Monthly Archives: July 2012

An Open Letter Of Thanks To The PC(USA) Mid Councils Commission

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Dear Members of the Mid Councils Commission;
     I would like to thank you for the time, effort and sacrifice in your service on this important Commission. Having served on a GA special committee myself I know that the task is not easy. I appreciate the long hours you have all put in, the time away from friends and family, the time of prayer and reflection in your discernment process and the testing of the values and beliefs you brought to this work – all the while working under the pressure of an unforgiving deadline. And maybe the greatest pressure is that once you complete your report it no longer belongs to you – rather it is a gift to the greater church and to the General Assembly in particular. As I previously wrote in this space, I considered the business around your work to be the most important business the Assembly would have to deal with this year.

    And what is more, it is all this while sitting in a fishbowl with media watching your every move and the denomination expectantly waiting for your decisions that will help save us from our division and decline.

   Having served on a similar committee I know some of what you have gone through and having watched your report at General Assembly, both in committee and plenary, I am concerned that your gift to the church could have been better utilized. I was hoping that the Assembly would be more open to change – maybe not specifically what you were suggesting but at least that the issues you pointed out in your report would be thoughtfully discussed and that your recommendations would provide at least a catalyst if not a framework. Walking away from the Assembly I really felt like your fellow commission member John Vest did when he wrote:

But in committee and on the plenary floor, what I heard most was what I
feared the most: passionate pleas based on predetermined opinions about
synods and non-geographic presbyteries. I don’t think I ever heard a
commissioner talk about the post-Christendom realities we find ourselves
in and how our recommendations might or might not address them.

    Let me be clear at this point that I appreciate the hard work and dedication of each and every member of the Commission. But there are four of your number I do wish to specifically thank for being the public face of the Commission to me.

   The first has to be the Commission Moderator Tod Bolsinger. Tod, from the very start, and I really mean from the very start, you have been a tireless cheerleader for this work. From your appearances at events in our synod to your blogging, videos, Twitter and Facebook, I don’t know how you could have made the work of the Commission more transparent and accessible. And in your work guiding the Commission and presenting at GA you presented with clarity, honesty and integrity. For the multitude of hours that this consumed I deeply thank you.

   The second face of the Commission for me was John Vest. I can not say enough good things about the honesty and unreserved nature with which you spoke on your blog. In particular, you earned a lot of respect from me for your great discussion about changing your mind about provisional experimental non-geographic presbyteries. John, my deepest thanks for putting so much on-line, and on the line, in working with this Commission.

    The other two members of the Commission might be surprised to see their names here, but they were no less important to me in helping me understand the Commission’s work.  So to Jane Smith, thanks for being there at so many of our Synod events to give us updates, insights and interpretations of the Commission’s work. And to Miriam Dolin, thank you for doing much the same thing on Twitter. I like to hear a multitude of voices and yours was a particularly clear and insightful one in the whole Commission process. (exempli gratia: So…just for the record, I actually am not a fan of non-geo
presbyteries, but I am a fan of conversation, creativity and progress. )

    And to all the other members of the Commission, I am sure all of you were similar friendly and helpful faces to your various constituencies and I thank you for that work.

    So to all the Commission members, I thank you for your time and dedication. Committees and commissions may seem like a crazy way to do our ecclesiastical work, but we have to trust that it is though the discernment of groups of us actively seeking God’s will and direction that we make the best possible decisions.

   Having just said that it is with a certain amount of irony that I again point out that in my reading of the situation I find it hard to believe that the General Assembly made the best possible use of the gift you gave to them. But the Assembly has done their work and has spoken on this subject — the report now belongs to them.  They too were seeking discernment for the whole church in their deliberations and discussions. We trust in God’s Providence and the work of the Holy Spirit in these matters.  Some of your recommendations continue to move forward in modified form, and your full report with your great volume of collected data is available for us to pour over and drill down into. I hope that others make good use of what you have given us. (And to the web spirits at PC(USA) – please make sure it is available and easy to find for some time to come.)
  
   It is with great respect and sincere appreciation that I thank all of you for your hard work. May you know the depths of our thanks and may God’s blessings be upon you all.

Sincerely
Steve Salyards

220th General Assembly of the PC(USA) — A Summary Of Summaries

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Well, the 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church is behind us. I am taking a little while to digest a lot of what I saw and heard and will probably have at least a few things to say about it, and maybe a lot.  However, I have completed my summary sheet that I make available to my congregation and anyone else is welcome to it as well. This year it was particularly tricky to compile because a lot happened but in the end not a lot changed. I ran out of room to mention the debut of the new hymnal, corporal punishment, the language about “repentance for sin” and the various “means of grace” that is being proposed for the ordination standards (G-2.0104a) and the immigration and social justice issues (besides the Middle East), among other things.

