Presbyerians Pro-Life
Posted July 8, 2002

Recap of 2002 GA on Issues of Importance

Information provided by Susan Cyre, Chuck Lupton, and Terry Schlossberg

Election of Moderator
Fahed Abu-Akel was elected on the second ballot by 57% of the commissioners. Vote 1: Fahed 219(42%), Laird-166(32%), Tankersley-136(26%); vote 2: Fahed 296(57%), Laird-153(29%), Tankersley-71(14%).

Committee 02- GA Meetings: Biennial Assemblies; Theological Task Force
Assembly approved that: "The GA meet annually through 2004 and begin meeting biennially in 2006; that OGA and Stated Clerk prepare Book of Order amendment that would increase the total number of commissioners to the biennial assembly; that the COGA prepare a full evaluation of biennial assemblies after the 219th GA(2010) and bring a report to the 220th GA." Substitute motion to retain annual assemblies failed by 170/342/2. Main motion passed: 343/167/4.

Approved that the Theological Task Force...will make its final report to the 217th GA. And "that 'a' report be distributed to presbyteries and sessions by electronic and/or print means at least nine months before the 217th GA." Attempts to replace "a report" with "the final report" failed 154/347/9.

Committee 03-GA Procedures: Elected GANC; Per Capita; Commissioner rights
Ovt 02-16 on electing the General Assembly Nominating Committee (GANC). The Assembly proposes amending Book of Order G-13.0111a so that moderator nominates and GA elects. Vote 361/137/7. (Note: Currently, the powerful GANC is appointed. The main advantage of this proposed change is that it gives commissioners the opportunity each year to offer alternative candidates from the floor. The action requires the affirmative vote of a majority of presbyteries since it is a Book of Order change.

Ovt 02-15 on Amending G-9.0404d and setting aside an authoritative interpretation which requires presbyteries to pay the per capita not paid by a session. The Assembly responded to the overture with the following:

Whereas, giving to the church must be based upon a joyful response to God's providence and grace; and whereas, our polity is based upon connectional, covenantal relationship of governing bodies to one another and to higher governing bodies, the 214th GA expresses its concern that, for many reasons, churches do not pay their share of per capita; therefore, be it

Resolved, that presbyteries are urged (1) to partner with those churches who struggle financially to pay per capita and (2) to work pastorally with those sessions who choose to withhold their per capita. Individual sessions are reminded that to withhold per capita puts at jeopardy the connectional and covenantal nature of our church that is affirmed by our ordination vows.

We call on the GA agencies and presbyteries to work to alleviate the problems that lead to withholding so that the church may proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to the whole world. We believe that at such a time as this, it is not wise or prudent to change the current understanding of the way per capita is collected and transmitted. Nevertheless, presbyteries are encouraged to raise per capita payments from churches through voluntary payments in the spirit of 2 Cor 9:7, "each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." Vote 483/26/3

Ovt 02-39 regarding Amending Standing Rule B.12 to make GA subject to the Document "Forming Social Policy." Committee recommended, "If a commissioner resolution (CR) affects a substantial change in an existing social witness policy, the Stated Clerk should recommend to the Assembly Committee on Bills and Overtures that it be referred to the next GA." Needed 2/3 vote to pass. The vote of the Assembly was 407/31/15. (Note: "Substantial change" and "policy" may be difficult to define. Referring CRs forward requires commissioners to come to the next assembly in order to defend their resolution, a move almost certain to all but eliminate new business from commissioners. A decided strike against the rights of representatives of our lower governing bodies.)

CR 02-2 was adopted requiring all non-profit entities to submit 990 forms to OGA and make a copy available at the exhibit hall reception desk. Failure to provide a 990 to OGA no less than 60 days before the opening of the Assembly will result in the non-profit entity forfeiting its exhibit space.

