourselves to be listening to the voice of a Still Speaking God and that at all times in
human history there is always yet more light and truth to break forth from God’s holy word; and
WHEREAS the Constitution of the United Church of Christ provides for ordained ministers to administer the
rites of the church (of which marriage is one) and exercise pastoral care and leadership; and
WHEREAS legal recognition of marriage carries with it significant access to institutional support, rights and
benefits; and
WHEREAS children in families, regardless of their parents’ genders, should be raised in safe, secure homes
with loving parents and should receive all legal rights and protections of marriage and be welcomed into
the church through their baptism; and
WHEREAS legislation to ban recognition of same-gender marriages further undermines the civil liberties of
gay and lesbian couples and contributes to a climate of misunderstanding and polarization, increasing
hostility against gays and lesbians; and
WHEREAS the meaning and quality of Christian marriage deserves serious, faithful discussion by people of
faith, taking into consideration the long, complex history of marriage and family life, layered as it is
with cultural practices, economic realities, political dynamics, religious history and biblical
interpretation;
WHEREAS the church is also concerned about the condition of marriage, given the divorce rate and troubling
situations of spousal and/or child abuse; and
WHEREAS the church is called to uphold persons in their covenant commitments and nurture for which makes
for holy and healthy marriages and families
WHEREAS the Twenty-fifth General Synod of the United Church of Christ in affirming equal marriage rights
for couples regardless of gender and declaring that the government should not interfere with couples
regardless of gender who choose to marry and share fully and equally in the rights, responsibilities and
commitment of legally recognized marriage has brought this contested issue for consideration to the
churches; and
WHEREAS the Twenty-fifth General Synod of the United Church of Christ affirms equal access to the basic
rights, institutional protections and quality of life conferred by the recognition of marriage;
LET IT BE RESOLVED that the 2006 Annual Meeting of the Maine Conference of the United Church of
Christ commends to its congregations prayerful consideration of the above; and
LET IT FURTHER BE RESOLVED that the 2006 Annual Meeting of the Maine Conference of the United
Church of Christ encourage member congregations to live in covenant with the wider Church and
engage in the prayerful study of the covenantal relationship of marriage including both the quality and
equality of marriage, regardless of gender, to live out the church’s vocation in the nurture of healthy,
holy families where faithfulness, commitment, mutuality, respect and love abound; and
LET IT FURTHER BE RESOLVED that the 2006 Annual Meeting of the Maine Conference of the United
Church of Christ encourage congregations to implement ways of enhancing the quality of marriages
through enrichment programs and premarital counseling; and
LET IT FURTHER BE RESOLVED that the 2006 Annual Meeting of the Maine Conference of the United
Church of Christ urge congregations to explore and make use of a variety of resources for the dialogue,
including those at the Maine Conference Resource Center and the God Is Still Speaking, About
Marriage study materials (produced by the Wider Church Ministries of the United Church of Christ),
relating to both quality and equality of marriage; and requests the Commission for Witness Life to
form a team within the Maine Conference to support congregations in this dialogue and
LET IT FURTHER BE RESOLVED that the 2006 Annual Meeting of the Maine Conference of the United
Church of Christ calls upon congregations, after prayerful biblical, theological and historical study, to
consider policies and actions within the local church, state, and nation that reflect their witness to the
quality and equality of marriage; encourages congregations and individuals of the Maine
Conference to prayerfully consider supporting local, state and national legislation to grant equal
marriage rights to couples regardless of gender, and to work against legislation, including
constitutional amendments, which would deny civil marriage rights to couples based on gender.
LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED that the 2006 Annual Meeting of the Maine Conference of the
United Church of Christ encourages congregations, after prayerful biblical, theological and
historical study, to consider adopting Wedding Policies that do not discriminate against couples
based on gender.

