220th General Assembly in Review

The General Assembly has finished its work for this year.  It will meet again in 2014 in Detroit.

So what happened?


1. Same-gender marriage: The short, simple and to the point answer:  "no."

The General Assembly said "no" to same-gender marriages.

It took about 4 hours of debates and substitute motions to reach the decision that the Presbyterian Church will not redefine marriage from the current, "between a man and a woman" to a new "between two people."

However, the church gave approval for a two year period of  “serious study and discernment” regarding Christian marriage.  This report will be completed in time for the next General Assembly, to be held in 2014 in Detroit.

2. Ordination standards:The short, simple and to the point answer:  "no change."

In 1996, we added a statement in our Book of Order requiring all ministers, elders and deacons to practice “fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or chastity in singleness.” That provision was removed by the 2010 General Assembly.  There was a movement to return that language, or something similar, to the Book of Order, but those efforts were declined.


3. Middle East peace: Once again the church discussed divesting itself of stock in three corporations ― Caterpillar, Hewlett-Packard and Motorola Solutions.  It is the opinion of some that these corporations are “profiting from non-peaceful pursuits in Israel-Palestine.”

The General Assembly spent two hours in robust debate and at one point voted 333 to 331, with 2 abstentions.

What was finally approved was a plan for "active investment" rather than divestment.  This plan calls for an "active investment in projects that will support collaboration among Christians, Jews, and Muslims and help in the development of a viable infrastructure for a future Palestinian state.” 

4.  Church government and councils: The Presbyterian Church has several levels of church government.  The local council is the Session.  The next is the Presbytery (our Peach River Presbytery is composed of 39 congregations of SW Florida).  The next is the Synod (ours is made up of SC, Georgia and Florida), and the national level is the General Assembly.

Will we eliminate Synods?  The answer is "not yet."  In my opinion, the Syond no longer has a function and should be eliminated.  The General Assembly voted to continue to study the process.

There were also proposals for creating non-geographic presbyteries that would be united by a "particular missional purpose."  That would mean that a congregation might vote to move from one local presbytery to another based on differences on abortion, ordination, or whether or not the pastor liked one presbytery staff over the other.  The General Assembly said "no" to that as well.   

5. Special Offerings: The General Assembly considered making changes in our four annual Special Offerings and decided not to make those changes.

In the past decade or so, the income of these offerings have declined by 25%.   No one is suggesting that we eliminate these offerings, but there are proposals regarding the goals and timing of these offerings.  Chapel by the Sea promotes three of these offerings:  the One Great Hour of Sharing, Peacemaking Offering and Christmas Joy Offering. We at Chapel do not participate in the Pentecost Offering, which goes to support ministries with youth, young adults, and children at risk.

6. Confessional statements: In 2010, the presbyteries rejected adding the Belhar Confession to the3 Book of Confessions.  This year the General Assembly voted to send that confessional statement back to the presbyteries for reconsideration.  Our church has a Book of Confessions, which has several doctrinal statements.  The Belhar Confession originated in the churches in South Africa as a theological response to racism.  Also approved was a new translation of the Heidelberg Catechism of 1563, which is already in the Book of Confessions.

7. The church's future.  The General Assembly overwhelming supported a movement to create 1001 worshiping communities. These communities of faith will perhaps look much different from traditional congregations.  Some have already started in coffee shops, and shopping malls, 

8.  Election of a new moderator: One of the first actions of a General Assembly is the election of a new moderator.  The moderator presides over the meeting, but also serves as a spiritual leader of our denomination over the next two years.  Our new moderator is Neal Presa, a minister in Elizabeth Presbytery who is committed to working for the unity of the church.

9.  Controversy about the vice moderator.  One of the most mundane, and often forgettable events of the General Assembly is the election of the Vice Moderator, whose job is to take over the meeting when the Moderator needs a break.  The Moderator normally presents his or her choice, after which the General Assembly ratifies with very little opposition.  Not this year.  This year's candidate for Vice Moderator, Tara McCabe, had recently participated in a marriage of two lesbians, in conflict with church law.  The General Assembly ratified her as the Vice Moderator with only a 60% majority.  After 36 hours of controversy, she stepped down and the assembly elected the Rev. Tim Trinidad as the Vice Moderator.

