Before getting into days nine and ten, let me share a few thoughts on yesterdays 2011 HC result. There were 10 nominations; the most ever so it has been reported. To keep this in perspective, it must be remembered that this is also the largest HC ever. With 109 nominators, there are bound to be more nominees (8 in the 1999 HC, with only 74 members).
It has also been reported “unprecedented” that the President, VP and Chaplain step down in order to accept a nomination bid. I believe this might have something to do with the advanced age of nominees, for it is the more senior members of the HC who are generally elected to these positions, those who would not normally be nominated because of their age. Perhaps the recent rash of extensions has something to do with it.
As I understand it, two of the three, if elected, would only be able to serve as General for one and two years, respectively. That is, unless the legalities are changed, and this is a very complex process. As it stands now the General serves for a 5-year term, or till age 68, whichever comes first. There is provision for some one-year extensions, but usually reserved for a younger General (To my knowledge only one ever previously extended). Maybe we’re looking at another HC a year from now.
Again I was struck with the predictability of nominations, all Commissioners, only one under the age of 60, a majority of others who will be between the ages of 64 – 67 shortly after taking office, should they be elected.
Here’s a first for you, Americans receiving a majority of the nominations, 4 out of 10. As it is, with Knaggs declining (He would have been a very credible nominee had he chosen to stand), it’s now 3 Americans, 3 Canadians and 3 Europeans, nicely balanced for a change, don’t you think? Still it’s going to be tough for an American to be elected, as history has already shown. If there was ever a year, however, this could be it. But then I’m not holding my breath. You’ll have to await my book for the rationale on reasons why. I’d be interested in your thoughts, however.
Finally, it’s going to be “The Long Wait,” as nine nomination speeches, along with answers to questions (16 including the spouses) will be very time consuming. And with this number of nominees it’s more likely to go the full four ballots. With 109 members voting individually, it will assuredly take several hours for each ballot, along with the time it takes to tally votes. I suspect we’re looking at Monday for a final result.
I’ll not digress further except for two things: First, a few younger members nominated would have made for better balance and prepared the way for future HC’s. Second, for perspective, read the thoughts in my previous posts and judge the results of this HC by comparison.
Day Nine:
This was a day of preparation. There were organized prayer meetings in the morning and afternoon with a time of sharing in the evening. The candidates were not present as they were hidden away preparing their speeches and answers to questions. In the down time, Doris and I took a skip through the Walled Gardens, which are down the road a ways from Sunbury Court.
Day Ten:
The spouses have arrived without too much delay. Hallelujah! The day begins with the nomination speeches and questioning of candidates, going on into the evening hours (This with 5 candidates and their spouses, think of 16 with this HC – to consume all of Friday and Saturday, I suspect). John Larsson answered a question put to him regarding the problematic UK investment situation, and did so quite admirably, I might add. In fact, all candidates presented themselves very well.
I will first vote for Israel Gaither. If eliminated it will then be either Gowans or Maxwell, still struggling and praying about this one. I do so anticipating that John Larsson will be selected Chief of the Staff, as I think this position truly represents his giftedness and is where he would be most beneficial (taken verbatim from my notes penned at the time).
Only time will tell. Tomorrow we vote!
JN
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