The words to Mr. Rogers were ringing through the hall today as the denomination was invited to Pittsburgh, PA in 2012 for celebration and action – the 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA). As we watched scenes from the Committee on Local Arrangements presentation and were welcomed on video by none other than the lovable mail man from Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, I remembered that the 219th General Assembly was not ending. Yes we would be back in our home churches, we would be back in our own beds, we would be back to our own lives. However, something will be different. In the past nine days I have learned from the brightest and best of our denomination. I heeded the advice of and listened to the opinions of many wise voices – many being under the age of 23. I wondered why they were not jaded, why they seemed more open minded than many of the rest of us, why they had energy that sustained the rest of us through hours and hours and hours of briefings and votes. I wondered when I crossed over into the not so young category. In my early 30’s I am no longer one of them. I see their perspectives, honor their thoughts but I too have become jaded by the politics of the church. I have seen the good that can be done in the world, I believe in the faith of the Presbyterian Church and the light that we can bring to the darkness we experience each day.
It was a true blessing to see that invitation to Presbyterians everywhere to join together in Pittsburgh in Mr. Rogers’s style. The first few words of the theme song snapped me back into action. “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor. Would you be mine? Could you be mine? Won’t you be my neighbor?
As the presentation ended, it was a Theological Student Advisory Delegate who got the children’s theme song stuck in my head for good by reminding those near us in the section of the words Mr. Rogers ended every broadcast. I am truly grateful for his reminder. “I’ll be back when the day is new, and I’ll have more ideas for you, and you’ll have things you want to talk about, I will too.” Am I going to miss the 14 hour days, the freezing convention center and the uncomfortable chairs? No. Will I miss the gathering of the Presbyterian faithful, truly seeking to discern God’s will and further the kingdom of God on earth? Absolutely. We all need a forum, we need fellow Presbyterians to gather us in, to remind us of what is really important – God and sharing God’s love in the midst of a broken world.
I am sure that some of you have issues that were addressed at the General Assembly cause you concern. I understand that many of you feel differently than I do but I value the conversation. Because when we’re talking, we’re discerning, and we are sharing with one another in love. We all want what is best – for the church, for the congregation, for the individuals who fill our pews, for our world. So we’ll be back, when the day is new…because we are the church that can not be stopped, we are the church that can not be silenced, we are the church which can make a difference if we are just willing to come along and walk, whistle, work, and of course, talk. Do you have things you want to talk about? Talk, I’m listening…
Signing off with a smile,
Holly
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Friday, July 9, 2010
Protest, Polity and Peacemaking
Protest, Polity and Peacemaking…
It’s just another day at General Assembly. On this next to last day of the Assembly we have moved much business and have had many opportunities to speak as a denomination against the distress of others. The day began with a request to revisit the decisions of last evening specifically in regards to the definition of marriage as being between a man and a woman. After debate the Assembly upheld the decisions of Thursday night’s vote. Business went on and we moved to discussing the business of the committee which examined our response to the international peace making, specifically as it relates to the Middle East and the struggles between Israel and Palestine and the church in Iraq. A motion was made a passed that would allow the Presbyterian Women to donate the proceeds of the birthday offering be allocated to churches in Iraq, leading to the education of children in the most dangerous zones in Iraq.
When we moved to discussion on Israel and Palestine many spoke to the strain of the situation on the people living within this corner of the world. The main topics of conversation focused on the denouncement of Caterpillar for supplying construction equipment to Israel. While no one knows if this Caterpillar deal is simply business or if they are aware of what their equipment is used to achieve (namely the destruction of Palestinian homes in areas where the Israeli people have land claim) There were two options before the assembly if we chose to act. 1st, we could denounce the role of Caterpillar specifically with regard to the financial benefits that Caterpillar have been receiving off of the situation in Israel and Palestine. Or, we could respond by asking MRTI – our Presbyterian investment fund – to divest or pull all of the financial support from Caterpillar. It was determined that the church would send a request to Caterpillar asking them to respond by halting sales to individuals in Israel and Palestine and wait for response.
