Ethnic Advisers Share Reactions
Ethnic advisers (l-r): Janelia Smiley, Lee Khang, John Saa Lendein, Carlinda Peoples, and Caleb Dickson.
Karen Huttenga
Ethnic adviser John Saa Lendein said he was “overwhelmed and happy” to be participating in Synod 2015.
“I get to see how the church works from the ground level, and at any time we [ethnic advisers] can get up and talk,” he said. He took the opportunity to speak on the floor of synod, and was happy that he did.
“Being here opens my eyes to what happens at synod,” said fellow adviser Lee Khang. “I have a new appreciation for what the delegates do.” However, he added, “they don’t really ask for our opinions. We have to offer them. It shouldn’t be that way.”
Carlinda Peoples agreed: “As an adviser, I haven’t done any advising. I thought someone might ask me ‘What do you think?’” Later, Peoples did speak on the floor of synod.
Janelia Smiley said that she was asked for her opinions during advisory committee meetings. Still, she added, “at times I just sat there.”
For continuous coverage of Synod 2015 including the live webcast, news, video recordings, photos, liveblog, social media links, and more visit www.crcna.org/synod.