Committee 04: Church Polity: Compliance with the constitution; sexual misconduct
Ovt 02-59 responding to the Report of the Stated Clerk to the GA regarding session of Londonderry PC, et al. v. Presbytery of Northern New England. Recommendation disapproved. This was the overture that called on the General Assembly to determine that the compliance of Christ Church Burlington, VT with constitutional ordination standards is inadequate and to "issue further orders," as provided for in the Standing Rules of the General Assembly. The General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission (GA-PJC) issued its decision in the year 2000 that the church had gone beyond dissent into disregard for the constitution and instructed the presbytery to work pastorally and administratively to bring about compliance. There was no change in the situation until just prior to this meeting of the G.A. when Christ Church stated its intent to withdraw the statement that led to the GA-PJC decision. The statement was not withdrawn until well into the G.A. meeting. Some commissioners were alert to the developments in the case as they prepared a minority report and then attempted even to amend the minority report further on the floor to reflect the movement in the session of Christ Church. The minority report was amended to say,

the 214th GA recognizes that the presbytery of Northern New England is making significant progress toward compliance with order of the GAPJC in Londonderry. In hopeful anticipation of their success their model should become a model for the rest of the PCUSA. Therefore the 214th GA reminds all governing bodies that 1) decisions of the GAPJC is an authoritative interpretation 2) In the interest of the peace, unity and purity of the church all governing bodies need to comply with all parts of the constitution. 3) All presbyteries need to work prayerfully and pastorally to help all churches within their bounds to live within the constitution so that the whole body may be 'rooted and grounded in love.'

The minority report failed 157/349/0

(Note: for further background and information on this situation in the church, I refer you to www.presbycoalition.org under the heading "Constitutional Resources.")

CR 02-20 on openness in cases of sexual misconduct with children. Approved as amended. #2 "Counsel governing bodies to refuse to enter into confidential agreements..." #6, Advise PJC that the only appropriate censure for person found to have been part of the violation of item 2 of this resolution is also removal from office. #7 tell ACWC, ACSWP, Office of Constitutional Services, and the Office of Legal Services to consider this resolution and report back to 215th GA 2003.

Committee 05-Church Orders and Ministry: BOO revisions; ordination of Christian Educators; moratorium
Ovt 02-29, on revision of Chapter XIV of Form of Government, and Amendments to Chapters IX and XI of the Form of Government and Chapter IV of the Directory for Worship. Referred to the OGA for revision and resubmission to the 218th GA (2006) with interim report of their progress brought to the 216th (2004) GA. Approved without electronic vote.

05-05 Ordination of Christian Educators. Approved all committee recommendations. First making Christian Educators who are also ordained to Minister of Word and Sacrament a special class. For example, they can present a lesson before presbytery instead of preaching. A CE who is approved for ordination may serve as associate pastor in church he/she served as CE. Also, all of the educational requirements may be waived including an M. Div and ordination exams for anyone who is CE and certified by Dec 31, 2003 and working for 5 years by 2007. Automatic vote in presbytery for elder CEs was removed in committee. GA dismissed the task force with thanks.

Ovt 02-21 regarding moratorium on discussions regarding human sexuality and ordination standards. Following resolution approved: "That the 214th GA call the church to prayer for a period of one year, with the focus of prayer to be on behalf and with those with whom we disagree. This call for prayer would not seek to prevent, or be a substitute for other discussions, dialogues or actions." Approved by voice vote.

Committee 06- Catholicity & Ecumenical Relations: Muslim-Christian Dialogue
GAC upon recommendation of the WMD recommends that the 214th GA commend to Presbyterians the document, Striving Together in Dialogue: A Muslim-Christian Call for Reflection and Action, for study and reflection. The committee amended the recommendation helpfully also to "Commend to Presbyterians the following PC(USA) document: Turn to a Living God: A call to Evangelism in Jesus Christ's Way along with the three pamphlets: "Christians and Muslims," "Presbyterian Principles for Interfaith Dialogue," and "Witness and Evangelism Among People of Other Faiths" to resource our dialogue with Muslims." Attempts to remove the amendment failed. The recommendation was adopted.

Committee 07-Christology and Confession: Affirming One Savior and Lord
Ovt 02-2 Affirmed the document "Hope in the Lord Jesus Christ," commended it to the Church in accordance with G-13.0103p, q. and urged study of the document. Vote 497/11/5

Ovt 02-31, requested approving authoritative interpretation for 1st ordination vow. Committee recommended disapprove. Amended on floor to disapprove with comment. Comment is "We declare that we as the 214th GA of PCUSA meeting in Columbus are neither confused nor hesitant about our faith in Christ. Therefore we lift up for the whole church these words from the document that we have so strongly affirmed, Hope in the Lord Jesus Christ, lines 155-168." Amended 386/98/6. Vote on main motion as amended 472/21/7.

Ovt 02-18, Celebrate the Confession of 1967 and authorize the provision of an inclusive language version for liturgical use. (Append to BOC or Book of Common Worship). Shall be distributed within this calendar year. Approved.

