Standing Committee recommends adoption of four new business items, discusses relationship of the Church of the Brethren and Eder Financial

June 28, 2026 - 02:33

The Standing Committee of district delegates to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference wrapped up a three-day session in Fort Wayne, Indiana, running from Thursday evening, June 25, through Saturday afternoon, June 27. Annual Conference moderator Don Fitzkee led the meetings, with help from moderator-elect Dennis Beckner and Conference secretary David Shumate.

During the gathering, the committee voted to recommend the adoption of four new business items for consideration by the full conference body. The specific proposals were not detailed in the initial report, but the recommendation signals that the committee found them worthy of broader discussion. These items will now move forward to the delegate floor for debate and a final vote.

A significant portion of the meeting was also dedicated to examining the relationship between the Church of the Brethren and Eder Financial, a financial services organization historically tied to the denomination. Committee members spent time reviewing the current terms of that partnership, discussing how the arrangement serves the church's mission and whether any adjustments are needed. The conversation touched on financial oversight and the shared values that underpin the connection, though no formal action was taken on the matter during this session.

The Standing Committee serves as a key advisory body for the Annual Conference, helping to shape the agenda and guide the denomination's decision-making process. The meetings in Fort Wayne set the stage for the larger conference gathering, where delegates will take up the recommended items and continue the conversation on the church's financial partnerships.