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A steady stream of attendees registered for General Synod 35 on its opening day. Many walked away with a white badge, indicating they were visitors—non-voting attendees.
“We have 1,869 registrations as of this morning,” stated Shameerah Lemon, the General Synod Registrar. “740 of them are voting delegates, and 1,129 are visitors.” Lemon anticipates more walk-in registrations over the five-day event.
The Rev. Wendy Holland from Pismo Beach, California, is attending for the first time. “I am excited just seeing the ethics and clarity of what’s happening in the UCC,” Holland said. She hopes to bring her experience back to Plymouth Congregational Church in Paso Robles.
Harlette Smith Washington is staffing the Chicago Theological Seminary booth and has attended several synods before. “[The registration cost and travel expense] is worth it to me because this is one of the few times I get to see friends I’ve made over the years," she said.
Rev. J.R. Finney from Birmingham, Alabama, values being present at Synod over voting privileges. “I do want to see us continue to be a voice for the marginalized,” he stated.
Registration will remain open online and on-site through Monday evening. A Community Worship service will take place Sunday at 2 p.m., featuring UCC General Minister and President Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson as preacher.
Matt McCaffrey reported for GS35 Newsroom with additional reporting by Brooke Canada.
