General Conference Session Report
                   Sunday, July 2, 1995
    
By: C. A. Murray
	Sunday morning,  July 2, saw the Session swing into action after a
full and joyous Sabbath. Six GC vice presidents were selected. Matthew
Bediako, 53, Phillip Follett, 63, Robert Kloosterhuis, 62, Jan Paulsen,
60, Leo Ranzolin, 61 and Calvin Rock, 65.
	The delegates continue to be exercised over a number of issues. Chief
among the concerns was the appointment of personal that are on the
associate level. That is to say,  once  the Departmental Director is
elected the associates must wait to be appointed at a later time. 
(Since this was written it has been voted to elect the  Associate
Directors for the GC Departments at the GC Session.  This is being
done.)
	The fears of having too much power in the hands of too few, the
diminishing of  the representative election system that so many are
accustomed to, and the fear that appointees will feel they must be
loyal to the committee or person who gave them their job, rather than
the promotion of the major interests of the church. Regional delegates
also viewed the proposal as disadvantageous to blacks and other
minorities, in that most directors are not in this category.  They also
fear the natural tendency of the directors will be to appoint
individuals they know, thus passing over many qualified minority
groups.
	There appeared to be much support across the world field for the
defeat of the proposal. There was much passion on both sides.
	(Unfortunately Wednesday's business meeting's vote indicated that
there is not enough support.)
	The second issue generating much discussion was that of downsizing
of the G C delegate pool. The fears are the same as is the intensity of
the debate. These two issues it appears will be slow in resolving. A
pattern is emerging at this session and little of substance is getting
passed early on with  many actions being sent back to committee.
	The Sabbath closed with two stirring division reports. The Trans
Europe and South Pacific Divisions started the nightly parade of
pageants with great style and showmanship. SPD distinguished itself by
it's use of lasers, smoke, flashing lights and high tech video.