RESOLUTION: Proclaiming Ourselves as the United Church of Christ presented by Ben Haskell, and Jeff Gallagher Ben Haskell presented the resolution with a brief background. Moved and
Discussion: Let people know who we are by signage, phone book representation, and clarification of identity. Problem with writing out United Church of Christ.
Seconded that the resolution on Proclaiming Ourselves as the United Church of Christ be adopted. Voted to pass with 2 abstentions

Proclaiming Ourselves as the United Church of Christ
WHEREAS the United Church of Christ will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2007; and
WHEREAS the Still Speaking campaign has raised the profile of our denomination among United
Church of Christ members, and those who are un-churched or have been alienated from the
church of their upbringing; and
WHEREAS United Church of Christ churches are often misidentified and confused with other
denominations; and
WHEREAS the Proclamation, Identity, and Communication Committee of the Maine Conference of
the United Church of Christ is working to help congregations in Maine increase their profile
within communities across the state; and
WHEREAS many of the churches of the Maine Conference of the United Church of Christ are
looking for ways to reach out to people who are looking for a United Church of Christ
church; and
WHEREAS much of the signage and documentation in our churches fails to adequately state
that the congregation is a United Church of Christ church,
LET BE IT RESOLVED that the 75th Annual Meeting of the Maine Conference of the United
Church of Christ calls on all the churches of the Maine Conference of the United Church
of Christ to change their signage, bulletins, letterheads, websites, and all other church
documentation to proudly proclaim that the congregation is United Church of Christ, by
writing the words “United Church of Christ” in an equal size font that is not abbreviated
or italicized; and
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the 75th Annual Meeting of the Maine Conference of the
United Church of Christ calls on all of its churches to work with local telephone directory
companies to ensure that they are listed under a United Church of Christ heading; and
FINALLY BE IT RESOLVED that the 75th Annual Meeting of the Maine Conference of the
United Church of Christ calls on all of its churches to have conversations about the
importance of including the words United Church of Christ in all references to our
churches as a way to proudly proclaim our denominational affiliation.

RESOLUTION: Calling the Maine Conference of the United Church of Christ to be a Fair Trade/Fairly Traded Conference. Presented by Mary Folsom and Neil Wilson
Moved and seconded that the Maine Conference of the United Church of Christ be a Fair Trade/Fairly Traded Conference. Moved and seconded to postpone this issue until the end of this Plenary. Motion passed

Proposed to accept a friendly substitute resolution on the fairly traded movement to change the “Fair Trade/Fairly Traded”, to “Fairly Traded and Fair Trade” and to add “Whereas Beneficio Coffee is a ministry network of the United Church of Christ and some local congregations of the UCC have partnered with them to provide 20% back to farmers and 10% to OCWM”. This friendly substitute resolution was accepted. Vote to pass the resolution calling the Maine Conference UCC to be a Fairly Traded and Fair Trade Conference as amended passed with 2 abstentions

Resolution Calling the Maine Conference of the United Church of Christ to be
a Fairly Traded and Fair Trade Conference

