The General Assembly (G.A.) is the highest governing body in the PC(USA). The G.A. meets annually to conduct the business of the denomination. Each session has opportunity to bring reform to the denomination by initiating overtures which, if approved by the presbytery, become items of business at the annual meeting of the G.A.

The "fidelity and chastity" requirement for church officers in the Book of Order began as an overture in a church's session in 1995. The General Assembly's statement of opposition to partial birth abortion came about as a result of an overture initiated by a church's session in 1997. Every church concerned for the reform of our denomination should give serious consideration to use of the overture process.

PPL encourages use of the overture process. We offer resources to aid sessions in use of the process, particularly those sessions that have not had experience with the overture process. Our resources include information from the official rules of the General Assembly, guidance from the Office of the Stated Clerk, our suggestions for subject matter, and background material to help support overtures. PPL has had a team of Presbyterians at each General Assembly since well before reunion in 1983; we are familiar with General Assembly process.

Events in the denomination and in the society suggest that timely overtures on life issues would deal with the church's position on late term abortions, the Board of Pensions' coverage of RU-486 abortions, pastoral care at the end of life, and reconsideration of the General Assembly's policy on abortion.

Overtures that do not require a change in the constitution have a 60 day deadline (April 10, 2001). If they do not have financial implications, the deadline is 45 days before the Assembly (April 25, 2001).

Contact PPL for further information.

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