10.  Worship:  Without question, my favorite part of the General Assembly is the wonderful opening worship service in which thousands gather to give glory to God.  This year's worship had wonderful music and a powerful sermon from the retiring Moderator.

It Takes Thick Skin

The Presbyterian Outlook has written an excellent piece as a follow up on McCabe's resignation.  You can find that here:  http://www.pres-outlook.com/pcusa-reports/ga-2012/16996.html

The Outlook article raises questions I'd already pondered - just who in the world was criticizing the Vice Moderator so much that she resigned?  There were concerns about her being bullied and calls for the General Assembly to stand against it.  I surveyed the Internet and could not find much in harsh opposition.  Nor could the Outlook.  True, people had questions, but they were legitimate and carefully and appropriately voiced.  True, there were those who expressed opinions that she should face charges, but her very words invited judicial action against one who had signed a marriage license in a wedding that does not currently meet Presbyterian rules.

To be a Presbyterian pastor means you must have thick skin.  I am often criticized.  "Why did YOU make that decision?"  I didn't, the Session did, but I represent the Session and I know that people will blame (or praise) me for the actions of the group. 

This week I'll get comments, "How can you be against this or in favor of that?"  I'm not - that's General Assembly and I was just an observer this year - I didn't even get a vote!

"You made a mistake in that sermon."  Sorry - you're right, I won't do it again. 

A few months ago I faced harsh criticism because the Session did not hire a certain person to be the new Director of Christian Education.

Why?  Because I did not pass that person's name onto the Personnel Committee.  There were two reasons.  First, this person had not turned in an application.  Second, this person is a self-described atheist, and the position was that of the Director of Christian Education.  As such, she did not meet the qualifications.

There is no way the Session would have hired her, and those elders who knew of her interest, even without the application, all agreed this person did not meet the qualifications for the job.

It is strange, but I have paid a strong price for that.  I've felt bullied.  I've certainly been criticised.  Some questions were reasonable and I gave answers accordingly.  We are, after all, each accountable to someone or to a group.  Some criticism and actions did, I felt, cross the line of what is or is not appropriate.

As a pastor, I'm criticised for sermons, for grammar, for something I wrote, for something I did or did not do.  Sometimes the criticisms are right on target and I apologize for my actions.  Sometimes, I have to refuse to apologize and stand my ground.

I was told by a small town high school coach once that the only people who needed thicker skin than a coach of a high school in a small town was the pastor.

McCabe signed a wedding license for a gay couple.  She participated in a gay wedding.  She knew what she was doing and knew that it may have crossed the line of church law -- she certainly knew that she would be held accountable and have to explain her actions.

Did the criticism of McCabe go too far?  As I read the article in the Presbyterian Outlook, I think not.  Oh sure, there may have been a few individuals who spoke too emotionally or irrationally.  A few may have crossed the line.  But to be a pastor means you have to have thick skin.  To be a moderator or vice moderator of the General Assembly requires even thicker skin.

My view is that by resigning, McCabe will continue to be in the spotlight and will be more crirtized than ever before.

My speculation is that there is more to it than we know.  McCabe made what she thougth was the best decision for herself and the church, and we should continue to keep her in prayer.

Marriage is Between a Man and Woman - so says GA

Marriage has been evolving and changing - and not just in recent years.  We think of marriage as a stable and unchanging institution, but in the Bible marriage was often between a man and several women.  Marriage was often pre-arranged by parents.  Women were given into marriage in exchange for property. 

That marriage is always being redefined is something that many will deny.  The truth is, marriage has changed a great deal.

Our culture is changing its definition of marriage and the General Assembly considered doing the same by modifying the definition as "between a man and a woman" to "between two people." 

