SYNOD OF THE SOUTHEAST

OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

7407 BONNY OAKS DRIVE

CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE 37421

April 7, 2020

Stated Clerks within Synod of the Southeast:

The stated meeting of Synod is scheduled for Thursday, May 7, 2020. Synod Stated Clerk Reverend Cliff Hudson and I have been in conversation about the wisdom of meeting during this uncertain time.  Based upon recommendations to refrain from travel and to remain at home through the month of April, the regular scheduled meeting may best serve the ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church by postponing to a future date.

In the wisdom of early Cumberland Presbyterians, there is polity guidance when difficulties arise that make meeting a hardship on its elected representatives to synod.  Section 8.8 of the Constitution states:

If, for any cause, the synod shall fail to meet according to its adjournment, it shall be the duty of the moderator…to call a meeting as early as practical, at such place as may be designated, for the transaction of business.

Given the pandemic we are struggling with, we have “cause” to postpone the meeting of the Synod of the Southeast.  Therefore, Synod of the Southeast will convene on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at the Silverdale Cumberland Presbyterian Church at 10:00 am EST.

Hopefully, this delay will allow us to enjoy safety, stability and some normalcy; and will allow each presbytery within the synodic boundaries to have their stated fall meeting to elect and/or confirm representatives to the synod meeting.

Thank you for your understanding of this decision.  We will be revisiting this date in September to confirm the viability of the meeting and will send out another communication at least thirty days prior.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Synod Stated Clerk, Reverend Cliff Hudson at gchudson3@gmail.com (423-892-8710) or myself at TMalinoski@cumberland.org (901-276-4572)  We pray God’s blessings on your ministry and mission!

Reverend T. J. Malinoski

Moderator, Synod of Southeast

 

Reverend Cliff Hudson

Stated Clerk, Synod of Southeast