On Sunday morning, there was a spirit of optimism and unity among the Symposium participants. The Unanimity Council, comprised of selected divisional representatives met late into the night on Saturday to narrow down and consolidate five key propositions. In the morning, delegates met by division in order to discuss ideas of how to take action on the propositions in their setting.

All participants then convened for a time of vibrant celebration and worship in the chapel. Worship leader Joel Fisher ushered the delegates into the presence of the Lord, emphasizing holiness as the “ultimate attribute of God.”

Symposium chair Jeremy Mills presented the Five Territorial Propositions to Commissioner William Francis who vowed to “move forward as promised” to implement them throughout the territory. The Commissioner urged those present to “go back in one spirit.” “I believe the best days are still ahead,” he said. “God is not finished with The Salvation Army. He has given us a wonderful heritage, and now we are saying, ‘Lord, revive us again!’ ”

Commissioner William Francis vowed his commitment to the five unanimous propositions, which will be presented at the Territorial Leader’s Conference in the coming weeks. Divisional leaders will then share strategies with their divisional boards on how best to implement the propositions. Annual divisional reviews will commence to monitor and affirm progress, with specific action plans to be completed by 2010.

Jeremy Mills asked delegates, “When you look into the future, what do you see?” Rather than simply focusing on our earthly plans, he urged us to refocus on our spiritual future. “Do you see yourself in eternity, forever in the presence of almighty God? Do you have an eternal perspective?”

After screening a battle scene from The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Jeremy exhorted delegates to raise their own battle cry against the forces of darkness. “When everything is on the line, our fear gives way to reckless determination. We are called to sacrifice all for the great battle.” We must “crucify our own aspirations and desires,” he continued, “in order to participate in the resurrection that Christ offers.”

“This weekend is about possibilities,” Jeremy concluded. “We believe that God has a work for us to do.” May we be faithful to that mission.

Visit Salvationist.ca/symposium for more information.