Addressing a concern for generational diversity at future synod assemblies, the 2008 Assembly passed a resolution encouraging congregations to elect one additional voting member under the age of 25 to their annual delegations. The resolution was presented for consideration to the assembly by the Synod Council.

“Our voices deserve to be heard, too,” said Melissa Valentine. “We’re very much a part of the church.”

“There is room at the cross for all of us,” said Pastor Andrena Ingram, “There is room at the Table for all of us. There is certainly room for youth at this Assembly.”

Saying that she had just come from a youth lock-in event, Pastor Susan Montgomery added: “If we could harness half of the energy that I saw there, there would be no stopping us!”

S7.21.10 In addition to the congregation’s election of voting member(s) of the Synod Assembly as established by S7.21.c, each congregation may elect one additional voting member of the Synod Assembly who shall be a voting member of the congregation up to the age of 25.