If you want to see an official summary there is the traditional church-wide pastoral letter from the PC(USA) leadership. UPDATE: The PC(USA) has also now issued their summary, Assembly in Brief.

I have not seen other comprehensive summaries yet (please point them out if I am missing them) but there is plenty of information out there. (There is of course the published summary from the Presbyterian Outlook available for purchase and distribution to congregations.)

From the mainstream media there is a good article from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.

If you want to drink from a fire hose there are these news feeds with copious articles about individual actions and issues

There was also a feed from the Presbyterian Layman and their collection of writers. In addition, Robert Austell has started ramping up the post-GA coverage on his GAhelp site.

Update: Christie Ramsey has put together a great collection of links to points of interest in the videos – Mountaintops, Valleys, Memorable, Important, and The Best of Gradye

There are also official reactions on specific topics from various organizations.  There are comments from:

[ Update – I originally had the following sentence above but on rereading I realized that the article was an extremely prescient and prophetic entry from before the Assembly that Tod reminded us of because it could have just as easily been written after the meeting – “Most notable is probably the reflection from Tod Bolsinger on the Mid Councils Commission blog about the fate of their report.” ]

Beyond this there are numerous individual reactions. At the moment I will leave it as an exercise for the reader to go through those, but I reserve the right to add a few of the ones I find particularly enlightening.

More later

220th General Assembly of the PC(USA) — Saturday Morning

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  		Live blogging the Saturday morning concluding session.
If you are following along live you will want to hit refresh periodically to reload the post. (And please excuse the typos as my fingers fly – even more so with the fatigue at the end of the week.)

The business for the morning is to finish all unfinished business, worship and adjourn the Assembly

[As a courtesy to my family members I am staying with I departed around midnight last night so I am still piecing together the business that happened after I left. I have not found a definite time that the Assembly adjourned but it was around 1:30 AM.]

The Assembly is dragging itself back and as the house band gets started they being with an instrumental version of “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.” Got to think they had the “I am tired, I am weak, I am worn” line in mind, if not the rest of the verse “Through the storm, through the night/ Lead me on to the light/ Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home.”

[Yes, I just got confirmation that the Assembly recessed at 1:30 AM due to a combination of factors, but mostly because the buses would stop running at 2 AM. Thanks Andy]

So, all the usual – The band warms us up, the Moderator calls us to order at 9:00 AM and a ruling elder commissioner leads us through the prayer cycle.

The Moderator thanks the band and the Assembly gives them a standing ovation.

1001 Worshiping Communities – Common Table, Bend, Oregon

Bills and Overtures
   Committee 4 will report
   Final set of minutes will be reviewed by the members of the Bills and Overtures committee
   Thanks, and standing ovation, for the Moderator and Stated Clerk

Committee on Review of Biennial Assemblies – Committee 4
Arrested last night Item 04-01 Recommendations 3, 5, 8
Motion to refer on the floor – To ask the Special Committee to continue its work with emphasis on certain specific areas
   Can this be done by COGA?
   This motion negates the work we on the committee did
   These are good recommendations – let’s let them develop them more
   This motion is too prescriptive
Commissioner asks for reality check of where we are – “My body was here last night but my brain checked out.” In response even the Committee Moderator needs to be corrected about this
Two motions tried to be made but not in order at this time since they do not apply to the motion on the floor
Commissioner comment – We must aggressively work to empower those under 35 in this church
Commissioner argues that while further work might be good the Special Committee’s work is lacking from the beginning and the Assembly Committee had better ideas
Call the question – approved on voice vote
Vote on the motion to refer
   Advisory delegates [is there a problem with the voting system – nothing is happening. Awkward long pause. Now Gradye whispers something to Neal. Consultation with someone else. Gradye leaves.] The video system is having technical difficulties so the results will be delivered on paper. Singing while we wait.
OK, we go to hand vote – debate closed. The motion to refer is defeated

Back to the main motion
Committee recommends that Item 04-03A be approved with amendment
Commissioner speaks to trusting the committee, especially when they vote 24-2
Item approved without objection

Committee recommends that Item 04-03B be approved
Committee recommends that Item 04-03C be approved with amendment (that an overture from a presbytery asking for a constitutional change have the concurrence of one other presbytery, not 10% as proposed by the Special Committee)
Amendment from the floor – After making it and getting clarification the commissioner withdraws it
These items approved without objection