The debate was long and there were substitute motions to consider, but at the end of the day on Friday, the General Assembly voted to continue to define marriage as between a man and a woman.  In other words, it will continue to be against church law in the Presbyterian Church USA for a minister to perform a marriage for gay couples.

General Assembly's Friday Action

The General Assembly said "no" to non-geographic presbyteries.  There was an overture (or motion) to allow presbyteries to be created based on "particular missional purposes."  What many believed was that this would simply allow presbyteries to be formed around theological affinities.  Hence you would have churches having to decide if they wanted to join the liberal local presbytery or the conservative one.  Would we have presbyteries that were pro-life and others that were pro-choice?  Would some ordain gays and others not?  In essence, the General Assembly affirmed that we may differ with each other, but we will walk together as ONE body of Christ.

Divestment was a hot topic, as it has been in previous General Assemblies.  At the heart of this issue is whether or not we should invest church funds in companies that support work that some may feel does not reflect the values of our church.  This led to a long and robust discussion.  One of the companies in this issue is Caterpillar, which supplies non-letal equipment to the Israeli military.  One commissioner spoke of the pride he felt in working for that company that he said was always first on the scene in a time of disaster.  Another commissioner spoke of having grown up in the Middle East and going home one day to see the Israeli military destroy his home with Caterpillar equipment. 

The commissioners voted to substitute “active investment” in place of divestment in a close 333-331 vote.  The final vote for the substitute motion of“active investment” was approved 369-290.  Thus, rather than divesting of companies providing non-lethal equipment to the military in the Middle East, the church will now look for ways to actively raise funds that will invest in the West Bank in a positive manner.


The General Assembly gave approval for the Board of Pensions to discuss a shared benefits plan with other denominations (the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians and other possible partners).  The Board of Pensions provides pension and health insurance for pastors.  Some congregations also provide benefits for their non-ordained employees through the programs of the Board of Pensions.  This was an emotional issue.  One of my friends from Tropical Florida Presbytery spoke of the several congregations that have left that presbytery for other denominations in which members and (in some cases) property.    Another commissioner spoke against the "concept of extending this fine pension plan to the women and men leaving this denomination."  What seemed to move the assembly was that it was worth the time and funding to engage in a study.  No commitment will be made until the next General Assembly, which will meet in Detroit in 2014.  


It is worth noting here that the overture about the Board of Pensions came from a commissioner and therefore there was no time for prior study until it was presented in a committee.  Most overtures come from Presbyteries.  Our own congregation, Chapel by the Sea, could present an overture to our presbytery to send onto General Assembly. 

A Very Divided General Assembly Votes 322 to 323.

The General Assembly is as divided as I've ever seen it.

Tonight there was a motion to allow 20 minutes for discussion about the resignation of the Vice Moderator McCabe.  There was some discussion about the motion, with one person describing herself as a ruling elder, lawyer and elected official in her community.  She offered the observation that when we are in the heat of the moment and hurting, to continue discussion sometimes adds to that hurt. "What we need," she said, "is for us to allow things to calm down in this General Assembly."

Another commissioner said that the Assembly had witnessed the resignation and "that was the end and we went on our way as if nothing had happened."  She called for the assembly to reflect on what had happened.

The Theological Advisory Delegates voted 70% yes, 26% no, 4% abstained.

The Youth Advisory Delegates voted 62% yes, 41% no, 7% abstained.

The Ecumenical Advisory Delegates voted 67% yes, 33% no, 0 abstained.

Missionary Advisory Delegates voted 50% yes, 50% no and 0 abstained.

"Commissioners, you have been advised," said the moderator.  "Please vote with your keypad now."

Moments later the vote was announced, and it was startling.

322 votes yes, 323 votes no, 17 votes abstained.

The don't get any closer than that!

So - the General Assembly voted not to spend 20 minutes discussing the resignation of the Vice Moderator.