WHEREAS teachings on “global economic theory” are scarce in the Bible, the more basic story
of God standing with the powerless against the powerful is common.
• Hosea mocked the way they boasted in their wealth: “Ah, I am rich, I have gained wealth
for myself; In all of my gain, No offense has been found in me” (12:8).
• Jeremiah claimed that they “have become great and rich, they have grown fat and sleek.
They know no limits in deeds of wickedness” (2:8).
• Amos said that unchecked, the wealthy would “trample on the needy, and bring to ruin
the poor of the land” (Amos 8:4, cf.; Isaiah 3:15; Proverbs 22:22).
WHEREAS our Christian faith must come to life in loving action, with mutual support, and
witnessing in the world around us:
• In Galatians the early church clarifies the scope of our love to include all people: "For in
Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing
that counts is faith working through love." (5:6)
• As our faith grows, so does our striving for justice for all people: Hebrews "And let us
consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds..." (10:24)
• The gospel stories of Matthew, Mark and Luke encourage us to become examples of
God’s goodness in a broken world: "In the same way, let your light shine before others,
so that they may see your good works and give glory to God in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)
WHEREAS the fair trade movement pledges to:
• Pay prices which establish a living wage for producers;
• Work with democratically run cooperatives, governed by the farmers themselves, and
dedicated to equitable distribution of income and services;
• Develop producer capacity, which means working with farmers to enhance their
management skills and marketing independence.
• Buy direct, meaning that benefits and profits go to the farmers and their communities;
• Promote gender equality, meaning valuing and rewarding the work of women;
• Encourage ecologically sustainable farming practices; and
• Promote decent working conditions, meaning (among other things) that if children are
involved, their working conditions conform to UN Conventions on the rights of the
Child; and
WHEREAS several colleges (including Brown, Yale, Georgetown and Dartmouth) have voted
to become Fair Trade institutions, many faith groups (including Catholics, Lutherans and
Presbyterians) have established partnerships with the Fair Trade organization, Equal
Exchange, and several major grocery chains and coffee companies now offer a line of
Fair Trade coffee.
WHEREAS many UCC congregations in Maine have already joined with over 9,000 places of
worship and faith-based organizations who support small coffee farmers in developing
nations by using fair trade, coffee and have developed programs to foster purchase of fair
trade coffee by their committees and members to help impoverished family farmers in the
developing world provide for their families; and
WHEREAS the United Church of Christ Justice and Witness Ministries partnered in March
2004 with Equal Exchange to launch a denomination-wide coffee program (the “UCC
Coffee Project”) through which Equal Exchange, in addition to the benefits of Fair Trade,
will make a donation to the “UCC Small Farmer Fund” each time a UCC church or
member buys coffee through the project; and
WHEREAS Beneficio Coffee is a ministry network of the United Church of Christ and some
local congregations of the UCC have partnered with them to provide 20% back to farmers
and 10% to OCWM”
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 75th Annual Meeting of the Maine Conference of
the United Church of Christ covenants together to become a “Fairly Traded and Fair
Trade Conference,” meaning that we will strive to offer Fairly Traded and Fair Trade
Coffee at official functions and thereby become a moral example for other conferences,
denominations, and faith groups, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the 75th Annual Meeting encourages the churches in the
Maine Conference to offer Fairly Traded and Fair Trade coffee, purchased through the
UCC partnership with Equal Exchange, or from Beneficio or other Fairly Traded entities,
as the standard coffee served during fellowship hour, and for sale in their churches; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that our churches be called upon to dedicate themselves to take
on this program as a mission project to educate their members about how small economic
choices affect peoples’ lives in other countries.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that our churches be also called upon to go out into their local
communities to educate businesses, service providers and other faith groups (such as
educational institutions, hospitals, business establishments and church members of other
denominations) of the importance of offering Fairly Traded and Fair Trade Coffee at their
functions and establishments, and also assist them to do so by providing them with
information that would make it easier for them to locate and purchase Fairly Traded and
Fair Trade Coffee.

RESOLUTION: Torture Resolution: presented by Walter Hatch and Jane Chandler: Moved and seconded to adopt this resolution. Motion to amend the resolution by deleting lines 38 – 42 and substituting the following in their place: “Be it resolved that the 75th Annual Meeting of the Maine Conference of the United Church of Christ calls on all member churches to consider endorsement of the statement of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture.
Be it further resolved that the 75th Annual Meeting of the Maine Conference of the United Church of Christ calls on all member churches to communicate their concerns over torture of enemy detainees to the Maine’s Congressional delegation.” Moved, seconded and voted to pass.

Proposed friendly amendment to the torture resolution: add at the end of the first “Be it resolved:” “And furthermore condemn any form of torture under any circumstances anywhere in the world.” Friendly amendment accepted

Moved and seconded to amend the resolution to include: Be it further resolved that a letter from the Moderator and Conference Minister be sent to members of Maine’s Congressional delegation to advise them of action of this Annual Meeting. Motion passed.

Proposed friendly Amendment to add “Be it further resolved that the 75th Annual Meeting of the Maine Conference of the United Church of Christ endorse the Statement of the National “Religious Campaign Against Torture.” Friendly amendment accepted
Vote to adopt the Torture resolution as amended was approved by majority vote.