Item 04-08 Regarding Extending the Timeframe for the Work of the Review Committee
Recommend approval with amendment
Commissioner argues against – we have created enough task forces, this will cost $38K
Committee member responds that there has to be a better way to do business and they have ideas they would like to try
Talking polity of how to replace this with something else – recommendation of Moderator is to vote this down and them move something else
Commissioner argues for crowdsourcing as less expensive
[The keypads are working again]
Voting
    Commissioners – 347 yes, 128 no

Item 04-05 Regarding Young Adult Commissioners
Committee recommends that it be disapproved and referred back to the Special Committee
Commissioner, who I think said he was a stated clerk, asks if you can disapprove and refer
Substitute motion – Direct the Stated Clerk to communicate with the presbyteries to prioritize sending young adult commissioners to Assembly
Commissioner speaks to it and asks how we can be better structured to get young adults involved
Moderator suggests that it be an amendment to the comment
Commissioner objects and wants it to be an action item
Stated Clerk suggests adding it to the action item and it will be acted upon – Commissioner agrees
Commissioner argues that “We need to think outside the box and one of the boxes is General Assembly.” Need to think alternately to a week long meeting
YAAD objects – it gives us too little credit. Need to take action to bring young people in as commissioners not advisory delegates (Well received by assembly)
Is there anyone on the Committee under 35? Answer – almost half of the committee is under the age of 40 (And the Review Committee Moderator is the only one eligible for AARP)
More polity confusion as to what is on the floor
Commissioner speaks in defense of young people who will come to meetings – but want the time to socialize outside of the meeting
Amendment passed on voice vote

Substitute Motion – Actually, this will probably be done by amendment as it adds a paragraph that is the original language
Agreed that the best way to do this would be to vote down the current motion and then propose the new language
YAAD argues against – nice idea but there are better ways to do it as Assembly Committee discussed
Commissioner – We don’t need young adult synod representation. We need young adult leadershp
YAAD – There is no lack of young adult leadership at this assembly
Without objection the question is called
Vote on the Item
  Advisory delegates TSADs 31% yes, YAADs 50% yes, EADs 75% yes, MADs 67% yes
  Commissioners – 387 to 77
The committee’s recommendation is approved

This concludes the committee’s report

Questions: The property trust clause motion earlier was ruled out of order. Could the Stated Clerk please explain further?  Stated Clerk – There was language missing from the motion regarding business at a congregational meeting which if it had been added would have made the motion in order.

Report on the Encountering the the Gospel of Peace Anew Initiative
From the Peacemaking and International Issues

Commissioner moves reconsideration of 10-15 on the Status of Women in the PC(USA)
Information I did not hear last night – The report was mandated by the 218th GA
[Polity point – one Assembly’s action does not bind future committees]
Commissioner speaks in favor – also did not understand ramifications, we need to take this issue seriously
Commissioner argues that the money is better spent supporting women in ministry instead of studying it
Commissioner reminds Assembly that the cost is over four years so annual impact is small
Commissioner argues that this late in the Assembly, with some commissioners having left, this is not a good time to move reconsideration
[A couple of short fuses in the room – “we are tired, we are weak, we are worn.”]
Question for clarification and response: This is not just about the status of women but the view of women by men.
Vote on motion to reconsider
   Advisory delegates – TSADs 75% yes, YAADs 22% yes, EADs 60% yes, MADs 50% yes
   Commissioners – 127 yes to 305 no, 3 abstain
The motion to reconsider is defeated

Commissioner apologizes for being so vocal about the point of order and compliments the Moderator

Mission Coordination
  This Assembly has added $929,054 to the 2013 budget and $823,186 to the 2014 budget
     The GAMC will have to figure out how to pay for it
Commissioner points out that certain numbers don’t add up. Checking the written it is a typo and the screen is corrected
The recommendation is approved without objection
The outgoing GACM chair, Mike Kruse, makes remarks and thanks Linda Valentine for all the work she has done and the transformations that have happened
He passes the stole to the new GAMC chair, the first young adults GAMC chair – Matt Schramm
The new chair thanks Mike for his leadership and encourages young adults to get involved
This concludes our report

Linda Valentine and Gradye Parsons give a promo for Big Tent

The Committee on Local Arrangements is recognized and gets a standing ovation
Makes presentations to Moderator and Vice-Moderator
Thanks to the c
ast of thousands who helped out at this GA including the executive committee of COLA

General Assembly Procedures
  The Committee Moderator reports the membership numbers that were used for calculations in response to an earlier question
  Cost of actions for 2012 – $240 (has to be absorbed)
  For 2013 the Assembly’s actions will add 0.15 to per capita budget
  For 2014 the Assembly’s actions will add 0.08 to per capita budget
  There has been an agreement to absorb some costs from reserves so impact on assessed per capita will be lower –  $0.07 in 2013 and $0.04 in 2014. That brings the total per capita assessment to $6.87 for 2013 and $7.02 for 2014.
Approved on voice vote
Committee leads a short song of their own composition based on “We are one in the Spirit” thanking COLA

COGA makes some final announcements and thanks

Thanks and presentation from OGA to COLA
COLA Chair is presented with a commemorative plate

The Committee on Local Arrangements for the 221st General Assembly reports
Gives thanks that their video person produced a long and short version of their video and will now show the short version (applause)

The Stated Clerk gives thanks to all the people that have run the platform and worked backstage and behind the scenes.
And thanks to the commissioners for their hard work.