The next vote was to vote on the new Vice Moderator, Tim.  Commissioners voted 80% in favor of the approving Tim Trinidad as the new Vice Moderator.

The General Assembly is divided, but the devotion and commitment of these Commissioners shines through.  You see their spirit as you walk down hallways and see small gatherings of three, five, or a dozen people holding hands in prayer.  These are people who know they are divided.  They know they have a lot of work to do, but they have one thing in common - a love of Christ.

If they keep their eyes on Christ, all other divisions can be healed.

Vice Moderator McCabe Resigns After 36 Hours In Office

We often see things so very differently.

I saw the election of McCabe as a very positive statement about our church.  I saw it as a symbol of a divided church that could work together.  The new Moderator, Presa, opposes same-sex marriages.  The new Vice Moderator he selected and whom the General Assembly approved with a small majority, favors and has even participated in a marriage between two women.

As a church we seek the peace, unity and purity of the church - that is, in fact, a phrase from our Presbyterian ordination vows.  It is a true challenge to have all three. We sometimes strive for peace at the expense of purity, or sacrifice unity in favor of purity.

Others saw the election of McCabe very differently.

David Fischler in his blog, Stand Firm, had this to say:


It was a slim margin of victory for McCabe, yes, but think about what that says about the denomination. It says that in the PCUSA, the Book of Order, the constitution of the church, the rules by which order is brought to a large organization, are of no consequence. You can ignore them at will, and still be rewarded with election ot high office.

What I saw, obnoxious optimist that I am, was a sign of unity in a divided church struggling to interpret and live by God's Word.  Others saw it as a shame.

This afternoon, McCabe addressed the General Assembly and announced her resignation as the Vice Moderator.

The mood was somber as McCabe spoke to the General Assembly.  She referred to comments on Twitter and in blogs that she described as “unhelpful and frankly divisive comments” since her election. Moderator Neal Presa mentioned that some of these have been included a public letter to McCabe.  

I am not sure, but if the open letter is the one that most people I've talked with say it is, the letter simply asked for McCabe to speak publicly about her views on same sex marriage.  (That letter can be found here).

Dialogue and debate are what Presbyterians do, and this issue begs for debate.  It is not perfectly clear how she participated in the wedding, but if she officiated she could be in violation of the church's constitution - such an evaluation is not made by Facebook or Twitter chatter, but by judicial action.  At this time, there is no disciplinary action against her.

The moderator also referred to rumors of an effort to ask the assembly to reconsider her election; and even questions about "the authenticity and veracity" of their friendship of more than 11 years. 

That says just enough, and leaves just enough unsaid, that it prompts the rumor mill to go into a higher gear that it has been up until now.

All in all, it is a sad moment, but let me offer two comments.

First, McCabe has a right to make this decision.  No one made it for her.  There is no reason for most of us to take any approach other than to support her in her decision.  And to keep her, and our church in prayer. 

Second, this unusual development is not the focus of what we are doing here.  We are here to do the work of the Presbyterian Church (or for some of us, like me, to simply observe and not vote - so much easier to do).  There is a lot of work for the General Assembly to do, so let's focus on that work.

And as for having a Vice Moderator?  The Moderator has named Tom Trinidad, from Faith Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs, Co.   That election will be held later tonight.

The Personal Touch of General Assembly

One of the Seven Marks of Discipleship that Chapel by the Sea of Fort Myers Beach, FL, has adopted is "Enjoy Spiritual Friendships."

General Assembly is not just about debating and voting.  It is also about enjoying spiritual friendships.  As an observer rather than a voting commissioner, that is what I enjoy the most about a General Assembly.

I get to see folks I met in college or seminary.  I see colleagues in ministry I worked with years ago.  My wife and I are looking forward to having lunch with someone who served as one of my Associate Pastors in my church in Miami, Florida.  We haven't seen each other since 2001, when we began to serve the US Navy as a Chaplain.  He recently accepted a pastorate in the Pittsburgh area.

There is more than socializing going on in these encounters. 