Resolution on Torture

Whereas the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (web www.nrcat.org) has come out
against torture with the following Statement:
“Torture violates the basic dignity of the human person that all religions hold dear. It degrades
everyone involved --policy-makers, perpetrators and victims. It contradicts our nation's most
cherished ideals. Any policies that permit torture and inhumane treatment are shocking and
morally intolerable. Torture and inhumane treatment have long been banned by U.S. treaty
obligations, and are punishable by criminal statute. Recent developments, however, have
created new uncertainties. By reaffirming the ban on cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment
as well as torture, the McCain amendment, now signed into law, is a step in the right direction.
Yet its implementation remains unclear. The President's signing statement, which he issued
when he signed the McCain Amendment into law, implies that the President does not believe he
is bound by the amendment in his role as commander in chief. The possibility remains open
that inhumane methods of interrogation will continue. Furthermore, in a troubling
development, for the first time in our nation's history, legislation has now been signed into law
that effectively permits evidence obtained by torture to be used in a court of law. The military
tribunals that are trying some terrorist suspects are now expressly permitted to consider
information obtained under coercive interrogation techniques, including degrading and
inhumane techniques and torture.
We urge Congress and the President to remove all ambiguities by prohibiting:
? Exemptions from the human rights standards of international law for any arm of our
government.
? The practice of extraordinary rendition, whereby suspects are apprehended and flown to
countries that use torture as a means of interrogation.
? Any disconnection of "cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment" from the ban against
"torture" so as to permit inhumane interrogation.
? The existence of secret U.S. prisons around the world.
? Any denial of Red Cross access to detainees held by our government overseas.
We also call for an independent investigation of the severe human rights abuses at U.S.
installations like Guantanamo, Abu Ghraib, and Bagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan.
Nothing less is at stake in the torture abuse crisis than the soul of our nation. What does it
signify if torture is condemned in word but allowed in deed? Let America abolish torture now --
without exceptions.”
Be it resolved that the 75th Annual Meeting of the Maine Conference of the United Church of
Christ calls on all member churches to consider endorsement of the statement of the
National Religious Campaign Against Torture. And furthermore condemn any form of
torture under any circumstances anywhere in the world.
Be it further resolved that the 75th Annual Meeting of the Maine Conference of the United Church of
Christ calls on all member churches to communicate their concerns over torture of enemy
detainees to the Maine’s Congressional delegation.
Be it further resolved that a letter from the Moderator and Conference Minister be sent to members of
Maine’s Congressional delegation to advise them of action of this Annual Meeting.
Be it further resolved that the 75th Annual Meeting of the Maine Conference of the United Church of
Christ endorse the Statement of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture.

Plenary 5

Speak Out: Marcia Charles - Honduras Mission Trips; Anne Roundy Thank You to Herb Oliver and to those who facilitated; Lorraine Martin - Disaster Response Team Volunteers; Jane Pierce - Star Island Labor Day Retreat; John McCall - Clergy as agents of the state; Alice Anderman BTS Honduras trip; Jo-Nancy Gunn Clergy spouse network retreat in May; Kit Kasper OCWM payments

Credentials Committee Report: The Annual Meeting has been attended by: Clergy 123, Lay Delegates 225, Youth Delegates 25, and Visitors 69 for a total of 442.

Clergy Compensation Guidelines. Anne Roundy reviewed the changes to be found in the newly revised Clergy Compensation Guidelines. Moved and seconded and voted with one abstention to adopt the Clergy Compensation Guidelines.

Resources for Study on Marriage: Lori Whitemore explained three models she has put together for churches to study the issue of marriage.

Unfinished Business:
Honduras Partnership Report: Dawn Berry presented with pictures the many activities around our partnership with Honduras. During 2006 fourteen groups have gone for construction, building relationships and medical mission. She spoke of a project called “Above the Clouds” which the Conference is initiating to sponsor a trip to rebuild nine homes in a Honduran village.

Greetings from Bangor Theological Seminary and Andover Newton Theological School
Rev. Dr. William Imes, President of BTS, brought greetings and made a statement regarding the need of the seminaries for our support. He gave a brief history of BTS and a snap shot of the school today including the fact that most of the students currently serving churches are at the Bangor campus.
Bill Imes introduced Beth Hoffman who brought greetings from Andover Newton. She asked us to visualize a college campus quadrangle where lots go on including Bocci games. She especially emphasized the amazing bookstore on the campus. Beth made a point of underscoring the good and often reciprocal relationship between the two schools.

General Synod Invitation for 2007 was issued through a Video.

Installation of New Officers, Commission and Committee Members.
David Gaewski and Charlie Whiston introduced and officially installed our new officers, commission and committee members.

Closing remarks by the Moderator, Charlie Whiston. Charlie entertained us with an imaginative account of his two years as Moderator. He also spelled out some of the challenges ahead. Following his remarks Denise and David presented Charlie with tokens of our appreciation for his capable and dedicated.

Adjournment at 10:10 am

Respectfully submitted,

Emily Taylor, Conference Clerk