It was decided that although the report of the committee who studied the middle east concerns seemed at first glance to be biased, it was determined that both sides were spoken to and addressed with equal time and energy. The study writers truly sought to tear down the wall, but the two sides were not able to sit at table together. Let us continue to pray for the peace of these two nations of God, that all may be able to journey together towards peace. I am reminded of something that Rev. Dr. Hunter Farrell, the director of Mission coordination for the Presbyterian General Assembly said he had been told years ago. During his address to commissioners, delegates, and observers this evening Dr. Farrell stated: If you want to get somewhere quickly, travel alone. If you want to go far you will travel together.”
It was then time to move to the exciting reports from committee 18 (Pensions, Foundation, and the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation.) Rev. Dr Tom Taylor is the new President and CEO of the Presbyterian Foundation. A passionate Presbyterian and highly trained in ministry, law and business Dr. Taylor looks forward to working on all matters of the church as they are in the Presbyterian Foundation. The main focus of the committees report was the recommendation to extend benefits to same sex partners of non clergy church staff. This motion, determined to be vital in maintaining the peace of the church and our ability to obtained quality non – clergy workers in our congregations, does carry with it a 1% increase in benefit costs for the effective salary of the non – clergy staff. There is a caveat for conscientious objecting churches and an opt in for this same gendered partner option. Those MWPC members or others who would like to know these options please let me know and I will be happy to address them. Finally, the committee recommended that actions be taken to immediately cease offering benefit coverage to induced abortions. I will be happy to address this issue with any wishing to discuss it as well.
On Polity and General Assembly Procedures an important and interesting change came about. Interim Associate Pastors are now eligible to move into a fully installed Associate Pastor with a 2/3 vote from the presbytery.
Moving on the issue of our Campus Ministries came before us and the General Assembly determined that it was congruent to our mission of growing the Presbyterian Church Deep and Wide to reinstate funding to the Campus Ministries at colleges and universities across the country.
We wrapped up the evening with a discussion on the mission of the church. We discussed and voted on continuing a commitment to peacemaking. This commitment which is extended to Afghanistan, Korea and Columbia is to call for peace and reconciliation. The Afghanistan motion included a statement asking for continued prayer for the people who have lost loved ones or who have experienced lasting illness do to their service and their dedication on September 11, 2001. (it was noted that negotiations are underway with the Taliban and that Al-Qaida is down to approximately 250 individuals)
Discussion time and funds were also given to the restoration of sustainable agriculture in Haiti (a country which our churches have supported in the midst of the disaster to the tune of over 10 million dollars.)
Today has been a day of passion on my topics, none more prevalent however than the decision I mentioned earlier to uphold our decision from last evening with regards to the definition of marriage. Late this afternoon as we were debating other issues, protestors interrupted our deliberations to protest the silencing of their voices. I urge us all to pray for the decisions of the assembly and for those who feel their concerns are not addressed and their voices are not heard.
As we close the last night of the assembly and await the last few hours of the 219th General Assembly I want to thank you for your love, support, and prayers and for the privilege of serving the Presbyterian Church (USA) in this way. I look forward to future discussions with you regarding the actions of this General Assembly.
Our work is not yet done and I urge your prayers tomorrow as we meet one last time and for the safe and healthy travel of all our servants from around the world.
With a smile,
Holly
It’s just another day at General Assembly. On this next to last day of the Assembly we have moved much business and have had many opportunities to speak as a denomination against the distress of others. The day began with a request to revisit the decisions of last evening specifically in regards to the definition of marriage as being between a man and a woman. After debate the Assembly upheld the decisions of Thursday night’s vote. Business went on and we moved to discussing the business of the committee which examined our response to the international peace making, specifically as it relates to the Middle East and the struggles between Israel and Palestine and the church in Iraq. A motion was made a passed that would allow the Presbyterian Women to donate the proceeds of the birthday offering be allocated to churches in Iraq, leading to the education of children in the most dangerous zones in Iraq.