I spent time with one person I met in college.  We talked about how we are handling stewardship issues in the church and he introduced me to someone with the Presbyterian Foundation.  They have a new program they have not yet unveiled that will help us with online contributions and donations. 

Over breakfast yesterday, I met with three pastors and we shared some of our challenges each of us were facing in our congregation and shared suggestions with each other.

In the secular business world, we refer to this networking, but in the church it is being the Body of Christ together. 

Monday and Tuesday - Committees at Work

 

Where is everyone?  The hall where the commissioners of the General Assembly gather has been empty today.  Are they on a break?  No - they are in committees on Monday and Tuesday.  There are hundreds of motions, or overtures, that are coming to the General Assembly for consideration.  There is no way 600 plus commissioners can debate all of the details of 600 or so pieces of business in a few days, so everything moves through a committee before the GA gathers together on Wednesday.

From time to time, the secular press will report on the decisions of these committees as if "the Presbyterian Church, USA, has decided that..."  However, at this point, whatever the committees decide is "IP" - "in process."  Any actions of the committees still must go to the whole assembly.

Sunday at General Assembly in Pittsburgh

The General Assembly re-elected our Stated Clerk and confirmed the Moderator's choice for his Vice Moderator.

Gradye Parsons has served as the Stated Clerk since 2008.  What is the Stated Clerk?  To over simplify matters, this is the Chief Ecclesiastical Officer of our church.  As the "CEO" the Stated Clerk makes sure that the General Assembly meeting goes well and that throughout the year the church conforms to our Book of Order.  There is a lot more to it than that - so let's just add that it is a very important and difficult task that requires the right person called by God.

I've known Gradye since he and I were in Holston Presbytery (Tennessee) together.  When I saw him today, I teased him, telling him that he hasn't aged a bit.  "It's the job," he said, "it keeps me young."  I doubt that - I can't imagine the demands of this position.

As for the election of the Vice Moderator, that was not as smooth as the Stated Clerk's.  Neal Presa, our new Moderator, had selected Tara Spuhler McCabe of National Capital Presbytery to be his Vice Moderator.  Prior to the vote, there was a motion to suspend the rules and allow debate on her election.  A majority of those present voted in favor of this, but suspending the rules is one of those motions that requires more than a simple majority - it requires a 2/3rd majority and on that the motion fell short.

When it came time to vote on McCabe's election, she received 60% of the vote.  With that she was commissioned and will now serve as the Vice Moderator.

Why the issue?

McCabe has acknowledged that in April she officiated at a wedding of two women who married in the District of Columbia.  Same sex marriage is an issue that will be debated at this General Assembly and on this Moderator Presa and McCabe disagree.

Click here for more information about Presa and McCabe and how they differ on this topic of marriage.

A Divided Church Can Stand United

The moderator of our denomination's General Assembly not only presides over the business meeting for the next week, he or she serves as a spiritual leader for two years.  As the commissioners voted on which of the four candidates they would select, the thought occurred to me, "wouldn't it be great to elect the moderator on the first ballot?"

I suppose that has happened, but I don't recall anyone making it on the first ballot.  Bruce Reyes-Chow was elected on the second ballot in 2008.m

We are a church divided, and an election on the first ballot might have served as a symbol of unity.

On second thought, that might have simply sent a message of conformity, and that is not what we want.

Our church is divided on gay marriage, ordination standards, whether to divest ourselves of investments in companies that may provide jobs to our people while supplying arms to unjust conflicts.

Neal Presa has taken a position against same sex marriage, but the Vice Moderator he selected, the Rev. Tara Spuhler McCabe, has acknowledged that she performed a marriage of two women in Washington, DC.  Shortly afterward, Presa issued a statement saying that he and McCabe disagree on that issue, but that they could model for the church a way to work together despite theological disagreements.

That is the kind of unity the church needs - not conformity, but the ability to work together for the good of the Kingdom even in the midst of deep divisions.