Moderator makes his thanks for the help of “his people”

Announcements – Leave the keypads on the table.

We now go into closing worship.

[My live-blogging ends here. Thanks to all who have followed along.
Thanks to my sister and brother-in-law for letting me crash at their place.
I have posted my regular summary sheet on the GA on www.ga220.info
Now to worship and after that to go be a tourist for the rest of the day. And get some sleep.

Grace and peace to all of you.]

220th General Assembly of the PC(USA) — Saturday Morning

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  		Live blogging the Saturday morning concluding session.
If you are following along live you will want to hit refresh periodically to reload the post. (And please excuse the typos as my fingers fly – even more so with the fatigue at the end of the week.)

The business for the morning is to finish all unfinished business, worship and adjourn the Assembly

[As a courtesy to my family members I am staying with I departed around midnight last night so I am still piecing together the business that happened after I left. I have not found a definite time that the Assembly adjourned but it was around 1:30 AM.]

The Assembly is dragging itself back and as the house band gets started they being with an instrumental version of “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.” Got to think they had the “I am tired, I am weak, I am worn” line in mind, if not the rest of the verse “Through the storm, through the night/ Lead me on to the light/ Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home.”

[Yes, I just got confirmation that the Assembly recessed at 1:30 AM due to a combination of factors, but mostly because the buses would stop running at 2 AM. Thanks Andy]

So, all the usual – The band warms us up, the Moderator calls us to order at 9:00 AM and a ruling elder commissioner leads us through the prayer cycle.

The Moderator thanks the band and the Assembly gives them a standing ovation.

220th General Assembly of the PC(USA) — Friday Evening

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  		Live blogging the Friday evening session. (And I hope I don’t have to change that title to include Saturday Morning)
If you are following along live you will want to hit refresh periodically to reload the post. (And please excuse the typos as my fingers fly – even more so with the fatigue at the end of the week.)

I think I have some control on the technical difficulties with my connection. It is better but not perfect. I will do the best I can. Others have agreed that the wifi in the room is so saturated and they are also having problems staying connected.

The order agreed to in the afternoon session is:

Civil Union and Marriage (in progress)
Foundation video
Church Growth and PILP
Church Orders
Immigration
Mission Coordination
Peacemaking and Intermational Issues
Health Issues
Authoritative Interpretation
Review of Biennial Assemblies (please pray for them)

[And an apology for all those who are rejoining this in progress based on my inaccurate restart time of 7:30 PM]

Get ready folks – it is not clear if we go until we are done or if we have to adjourn at 11 PM due to shuttle bus schedule. Brings to mind my post about the Church of Scotland being able to take an afternoon off.

The house band gives us some nice music to get seated by

Brought to order by Moderator Presa and led through the prayer cycle led by two YAADs.

1001 Worshiping communities video

Bills and Overtures
We need to finish the Civil Union and Marriage Committee and then we have eight more committees to go.

Memorial Minute for Howard Rice, Moderator of the 191st General Assembly of the UPCUSA

Committee on Civil Union and Marriage – Committee 13 – In progress

Item 13-NB

Motion from the floor – Amendment that the action on 13-04 answer this item and all other items
Amendment to the amendment to remove 13-05 from the item
Discussion on the amendment to the amendment
   Please let us have the discussion on 13-05
   We have just been through a four hour discussion (actually 3.5) and we don’t need to do it again
Questions about where we are parliamentary process wise
   We need to talk about the AI – reformed and always reforming
Call the question – approved on voice vote
Vote on the amendment to the amendment
   Advisory delegates – TSADs 71% yes, YAADs 58% yes, EADs and MADs even split
   Commissioners – Defeated 307-334-4

[Sorry, just had a lovely conversation with an ecumenical representative and missed a bunch of the action]

Amendment to the amendment – Move to consider 13-02 on its own
   Commissioners – 257 yes, 378 no

Vote on original amendment – Item 13-04 being answered by 13-NB and 13-NB answers all other items
   Commissioners – 480 yes, 157 no, 3 abstain

Debate on the amended motion
   Commissioner speaks to the tension of doing ceremonies where it is legal and being public about it. Draw attention to it.

