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.
Maynard Pittendreigh has been blogging from General Assemblies of the Presbyterian Church (USA) since 2000. This year's 220th General Assembly is meeting in Pittsburgh.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
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.
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.
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.
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, July 2, 2012
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, July 1, 2012
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.
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.
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.
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