McCabe has not been confirmed by the General Assembly yet.  That will come later today.  The moderator can select his or her choice for a vice-moderator, but the General Assembly must still elect and commission that choice.

Our New Moderator of the Presbyterian Church USA

The process of electing a moderator for the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA is unlike anything else in the Presbyterian Church. 

There are campaign buttons, literature, "meet and greet the candidate" forums, campaign speeches, and even a debate-like forum. 

Then the voting begins. 

But that is rarely the end.

The voting process begins with the outgoing moderator calling on the advisory delegates to vote.  These include seminary students, YADs (young adult delegates), ecumenical advisors from those invited from sister denominations and missionary advisors.

As they will do with every vote, these advisory delegates vote first.  Their votes are then projected on a screen so that the commissioners can consider the will of these different groups. 

Presa led each ballot for each of the advisory groups, with the exception of the ecumenical advisors, who consistently voted for the Branson.  What I found interesting about that is that Branson consistently received the lowest number of votes of all advisory groups as well as with the actual commissioners.

Once the commissioners have had a moment to see the advisory delegate votes, the soon-to-be retired moderator will say, "Commissioners, you have been advised." 

Now the commissioners get to vote.

Tonight we had four candidates and four ballots.  We do not elect the individual with the highest votes, but rather the one who has at a clear madate of the majority of all votes.

On the fourth ballot, Neal Presa became the new moderator, receiving 338 votes or 52 percent of the 688 commissioners.

He was escorted into the hall with his family, greeted by former moderators, and commissioned by the Assembly.  A moving moment came when his children led prayer.  One young boy prayed, "Lord, protect my Daddy as he travels."

The Rev. Neal D. Presa, pastor of Middlesex Presbyterian Church in New Jersey was the first candidate his home presbytery, Elizabeth Presbytery, has ever nominated for moderator.

The Filipino-American graduated from San Francisco Theological Seminary (M.Div.), Princeton Theological Seminary (Th.M.) and Drew University (M.Phil. and Ph.D.). He also studied at Westminster Theological Seminary in Escondido, CA and is an adjunct faculty member at Somerset Christian College and New Brunswick Theological Seminary.

Presa has served as moderator of Elizabeth Presbytery and serves as chair of the General Assembly Special Committee on the Heidelberg Catechism.  He served two terms on the General Assembly Council, including one term (2003-2004) as vice-chair. He has also served on the Committee on Theological Education and on the board of trustees of Princeton Theological Seminary.

Opening Worship at the General Assembly

One of the best parts of the General Assembly is the opening worship service. 

This year worship felt different.  It was not the "superbowl" experience that we experienced in Minnesota two years ago, with an incredible procession at the beginning and a baptism at the end.  But this service, although more subdued than in previous years, was still a great worship that glorified God. 

The music was very well done, with trumpets, flutes, handbells, handchimes, timpani, piano, organ, drums and singers.  The music reflected classical and jazz.

The attendance was over 4,000.

Joanne Rogers, wife of the Rev. Fred Rogers, a Presbyterian pastor who starred in the children’s show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” led the processional. Banners from presbyeries hosting the Assembly and two liturgical dancers were part of the procession.

 The sermon was, as is tradition, delivered by the outgoing moderator. Ruling elder Cindy Bolbach, Moderator of the 219th General Assembly (2010) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) told us that our first act as an assembly, as well as our last, is the worship of God.  Bolbach's presence evoked an emotional response from everyone.  Having struggled with a recent battle with cancer, she delivered her sermon while seated.  At the beginning of the worship, Sheldon Sorge, executive presbyter for Pittsburgh Presbytery, invited attendees to honor her by standing.  Many of the commissioners surprised Bolbach by putting on bright green tinsel wigs.

Mark 2:1-12 was the text for Bolbach's sermon.  This had been her focus as a candidate for moderator two years ago.  At that time, she identified the Presbyterian Church with the paralyzed man in this text.  Now, however, she sees the church as those four who helped the paralized man encounter Christ.

