The people of our church have a heart for those who are in need, those who are neglected, and those who suffer. The beating of that heart is evident in varieties of ways in this General Convention, from our local attentiveness to tipping those who serve us, to our global focus on the Millennium Development Goals.

It is also evident in the number of resolutions that call for specialized training for clergy and lay leaders. Building, perhaps, on the successful model of required training for the prevention of sexual abuse, we have before us resolutions calling for training in active non-violence, awareness of domestic and intimate partner abuse, and awareness of HIV/AIDS. These are all vitally important issues.

Adding requirement upon requirement for our clergy and lay leaders, however, could prove detrimental. How many more days of training can be added to already full seminary schedules? And how many people in our pews will allow their names to be placed in nomination for leadership positions if it means hour upon hour of required training programs?

Committees of this Convention are aware of these questions and have amended resolutions to encourage rather than require training. A further step we can take to balance the need for training with the demands on our leaders is to create and fund a Standing Commission on Lifelong Christian Education, as called for in the amended Resolution A105.

The duty of this commission would be to recommend to the General Convention comprehensive and coordinated policies for lifelong Christian formation, including education and training for leaders. Adoption of this resolution will go a long way toward ensuring that our heart for protecting and serving others continues to beat with health and strength.