The Bureau had the temerity to tinker with the doctrinal section of the constitution. It also insisted that a general statement in the preamble about allegiance to the nation was not enough. It would in fact be the 43rd assembly, after a 25-year hiatus caused by the government's refusal to grant permission to meet. Some pastors are accused of being hungry for power and position. The stage is now set for a contentious general assembly in February, if indeed churches decide to send delegates.
Questions remain surrounding the choosing and approving of local church delegates.
The BRA insisted at one point on vetting all delegates. At first, authorities said that 200 delegates would be the maximum, but ECVN leaders have presented a list of 800. It is predicted that some will lose their jobs if 'regularization' of the Protestant situation is not achieved. The events, as they unfolded, have again discouraged the optimists. The vast majority of the ECVN pastors and Christians have seen through this and reacted with uncharacteristic strength and unity.