Bolbach said, that the heart of the gospel is not a structure or the Form of Government of the Book of Order, but rather, “the heart of the gospel lie disciples like those in Mark who are willing to take risks, willing to do whatever it takes to help others see Jesus. Not just carry those whom they like, but maybe even carrying those they don’t know, those they don’t like. Willing to go up to the roof, willing to cut a hole in it.”

As is tradition, the opening worship included the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper.  For many years, the communion ware has been designed and made by a local artists. 

General Assembly - A Family Gathering

Over 6,000 Presbyterians have gathered in Pittsburgh for the 220th Genaral Assembly.  I think  the town I grew up in had only 2,900 residents -- and that was before they closed the town's textile mill in the 1980s. 

Arriving at the airport in Pittsburgh, I ran into 27 old friends from around the country.  One was a pastor from Nebraska - we had been students in seminary together and I hadn't seen Charles since 1980.  Another was a pastor from Peace River Presbytery -- I see Kathleen every month when she and I attend the stated meetings of the Committee on Ministry. 

There is a bit of a "family reunion" feel to the General Assembly -- which is not far off the mark.  There are close relatives you see frequently and those you haven't seen in years.  There are even those cousins you've never met -- and if you've ever been to one of those large family gatherings you've heard descriptions like, "That lady over there is your cousin Joe's widow's son's daughter in law."

The connections sometimes seem stretched, but the connection in a word is FAMILY.   You go to these reunions because you are a Smith, or a Jones, or a Pittendreigh.

For the 6,000 people gathering here the connections sometimes seem stretched, but our family unity is found in a single word - CHRIST.  We come to these General Assemblies because we are one of the 2 million members of the Presbyterian family.

Once the meeting begins on Saturday, these Presbyterians will discuss issues that will prompt robust conversations.  As you read about some of these debates, you may wonder someone in your Presbyterian family could take such a position so different from your position.  But don't be troubled by these differences or the intensity of the debates.  Remember that we are a family bound together by a love of Christ and by the often difficult of seeking and doing God's will.

Looking ahead to the 220th General Assembly

I was asked this morning, "What is it about this General Assembly that is so historic?" 

"They are all historic," I said. 

"Well, why is it so potentially divisive?"

"They are all potentially divisive," I said.

But they are also all have the potential for bringing about healing, wholeness, peace, unity and purity.

General Assemblies are the national level of our church's govenment and are held every other year in a different city.  This year the 220th General Assembly meets in Pittsburgh during June 30-July 7.  Among the issues that will be addressed:

Sex!  What's a General Assembly without discussing human sexuality?  Same-sex marriage, gay ordination and same-sex partner benefits in the Board of Pensions will certainly be robustly debated.  These issues will also receive the most attention in the secular press - and these are the issues that may be inaccurately reported by those secular writers who will not understand the whole process of the General Assembly. 

But the General Assembly is not all about sex.  These are just a few of the roughly 800 individual items of business to be handled by the 688 voting commissioners, one of who will be Laura Miller, one of the ruling elders of the Chapel by the Sea.

1. Same-gender marriage: There are overtures to allow gay marriage.  An "overture" is a motion that comes from a presbytery or session.  If the General Assembly approves of an overture, that will not be the end of the process.  A majority of presbyteries have to ratify that overture over the next several months. 

The Presbyterian Church, USA, currently defines marrage in the Book of Order, W-4.9000, as being between “a woman and a man.” There are overtures to change that definition of marriage as being between “two people.”

There are also proposals from five presbyteries to adopt “Authoritative Interpretation” of the constitution that would allow pastors to officiate at wedding ceremonies in states where same-gender marriage is legal.  Unlike an overture, an authoritative interpretation does not require presbytery ratification, but can be approved by either the General Assembly or its Permanent Judicial Commission.  There are also proposals for authoritative interpretations that take the opposite view.