When we moved to discussion on Israel and Palestine many spoke to the strain of the situation on the people living within this corner of the world. The main topics of conversation focused on the denouncement of Caterpillar for supplying construction equipment to Israel. While no one knows if this Caterpillar deal is simply business or if they are aware of what their equipment is used to achieve (namely the destruction of Palestinian homes in areas where the Israeli people have land claim) There were two options before the assembly if we chose to act. 1st, we could denounce the role of Caterpillar specifically with regard to the financial benefits that Caterpillar have been receiving off of the situation in Israel and Palestine. Or, we could respond by asking MRTI – our Presbyterian investment fund – to divest or pull all of the financial support from Caterpillar. It was determined that the church would send a request to Caterpillar asking them to respond by halting sales to individuals in Israel and Palestine and wait for response.
It was decided that although the report of the committee who studied the middle east concerns seemed at first glance to be biased, it was determined that both sides were spoken to and addressed with equal time and energy. The study writers truly sought to tear down the wall, but the two sides were not able to sit at table together. Let us continue to pray for the peace of these two nations of God, that all may be able to journey together towards peace. I am reminded of something that Rev. Dr. Hunter Farrell, the director of Mission coordination for the Presbyterian General Assembly said he had been told years ago. During his address to commissioners, delegates, and observers this evening Dr. Farrell stated: If you want to get somewhere quickly, travel alone. If you want to go far you will travel together.”
It was then time to move to the exciting reports from committee 18 (Pensions, Foundation, and the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation.) Rev. Dr Tom Taylor is the new President and CEO of the Presbyterian Foundation. A passionate Presbyterian and highly trained in ministry, law and business Dr. Taylor looks forward to working on all matters of the church as they are in the Presbyterian Foundation. The main focus of the committees report was the recommendation to extend benefits to same sex partners of non clergy church staff. This motion, determined to be vital in maintaining the peace of the church and our ability to obtained quality non – clergy workers in our congregations, does carry with it a 1% increase in benefit costs for the effective salary of the non – clergy staff. There is a caveat for conscientious objecting churches and an opt in for this same gendered partner option. Those MWPC members or others who would like to know these options please let me know and I will be happy to address them. Finally, the committee recommended that actions be taken to immediately cease offering benefit coverage to induced abortions. I will be happy to address this issue with any wishing to discuss it as well.
On Polity and General Assembly Procedures an important and interesting change came about. Interim Associate Pastors are now eligible to move into a fully installed Associate Pastor with a 2/3 vote from the presbytery.
Moving on the issue of our Campus Ministries came before us and the General Assembly determined that it was congruent to our mission of growing the Presbyterian Church Deep and Wide to reinstate funding to the Campus Ministries at colleges and universities across the country.
We wrapped up the evening with a discussion on the mission of the church. We discussed and voted on continuing a commitment to peacemaking. This commitment which is extended to Afghanistan, Korea and Columbia is to call for peace and reconciliation. The Afghanistan motion included a statement asking for continued prayer for the people who have lost loved ones or who have experienced lasting illness do to their service and their dedication on September 11, 2001. (it was noted that negotiations are underway with the Taliban and that Al-Qaida is down to approximately 250 individuals)
Discussion time and funds were also given to the restoration of sustainable agriculture in Haiti (a country which our churches have supported in the midst of the disaster to the tune of over 10 million dollars.)
Today has been a day of passion on my topics, none more prevalent however than the decision I mentioned earlier to uphold our decision from last evening with regards to the definition of marriage. Late this afternoon as we were debating other issues, protestors interrupted our deliberations to protest the silencing of their voices. I urge us all to pray for the decisions of the assembly and for those who feel their concerns are not addressed and their voices are not heard.