Call the question – no objection
Will all other items be answered by 13-NB as amended
   Advisors – Yes except TSADs
   Commissioners – 489 yes, 152 no

With thanks this concludes our report

The motion to create a Relief of Conscience fund relative to divestment was out of order earlier today. Now back but first need agreement to suspend the rules

Motion to suspend the rules (requires 2/3 or 460 commissioners)
   Advisory delegates – No
   Commissioners – 180 yes, 451 no, 2 abstain

[This Assembly knows it will be a long night and is now into streamlining mode. Sorry.]

Foundation video held over from earlier – in the interest of time has been skipped

The Vice-Moderator assumes the chair

Motion – can we compile a mega-consent agenda (my term) for all remaining items that passed unanimously.
Since this is going to take time the Moderator directs each remaining
committee to compile a consent agenda of items that passed by a large
majority.

Committee on Church Growth and PILP – Committee 16

Financial impact of committee’s report
Introduces the director of PILP – Thanks and good news. Up for reelection
Consent agenda approved
Video on College Ministry – UKirk ministries

Item 16-02 1001 Worshiping communities
Commissioner points out they won’t pay per capita until they become churches and they should have Presbyterian identity
Approved on voice vote

Item 16-07 The Church in the 21st Century
Moves all 10 recommendations
Request to remove recommendation 2
Request to remove recommendation 5

Without objection proceed to a vote on all other recommendations
Passed on voice vote

Item 16-07 Recommendation 2 – Bivocational Ministry
Report asked for a task force, Committee recommends just referring it to OGA
Amendment for a 7 member task force
Question about financial implications – $21,805 per capita
TSAD speaks against because it does not address ethnic groups
TSAD asks why there is no seminary representation since it affects seminary students
Commissioner speaks in favor but says that in actuality none of this goes far enough
Commissioner speaks against – committee dealt with it and trust the committee
Call the question – approved on voice vote
Voice vote – amendment fails
Voice vote on Item 16-7 Rec 2 – approved

Item 16-07 Recommendation 5 – Dealing with online information, committee modified for financial implications
Amendment to restore much of the original language
Committee says that of all 10 recommendations this had the largest impact – $1.2M. Cost savings
Question: Who decides what is essential? Answer: GAMC itself
Question: What does GACOR think of this? GACOR makes all its resources available in English, Spanish and Korean
Question: Why is this so expensive? Translation services
Commissioner in favor of the amendment because it is welcoming
Commissioner against the amendment asking to trust the committee work
Question called – passed on voice vote
Amendment defeated on voice vote
Item 16-07 Rec 5 approved on voice vote

Item 16-03 African American Church Growth Strategy
Commissioner rises to commend the action and the work of the task force
Debate closed on voice vote
Approved on voice vote

Item 16-06 On growing a diverse church
No discussion
Approved on voice vote

Information items – Affirmed the recepients of Women of Faith Awards; Affirmed the recipients of the Sam and Helen Walton Awards

This concludes the report
5 minute break – Music for the house band joined by the Vice-Moderator of Bills and Overtures on drums/bongo
[9:17 PM Seven committees to go]

Committee on Church Orders and Ministry – Committee 7
Financial Implications
Consent agenda – 12 items
   Remove 07-08
   Approved on voice vote

Group – Freedom of Conscience – Items 07-10 and 07-11
Recommend disapproval with comment
No discussion
Passed on voice vote

Group – Honoring Christ
Item 07-17 Recommend Approve as amended with comment
There is more than one way to interpret scripture
Minority Report – Substitute 07-02 to amend G-2.0104b with language that includes “marriage between a man and a woman”

Perfecting the main motion – declared perfected

Perfecting the substitute motion
Amendment – asking presbyteries to delay ordination debates and votes
  No discussion
  Fails on voice vote
Amendment – change “holy marriage” to “the covenant of marriage”
  No discussion
  Approved on voice vote
Substitute motion declared perfected

“Shall the substitute motion become the main motion?”
Debate
The effect of the substitute will be to place back before the presbyteries the language that was removed by 10-A. This is not the season to go through this debate
This will help heal the breach and bring unity
The only thing this minority report has the capacity to do is plunge us into turmoil
This amendment draws from the Heidelberg Confession [sic]
Question has been called – 96% yes
Shall the substitute become the main motion?
   Advisory delegates – TSADs 14% yes, YAADs 23% yes, EADs 50% yes – 50% abstain, MADs even split yes/no
   Commissioners – 169 yes,  437 no