2. Ordination standards: In 1996, we added a statement in our Book of Order requiring all ministers, elders and deacons to practice “fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or chastity in singleness.” That provision was removed by the 2010 General Assembly.  Some presbyteries will seek to overturn that deletion.  Others will provide for each presbytery or session to set standards for ordaned service. 

3. Middle East peace: Once again we will be considering recommendations that the PC(USA) divest itself of stock in three corporations ― Caterpillar, Hewlett-Packard and Motorola Solutions.  It is the opinion of some that these corporations are “profiting from non-peaceful pursuits in Israel-Palestine.” One of several overtures on this subject calls for “a plan of active investment in projects that will support collaboration among Christians, Jews, and Muslims and help in the development of a viable infrastructure for a future Palestinian state.”

Some overtures asks the Assembly to “recognize that Israel’s laws, policies and practices constitute apartheid against the Palestinian people.” Another seeks to condemn the "production and sale of Israeli products that come from the Occupied Palestinian Territories.”

4.  Church government and councils: The Presbyterian Church has several levels of church government.  The local council is the Session.  The next is the Presbytery (our Peach River Presbytery is composed of 39 congregations of SW Florida).  The next is the Synod (ours is made up of SC, Georgia and Florida), and the national level is the General Assembly.  In my opinion, the Syond no longer has a function and should be eliminated.  That might happen. 

There are also proposals for creating non-geographic presbyteries that would be united by a "particular missional purpose."

The 16 Synods might be replaced with 5 regional administrative commissions to support the work of the presbyteries. 

5. Special Offerings: There are four Special Offerings in our denomination.  In the past decade or so, the income of these offerings have declined by 25%.   No one is suggesting that we eliminate these offerings, but there are proposals regarding the goals and timing of these offerings.  Chapel by the Sea promotes three of these offerings:  the One Great Hour of Sharing, Peacemaking Offering and Christmas Joy Offering. We do not participate in the Pentecost Offering, which goes to support ministries with youth, young adults, and children at risk.

6. Immigration: The last General Assembly voted to "refrain from holding national meetings in states where travel by immigrant Presbyterians or Presbyterians of color might subject them to harassment or racial profiling.” That action was prompted by anti-immigrant legislation that was being adopted in Arizona at the time of the last General Assembly, and that was being considered in other states.  One proposal seeks to rescind that action. 

Other proposals support a variety of ways to build bridges and serve as advocates for immigrants.

7. Confessional statements: The church has a Book of Confessions, which has several doctrinal statements.  This General Assembly will consider two doctrinal statements to be included in the Book of Confessions - the Belhar Confession (adopted by churches in South Africa as a theological response to racism) and a new translation of the Heidelberg Catechism of 1563.

Our last General Assembly recommended inclusion of the Belhar Confession, but that proposal failed to be ratified by the presbyteries.  National Capital Presbytery is reintroducing the proposal this year.

8. “The Nature of the Church in the 21^st Century”: As we continue to move into the 21st Century, the church faces a number of challenges.  This Assembly might strengthen the role of the "tentmaking ministry" in which a pastor works within a secular field while working part-time in a pastorate.  There will be proposals to emphasis recuiting pastors who are from racial ethnic and immigrant students. 

One proposal calls for presbyteries to develop plans to bring below-minimum pastoral salaries up to established minimums while also setting a maximum compensation level.

9.  Election of a new moderator: One of the first actions of a General Assembly will be the election of a new moderator.  The moderator presides over the meeting, but also serves as a spiritual leader of our denomination over the next two years.

10.  Worship:  Without question, my favorite part of the General Assembly is the wonderful opening worship service in which thousands gather to give glory to God.  Part of this worship is the celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Communion.  Local artists are usually commissioned to design and make the chalices for this service, which are later sold to the public to pay for the costs of the worship service (which require the use of a large facility).  I have a collection of these chalices from several previous General Assemblies I have attended.  If you have been in my office, you may have seen them.  I look forward to adding to that collection, but mostly I look forward to the worship service.