"Spotted Owls"

Since the first day of GC, a number of young clergy have been seen wearing knit caps that look like owl heads.

They are seminary students and newly ordained clergy who are under 35. They are quietly demonstrating with that funny hat the reality that there are few clergy under 35 in the UMC. They say the reason for that is not a dearth in eligible persons in that age group, but because it takes so long and is so tedious to become an Elder in the church.

Consequently, most UM seminarians are simply going into the UCC or other mainline denominations.

The "spotted owls" are hoping petitions to relieve the excess of time and hoops will be passed by this GC.

They have not been disruptive in any way. They've actually been cute!

Despite taking time away from school to be there, many have persisted into this second week.

There is hope that the delegates from other countries will swing the vote their way because the third world clergy in particular are concerned about those endless requirements in places where their churches are growing at huge rates and clergy are needed.

Like the spotted owl, the young pastors and students are struggling to keep from becoming "extinct" in the UMC.