Debate on the Main Motion
Generational difference
Scriptural support
The questions has been called and debate is closed with 95% yes
Main motion
   Advisory delegates – TSADs 79% yes, YAADs – 74% yes, EADs – 67% yes, MADs – 60% yes
   Commissioners – 405 yes, 230 no

This is not a good sign – the caterer has brought out coffee and tea…

Prayer

Move that 07-18 and 07-24 be answered with 07-17
No discussion
Approved on voice vote

Move that 07-02 be disapproved
No discussion
Approve on voice vote

Group – Ordination Standards
Move that Items 07-03 and 07-06 be answered with the action on 07-02

Move to approve Item 07-05 addition of “repentance of sin” and “means of grace”
Debate
Commissioner asks disapproval since it is redundant and confusing
What is wrong with “repentance of sin” If you are against repentance of sin vote against this overture (got groan from Assembly)
Question: What is meant by “means of grace.” Committee chair – we are not sure [May I suggest the Theopedia entry]
Question: This was divided in committee but was approved. What was committee sense? Answer – why would we not want to state these things
With a bad theological pun that is probably only funny when you are this tired the question has been called
Debate closed on voice vote
Advisory delegates – TSADs 35% yes, YAADs 70% yes, EADs one voting abstained, MADs 33% yes
Commissioners – 329 yes, 275 no, 9 abstain

[We now start the EAD watch – it happens every year: how long will the remaining EAD stick it out]

Group – Titles used for those in ordered ministry
Committee recommends disapproval
Return to Minister of Word and Sacrament and Elder
Does this really help? This is an internal title and others can be uses as appropriate
ACC – Teaching elder is that name of that order of ministry. There are other titles for what a person does.
Voice vote unclear
Electronic vote
   Advisory – TSADs 84% yes, YAAD 82% yes, EAD 3 no, 1 abstain, MADs 80% yes
   Commissioners – 412 yes, 200 no, 3 abstain

Item 07-08 Operations manuals
Removed from Consent agenda
Committee recommends disapproval
This will make it more difficult for some presbyteries [I’ll have to read it to figure out exactly what]
Voice vote is unclear
Electronic vote
    Advisory delegates – TSADs 88% yes, YAADs 86% yes, EADs 2 yes, 2 no, 2 abstain; MADs 83% yes
    Commissioners – 461 yes, 151 no, 5 abstain

This concludes the report

[10:38 PM Six committees to go]

Committee on Immigration Issues – Committee 12
Every item amended: Remove us versus them language and current legal language

Now place every item of Committee 12 on the consent agenda (wild applause)
   Remove 12-03 and 12-09
Consent agenda approved as modified
Commissioner wants to pull 12-04 – too late

Item 12-03 Section 2
Move to amend to have language that would encourage GA to assist immigrant churches to get ministers from overseas
The question has been called [There is now a commissioner who has the job of formally calling the question and has his own subtitle on the screen – “Call
the question, Edd!”]
Motion to amend does not pass
Committee recommends approval
Debate
Debate suspended without objection
Approved on voice vote

[Gradye returns and lets commissioners know that the buses have been extended and will run “for a while.” Yes it is now 11:00 PM. And Gradye is squeezing on a stress ball.]

Item 12-09
Amend to include the PC(USA) to develop initiatives that will enable theological institutions in affiliate countries to include Presbyterian Polity education in training
Maker of motion speaks to importance of knowing local language of immigrant fellowships but need the polity training
Questions: Have schools asked for this? Yes and no
Call the question, Edd! Debate is closed
[The Vice-Moderator is getting tired and stumbling over his words]
Amendment disapproved on voice vote
Main motion approved on voice vote

That concludes the committee’s report

[11:07 Five committees to go]

The Moderator resumes the chair and to the strains of Also sprach Zarathustra and with a spotlight removes his dress shirt to reveal a t-shirt, presumably from the that says “I’m Freaken Awesome” on the front and “Mr. Moderator” on the back. [So is the use of Also sprach Zarathustra the promotion of a non-Christian religion? ]

Committee on Mission Coordination – Committee 10
Nine items plus five parts of another item placed on the consent agenda
Items 10-03 and 10-21 removed form the consent agenda
The remainder of the consent agenda agreed to

Item 10-03 Young Adult Volunteers
Recommend approval of an alternate resolution
Person who pulled it just wanted to lift up this program and not have it fly through on the consent agenda
Approved on voice vote

Item 10-21 Christmas International House
Again – Just wanted to highlight this program
Approved on voice vote

Item 10-15 Study on status of women in the church
Recommend approval
Stained glass ceiling is still present
Question: How will money be spent? Answer: Survey interviews and compiling data
Question: The expense is $127K over six years. Is it worth it? Answer from Committee: Committee felt worth is. Expert: First study of its kind
Commissioner speaks against it as a lot of money to spend on studying the obvious. Could be used for mission
YAAD – Cost is high but change is crucial
Defeated on voice vote
Motion to disapprove 10-15, approved on voice vote