Item 07-11. Approved new Preface to the BOC

Ovt 02-14. Requested the Theological Task Force to Clarify the Issues Raised by the Confessing Church Movement Concerning Lordship of Christ, Authority of the Bible and Ordination Standards. Referred to the Theological Task Force.

Item 07-09. Referred to the Theological Task Force a recommendation for a new Confession and to GAC, Office of Theology and Worship.

Committee 08- Mission Coordination and Budget: Confirmed Detterick; approved mission initiative
Confirmed John Detterick for a 2nd 4 year term at a salary of $146,000 for 2002.

Item 08-11, Mission Initiative approved with 97% of vote, 426 in favor.

Commissioner moved, "that 214th GA encourage presbyteries, synods, exhibitors, affiliated groups to apply savings from biennial assemblies to mission initiative." Approved 219/201/7

Committee 09- Christian Education and Publications: New curriculum; revision of youth sexuality curriculum
Ovt 02-19 recommending new curriculum. New curriculum development is already underway to replace "Covenant People," a failed curriculum. Commissioner Jon Fregger from Baltimore asked, "Is it true whether we vote yes or no it will be produced?" Don Campbell said, "Short answer is, 'yes.'" The price tag approved on the new curriculum is $750,000 a year.

Item 09-04: Congregational Ministries Division asked to replace with a "library of resources" the directives of previous Assemblies to revise the sexuality curriculum to conform to biblical and confessional teaching, emphasizing abstinence. A minority report was defeated, which said:

that the 214th General Assembly (2002) direct the Congregational Ministries Division (CMD) to discontinue distribution of the sexuality curriculum, God's Gift of Sexuality, and cease any further revision of that curriculum, and to prepare all future resources of any kind on the subject of sexual behavior in conformity with the directives given by the 210th and 211th General Assemblies, (1998) and (1999).

Instead the Assembly voted

that the 214th GA give a two-year deferment to Congregational Ministries Publishing in order that it might make available a 'library of resources' in addition to the current GA action to 'review and revise' the "God's Gift of sexuality" curriculum. These resources may be comprised of e.g. study aids; annotated bibliographies; specialized areas of concern related to human sexuality, such as incest, child abuse, and rape; biblical and constitutional references; a revised "A Guide to the PCUSA"; suggested resources indexed by topic; optional lesson plan formats, etc., with the intent of providing congregations tools to create their own sexuality learning events.

Comment: The Christian Education and Publications Committee's understanding is that the review and revision process will occur as part of customary, timely practices of the CMD's curriculum publishing program area. Vote on main motion 375/136/6

Committee 10- Theological Issues, Educational Institutions
Philip Walker Butin approved as President of San Francisco Theological Seminary

Approved CR 02-11 on encouraging local congregations to use the ecumenical Lord's Prayer in worship at least 2 Sundays per year.

Committee 11- Evangelism and Witness

Committee 12 National Issues: Non-discrimination re sexual orientation; marriage amendment; prostitution; boycott of Taco Bell
CR 01-25 on affirming civil rights and non-discrimination of all persons regardless of sexual orientation. The committee deleted paragraph 6 that called on church committees to recognize that it would be "hindrance to God's grace to make specific inquiry into the sexual orientation or practice of a candidate for ordained office.... Paragraph 5 was amended to say,

Calls upon Presbyterians to reject in their own lives and challenge in others, the sins of harassment, abuse and hate towards homosexual persons which drives any person away from Christ and his Church.

Paragraph 3

Calls upon seminaries to apply the same standards to persons applying for admission regardless of sexual orientation.

Paragraph 7

Calls upon seminaries, governing bodies, and churches to initiate courses on sexuality, providing officers and members with a balanced understanding of the diverse views regarding the dynamics of human sexuality as understood within the context of Christian ethics. Approved as amended from committee.

CR 02-6 on supporting the Federal Marriage Amendment. CR affirms "the historic and continuing support of the PCUSA for the institution of marriage, defined as 'a civil contract between a woman and a man (W-4.9001). Assembly upheld committee's recommendation to disapprove by a narrow margin: 272/224/3.

Item 12-13 from Advocacy Committee on Women's Concerns (ACWC), report titled "Sisters of Mercy, Daughters of Grace; Presbyterians and Prostituted Women." Approved with comment to ACWC to "consider" adding and deleting resources.

