Jonathan LeMaster-Smith

The Report (Which my hero David Livingston requested) from the Credentialling Committee related to why so many African Delegates were not present.

My notes:

+Some Central Conference Annual Conferences did not provide correct contacts for conference secretaries (or had multiple names)

+Some Central Conference Annual Conferences elected incorrect numbers of delegates as assigned by the General Commission.

+Some Central Conference Annual Conferences had fake certificates of invitation to General Conference

+Some Central Conference Annual Conferences provide an incorrect number of categories as part of their delegate list with repeats of people on various lists.

+Some Central Conference Annual Conference Delegates did not secure visas

+Some Central Conference Annual Conference Delegates are dealing with personal crises.

+Some Central Conference Annual Conference Delegates are just not responding/have had no communication.

My opinion follows:

What I am understanding here is that the General Commission in the General Conference mostly did its due diligence, but due to some bad record keeping, confusion around numbers, and potential bad actors, things happened.

What is wild though is that this was a 5 year process, and the General Commission had a huge undertaking, but it feels like more could have been done to connect, correct, and update. Much of this General Conference feels so last minute and thrown together. That could include the Council of Bishops, the Standing Committee, the Connectional Table, or other groups. But, I don’t know all the ends and outs. I feel like there truly was a good faith effort, but in our efforts to be more global, we might be more diligent and supportive in the future.

Also, hopefully, any bad actors will be held accountable.