Item 10-16 Women of Color Consultation
Recommend approval with comment, there are financial implications

Item 10-17 Hispanic/Latino/a Leadership Convention
Recommend approval as amended
Answer by item 16-07
Approved on voice vote

Item 10-14 Special Offerings Task Force
Minority Report
The minority report reflects the original recommendations of the Task Force
The goal of the substitute motion is not to do away with beloved special offerings – the truth is our system is doing away with them if only 14% of our congregations are taking them
Commissioner requests the chair of the special offerings task force speak
Moderator says we are not there yet
Commissioner says they want to amend both main and substitute motion. Stated Clerk point out that you can only amend the one you are going to vote for.

And at this point I need to catch a ride back to my lodgings. Check twitter for continued updates, I know @landonwhitsitt and @andyjames are still in the house
Good night

[Logging off at Midnight local time]

220th General Assembly of the PC(USA) — Friday Afternoon

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  		Live blogging the Friday afternoon session…
If you are following along live you will want to hit refresh periodically to reload the post. (And please excuse the typos as my fingers fly – even more so with the fatigue at the end of the week.)

I think I have some control on the technical difficulties with my connection. It is better but not perfect. I will do the best I can. Others have agreed that the wifi in the room is so saturated and they are also having problems staying connected.

I am not sure why I keep linking to the proposed docket for the rest of the Assembly. At this point it is pretty much toast, but it does give a hint of the order in which we will be taking things.  But at the end of the Morning session we had completed the work docketed through yesterday afternoon. There are ten committees left to report in two more sessions today.

Having only gotten through Middle East this morning the plan for the afternoon is to begin with Civil Union and Marriage (Committee 13) and then go back and start taking the rest in order. We will see how far we get but that puts Mission Coordination (Committee 10) on deck followed in the line-up by Review of Biennial Assemblies (Committee 4) and Immigration Issues (12).

The house band gives us some music to get seated by

Brought to order by Moderator Presa and led through the prayer cycle led by two YAADs.

1001 Worshiping communities video

Bills and Overtures presented by Tom “Gnome” Harmon who compliments the parliamentarians on their neckwear

OK, here is the proposed lineup
Civil Union and Marriage
Foundation video
Church Growth and PILP
Church Orders
Immigration
Mission Coordination
Peacemaking and Intermational Issues
Health Issues
Authoritative Interpretation
Review of Biennial Assemblies
[Like I said, the original list is toast]
Approved without objection

The Vice-Moderator of Bills and Overtures also notes that the meeting will run late this evening but that he and the Moderator of Bills and Overtures have had a child born in the last year and so have been preparing for this.

Committee on Civil Union and Marriage Issues – Committee 13
Committee opens business with prayer
Our report contains no consent agenda items
Committee Moderator comments
     Committee “sought to hold a broken church together”
     The most heated debate in Committee was not about marriage but about parliamentary procedure
     Committee was divided but not divisive
     Brings two recommendations – Call for study and a recommendation to amend the Directory for Worship
     Recommendations are intended to be held together

Item 13-04 Amend the Directory for Worship
Want this item to prompt the church to a deep conversation
Two minority reports
Minority Report #1 To answer all committee actions with the statement
   Wants to achieve “balance” and keep it from being “fracture”
   Sending an amendment does not count as listening
   Let’s not sharpen our divisions
[Lines are forming at the microphones]

Moderator will begin taking questions
Point of Order: No motion is in order which conflicts with the body’s constitution. The main motion conflicts with the Book of Confessions. Moderator asks for Clerk’s advice. Clerk asks ACC to comment on the Constitutional issue. Paul Hooker – The question assumes the Constitution is of a uniform nature. It is really two parts. The BofC spans a large theological spectrum. BofO guides us in operating the church. ACC opinion – A statement in the BofC might not pose a conflict with a statement in the BofO.  Stated Clerk advises that the motion is in order and the Moderator so rules.

Appeals the ruling of the chair. It will take a majority vote to sustain the chair.
Debate begins
   On the one hand the arguments are drawing on the Confessions as a foundation of our polity, on the other the need to have the debate on this subject that is now important in the life of the church
Question is called
Main motion – approved 70% – the Moderator’s ruling is sustained

Motion to limit debate to 10 speaker each for and against (requires 2/3 vote)
Advisory delegates – Slightly no excepts MADs all yes
Commissioners –
The Stated Clerk preforms an “intervention” – motion only says commissioners and does not specify exactly what part of debate
Moderator rules it out of order

Question: Commissioner asks if having a minority report is appropriate to answer all committee business items. Stated Clerk says it is.