As we close the last night of the assembly and await the last few hours of the 219th General Assembly I want to thank you for your love, support, and prayers and for the privilege of serving the Presbyterian Church (USA) in this way. I look forward to future discussions with you regarding the actions of this General Assembly.
Our work is not yet done and I urge your prayers tomorrow as we meet one last time and for the safe and healthy travel of all our servants from around the world.
With a smile,
Holly
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Synods, Sanctity and Sexual Orientation O My
On a day like today many would cry for sanctuary. For many, the day’s motions were devastating, and yet for many more it was a day of joy, a day to celebrate the church and its constitution. In some actions, the assembly took a stand for tradition, on others, it took the road less traveled. This morning, following an inspiring sermon by a young male preacher from Goodwill, South Carolina and the commissioning of the Young Adult Volunteers, and Mission Co-Workers we took on the task of Middle Governing Bodies. Those in the middle organizations – primarily the Synods (the regulatory body between the Presbytery and the General Assembly) were on the line. Assembly commissioners decided to allow commissions (groups of individuals with the ability to take action) to enter Synods at the presbytery’s request and determine if the body is functioning according to its purpose.
One of the other ideas recommended was to allow individual churches to choose what Presbytery they would be a part of based on their ideals, passions, and theological perspectives. This motion was defeated, instead choosing to uphold the original, geographic division of the Presbytery. The same ruling was applied to the development of Presbyteries based on language (for example– establishing additional presbyteries for Korean Language churches)
The business of the day was not even close to being done, as we then tackled the issues of Ordination Standards (yes, again), immigration, and the “small” question of the definition marriage. With regards to the Ordination Standards this assembly concluded that it is important to and there is precedent for showing love to all – even those with differing opinions or behaviors. After extensive debate on Scripture, and ordination standards the motion was made to place greater authority on the will of individual Presbyteries, then on the sweeping opinions of the General Assembly and the votes of years past. While the positions of both sides were presented with respect, as usual this was a hot button or as my Elder Commissioner Colleague would say – “high blood pressure” issue. The decision on ordination standards will be presented to the Presbyteries for ratification and again the church as a whole is in the driver’s seat. What is the most important thing that we seek in a Pastor? We will have to wait and see.
Immigration reform, yet another “minor” issue (sarcasm of course). This assembly looked at the legislation raised by the Arizona bill SB 1070 and at our desire for peacemaking to protect those who might otherwise be targeted by profiling. It was recommended that the PC(USA) refrain from holding national meetings in states where travel by those of different races and ethnic backgrounds would subject them to harm based solely on their physical appearance. It was discussed and agreed that history has frequently found beneficial arguments of immigration in the USA and condemns the harsh treatment of immigrants in human history.
One more, Marriage. Obviously this is a hot button issue. The commission, established during the 2008 General Assembly was charged to deal with the issue of marriage while not challenging the constitutional definition of Christian marriage as between a man and woman. Is the definition of marriage in the church constitutional, presbytery determined or individually determined? The majority report succeeded. Unfortunately, confusion on these reports is almost too difficult to interpret in a short paragraph. That being said, your commissioners will meet to discuss the outcomes of the vote and the best way to fill you in on the approved motions during tomorrow’s blog if they are different. It is this commissioners understanding that what was passed by the assembly was a study report and therefore, can not be acted upon without sufficient time to study the information so diligently obtained. The minority report based its motion on the grounds of transformation, the majority, on “let us love one another” The majority report would grant pastoral discretion when asked to “officiate at ceremonies for two people who have obtained a civil marriage license and allow sessions to permit the use of the church property for such services.”
What a day, you never know what will happen when you put a group 700+ commissioners in an icebox with electronic voting devices and a lot of individual opinions – all with merit and all with flaws. Thank God for the minds of the leaders of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and for the ability for all servant leaders to lead our congregations and the denomination with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love.
