Michael's historical summary is most interesting. Wonder just how much  of the Church politics during that early era was shared with our Catholic ancestors. Am anxious to read the "piddling" agenda for this year's conference. If any of our own concerns are included, now's the time to send a letter to our bishop pitching our own pros and cons  including our prayers for a successful session. Did that once and received a nice, hand written note of appreciation. Perhaps those days are over.