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