Stay tuned, keep reading and keep praying, you still never know what tomorrow will bring...
With a smile,
Holly
One of the other ideas recommended was to allow individual churches to choose what Presbytery they would be a part of based on their ideals, passions, and theological perspectives. This motion was defeated, instead choosing to uphold the original, geographic division of the Presbytery. The same ruling was applied to the development of Presbyteries based on language (for example– establishing additional presbyteries for Korean Language churches)
The business of the day was not even close to being done, as we then tackled the issues of Ordination Standards (yes, again), immigration, and the “small” question of the definition marriage. With regards to the Ordination Standards this assembly concluded that it is important to and there is precedent for showing love to all – even those with differing opinions or behaviors. After extensive debate on Scripture, and ordination standards the motion was made to place greater authority on the will of individual Presbyteries, then on the sweeping opinions of the General Assembly and the votes of years past. While the positions of both sides were presented with respect, as usual this was a hot button or as my Elder Commissioner Colleague would say – “high blood pressure” issue. The decision on ordination standards will be presented to the Presbyteries for ratification and again the church as a whole is in the driver’s seat. What is the most important thing that we seek in a Pastor? We will have to wait and see.
Immigration reform, yet another “minor” issue (sarcasm of course). This assembly looked at the legislation raised by the Arizona bill SB 1070 and at our desire for peacemaking to protect those who might otherwise be targeted by profiling. It was recommended that the PC(USA) refrain from holding national meetings in states where travel by those of different races and ethnic backgrounds would subject them to harm based solely on their physical appearance. It was discussed and agreed that history has frequently found beneficial arguments of immigration in the USA and condemns the harsh treatment of immigrants in human history.
One more, Marriage. Obviously this is a hot button issue. The commission, established during the 2008 General Assembly was charged to deal with the issue of marriage while not challenging the constitutional definition of Christian marriage as between a man and woman. Is the definition of marriage in the church constitutional, presbytery determined or individually determined? The majority report succeeded. Unfortunately, confusion on these reports is almost too difficult to interpret in a short paragraph. That being said, your commissioners will meet to discuss the outcomes of the vote and the best way to fill you in on the approved motions during tomorrow’s blog if they are different. It is this commissioners understanding that what was passed by the assembly was a study report and therefore, can not be acted upon without sufficient time to study the information so diligently obtained. The minority report based its motion on the grounds of transformation, the majority, on “let us love one another” The majority report would grant pastoral discretion when asked to “officiate at ceremonies for two people who have obtained a civil marriage license and allow sessions to permit the use of the church property for such services.”
What a day, you never know what will happen when you put a group 700+ commissioners in an icebox with electronic voting devices and a lot of individual opinions – all with merit and all with flaws. Thank God for the minds of the leaders of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and for the ability for all servant leaders to lead our congregations and the denomination with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love.
Stay tuned, keep reading and keep praying, you still never know what tomorrow will bring...
With a smile,
Holly
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Who ever said you can't change the government...
Of the Presbyterian Church (USA) that is. Well, the 712 commissioners of the General Assembly (advised by seminary students and the young adults)reached a conclusion after 2 hours of debate - deciding to recommend to the presbyteries that the new form of government (also known as FOG). So what happens now - well, the vote, if passed by 2/3s of the Presbyteries would completely revise and replace the current G.... sections of the Book of Order. What are the advantages - well, for one it is quite a bit shorter, and consequently, it is a tiny bit more user friendly. Once the FOG has more time to gel in our over meetinged minds I will go into more detail and attempt to explain the new system. Those of you who are presbytery members should have received a copy of the draft however there were multitudes of amendments. We adjourned for the day after 6 hours of meetings and motions - what a day of formative work. We never know what fun tomorrow will bring. Thanks for the privilege of representing the Presbytery of Cincinnati, I hope and pray that your lives back home are as full of joy, grace and love as I am experiencing here in Minneapolis.