(Note: Content of this report says, based on 1948 Kinsey report, that "69 percent of white male US population had some experience with prostituted women." "Fortune [director of Center for the Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence and author of Sexual Violence] concludes in Sexual Violence that 'under no circumstance is adult-child sexual contact acceptable--it is unacceptable because it is non-consensual and exploitative of the child, not because it is sexual.'" P. 49. "Battering and incest are greater in churched families than in non-churched families." P. 52. Offending resources included James B. Nelson's Embodiment, which was a strong influence on the 1991 sexuality report and the use of Miriam Therese Winter's books, Woman Word, Woman Witness, and Woman Wisdom. Bwhich includes "Psalm in Search of the Goddess.")

Ovt. 02-44, on Farm Worker Justice asked the Assembly to endorse and support the national boycott of Taco Bell Restaurants and products. In their comment, the General Assembly Council said that it does not have the "capacity to undertake significant educational and organizing efforts." They recommended that the Assembly "factor significant financial implications into its consideration" of this overture. Consequently, the Assembly agreed to fund a part time position for two years. The price tag approved is a total of $35,325 over two years.

Committee 13 Health and Social Issues: Abortion; End of Life
Ovt 02-10. On appointing a special committee to conduct a study of the Christian and Reformed View of Human Life in Relation to the Practices of Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide, Abortion and Infanticide. Assembly disapproved; overture advocate said intent fulfilled by CR 01-22.

Item13-04: Clarification of Policy on Problem Pregnancies. Committee recommended,

The ending of a pregnancy after the point of fetal viability is a matter of grave moral concern to us all, and may be undertaken only in the rarest of circumstances and after prayer and/or pastoral care, when necessary to save the life of a woman, to preserve the woman's health in circumstances of a serious risk to the woman's health, to avoid fetal suffering as a result of untreatable life-threatening medical anomalies, or in cases of incest or rape. Approved 394/112/4. See explanation of minority report in earlier report.

Ovt 02-48, On precluding coverage by the Board of Pensions for the Abortion procedure known as intact dilation and extraction. GA sustained committee recommendation to disapprove with comment, which noted GA relief of conscience provision. 326/154/9.

Ovt 02-52 on pastoral resources for women who have experienced abortion. Action was to refer to ACWC in consultation with ACSWP with amendment and comment:

Instruct the Office of Theology and worship to prepare, in conversation with ACSWP and ACWC and other PCUSA related groups including Presbyterians Affirming Reproductive Options(PARO), Presbyterian Association of Specialized and Pastoral Ministries (PASPM), Presbyterians Pro-Life(PPL) and other resources groups, pastoral resources for our Presbyterian congregations that are based on the knowledge that there are women and men in our local churches who suffer from adverse spiritual, emotional, psychological, and physical effects of abortion and are in need of the compassionate and restorative ministry of the gospel. Approved 450/33/5.

Item 13-07: CMD request to delay implementation of CR 01-22, approved by the 213th G.A. (2001) on churchwide dialogue on end-of-life issues. This G.A. directed GAC, Office of Theology and Worship to find the funding and implement CR 01-22.

Committee 14- Peacemaking and Global Issues: Restoration of missionary positions; U.S. Department of Peace; support for abortion funding globally
Ovt 02-40 Requested Worldwide Ministries Division (WMD) to strengthen its recruitment and retention of long-serving, career missionaries. An attempt to amend the motion to restore the 34 missionary slots eliminated in the budget cuts failed by a vote of 114/410/1. The motion as amended by the committee passed 478/35/11. The committee's recommendation does include a comment to add back the missionaries "if funds become available."

Ovt 02-41, Endorsed the creation of a US Department of Peace. Approved by vote of 253/251/7.

CR 02-19. "Call on President Bush immediately to release US funds designated to the UN Population Fund by the 107 Congress in Dec 2001 in the amount of $34 million. Direct this statement be communicated to members of US Congress, President of US and other appropriate government agencies." Approved 391/91/10.

Committee 15- Pensions, Benefits and Stewardship: Adoption
Ovt 02-46 was approved. "The 214th GA of the PC(USA) requests the Board of Pensions to study and report to the 215th GA of the PCUSA a recommended design and funding source for an adoption assistance program to cover compensation for adoption expenses for all eligible members of the Benefits Plan of the PC(USA)."

 

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