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
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