With a smile,
Holly
With a smile,
Holly
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Like hamsters in a cage...
We returned to our cage today and spent the day between four off white walls. The many chairs crowded the room with tables horseshoed in the front and rows and rows of resource persons and people advocating for each of their pet projects. Today we looked at the equitable treatment of women, the response to violence against women and girls, the various inequalities in the k-12public education system, and many more. Through a series of motions, amendments, and discernment we discovered our positions. Tomorrow, we rejoin the other 675 commissioners and the thousand plus observers to look at and vote on the motions made by each of the nineteen committees. This will be the next three days of our lives. Working, searching, praying for the things that will guide us or that we will guide in the next two years. We do have an exciting future ahead as a denomination. Tomorrow, I will get to see just how exciting it will be. Keep reading, keep listening and keep praying - I sure am.
With a smile,
Holly
With a smile,
Holly
Monday, July 5, 2010
So a group of Presbyterians Go Into A Room
The theme of the day is committees. We spent the day in our committee rooms opening with "public hearings" where anyone could come and address the committee regarding a specific overture they wanted approved or defeated. My committee specifically deals with national social justice concerns so my day was spent listening to arguments for and against fair compensation, the treatment of women and the role of media in society. It was an interesting day full of learning and listening, and full of discernment. God really does flow through us all like streams of living water.
With a smile,
Holly
With a smile,
Holly
Sunday, July 4, 2010
God Bless America
Happy Independence Day fellow Presbyterians! I hope that this day has been one of blessings for you. I pray it has been a day blessed by remembrance of the ways that God has guided us as a denomination and a country through the years. I started the morning at the Presbyterian Coalition Breakfast. There, we heard from two influential leaders(a portrayal of Presbyterian leader from the Revolutionary War days - John Witherspoon and an Islamic convert to Christianity and Presbyterian Leadership - Mateen Elass who spoke on the Spirit in the church. Using illustrations from popular media and pertinent real life experience, Rev. Elass wove discernment into Scripture and Scripture into life.
Breakfast with our leaders led into worship with the denomination. What an awe inspiring time to praise and pray with thousands of faithful Christians who were all there to worship a God that has delivered us from the waters and promised us that living waters will flow from each of us. We are all wells that can refresh our neighbor. Past Moderator Bruce Reyes Chow of the 218th General Assembly preached an inspirational message on our individual relationships with God. Using powerful and humorous illustrations Reyes Chow reminded commissioners and observers alike that regardless of tradition or our need for change we have no knowledge of how a particular person experiences the work and movement of the Holy Spirit. We celebrated communion as a LARGE family of God and even baptized a baby from a local congregation.
This afternoon we had our first look at the committees and our work ahead. There are many interesting proposals which your commissioners will be tackling over the next two days - leading to the recommendations to be voted on by the entire assembly. Your prayers for us all are much appreciated as we continue to do the work of the church.
May God bless your week and may you feel God's presence with you daily.
With a prayer and a smile,
Holly
Breakfast with our leaders led into worship with the denomination. What an awe inspiring time to praise and pray with thousands of faithful Christians who were all there to worship a God that has delivered us from the waters and promised us that living waters will flow from each of us. We are all wells that can refresh our neighbor. Past Moderator Bruce Reyes Chow of the 218th General Assembly preached an inspirational message on our individual relationships with God. Using powerful and humorous illustrations Reyes Chow reminded commissioners and observers alike that regardless of tradition or our need for change we have no knowledge of how a particular person experiences the work and movement of the Holy Spirit. We celebrated communion as a LARGE family of God and even baptized a baby from a local congregation.
This afternoon we had our first look at the committees and our work ahead. There are many interesting proposals which your commissioners will be tackling over the next two days - leading to the recommendations to be voted on by the entire assembly. Your prayers for us all are much appreciated as we continue to do the work of the church.
May God bless your week and may you feel God's presence with you daily.
With a prayer and a smile,
Holly
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