Motion: That all business related to 13-04 be concluded by 4 PM. (Requires 2/3)
Advisory – TSADs strong no, YAADs slightly no, EADs even, MADs strong yes
[Note: I am using the descriptive rather than numbers because for some of these there are significant abstentions and I can’t type fast enough to give all 12 numbers.]
Commissioners: 53% yes and 46% no. Not 2/3 so does not pass

Perfecting the Main Motion
Committee recommendation so declared perfected

Perfecting the Substitute Motion
Amendment – Add 13-14 and 13-Bus to the minority report since intent is to answer all Committee business with this minority report. Approved on voice vote
Motion – Limit debate on item 13-04 and all pending motions in its regard that for each part be limited to 10 speakers for or against. (Requires 2/3)
   Advisory – TSADs and YAADs 40% yes, EADs and MADs slightly yes
   Commissioners – 61% yes so does not pass
Motion to declare perfected not recognized
Amendment to remove 13-02 from the list – Advisory yes except EADs strong no
Question: Is the maker of the motion supportive of the minority report? Stated Clerk that is not a shall but a should. Maker of motion “To get my amendment approved I will vote for the minority report.”
Commissioners: 42% yes, 57% no defeated
Question: Request that all votes related to Committee 13 be by electronic voting. Moderator points out that will take more time. Using cards to get sense of the Assembly Moderator agrees to use electronic voting frequently but not exclusively
Substitute declared perfected

“Shall the Substitute Motion become the Main Motion?”
Debate begins
Our presbyteries don’t want to go through this again
Clergy in a tough position and we need to talk about the Authoritative Interpretation
Part of our pastoral duty is to lift up scripture and say no when Jesus has directed us otherwise
Member of committee talks about hearing a lot of “emotional blackmail” from both sides. Not helpful
YAAD In favor of substitute to give presbyteries a chance to decide
TSAD Need to broaden our definition of marriage

5 minute break
YAADs led an energizer – for the record there are some good dancers among the Stated Clerk and the Associate State Clerks

Resume business
Question: Can we get perspective from mission partners and director of world mission. Hunter Farrel – 35 of our global partners have indicated that changing the definition would damage relations, six would have to issue statements, and 18 would probably break relations.

Debate
Support minority report-We have broken churches that need time to heal
Like in Acts is God doing a new thing?
Jesus said nothing about homosexuality but there is an argument from silence. But affirmed original creation
Faithful committed relationships are consistent with scripture
Approval of main motion would cause problems in the Korean community
Scripture says “there is neither…but we are one in Jesus”
God loves us unconditionally but Jesus said “a man leaves…”
Approving the substitute motion means we can’t debate the merits of the AI
Jesus did not look to society or to the church but to scripture
There is not time to wait four years to heal broken relationships and wait to do what’s right
Question: What about the case where a clergy is asked to bless a heterosexual union without a marriage. (e.g. the case of older adults who might lose benefits if they were to marry) Committee says they did not discuss such situations
Sense that we are moving to a new vision – need vision and justice but not to change the definition of marriage
To study this delays justice – unfair to make suffering people wait
Apology for wrongs but because I love you I need to uphold the standard of one man and one woman
If this takes us into the storm so be it – we trust that God is still God even in the midst of the storm
Question: Is there anything that would make sure a congregation does the study. Answer: There is no enforcement by GA or presbytery to make sure a congregation does it.
The Presbyterian church has embraced a new orthodoxy. Presbyteries losing churches and members
What does it say about us that instead of leading the PC(USA) is playing catch-up to states like New York?
YAAD says that YAADs are divided as well
Commissioner reminds the Assembly that there has already been a Special Committee on Marriage and Civil Unions that cost the church $60K. Now there is a proposal for another committee costing $40K
Question: What is LGBTQ? Discussion about the various terms the Q stands for

Request for prayer beginning with silence.
Moderator now has commissioners go into their prayer groups to share “what have you heard, what are you feeling?”
Moderator closes in prayer

Vote to call the question – Advisory delegates yes, Commissioners 95% yes
Shall the Substitute Motion become the main motion?
     Advisory delegates: TSADs – 94% No, YAADs strong no, EADs and MADs mild yes
     Commissioners: 323 to 346, motion is defeated

Back to the main motion.
Minority Report #2 on Item 13-04
Suggests that if our definition of marriage is to be redefined than we should change not just the definition in the Book of Order but “a full constitutional redefinition”

The Main Motion is perfected

Perfecting the Substitute Motion
Amendment: Strike the last sentence regarding necessity of amending confessions since that is inconsistent with ACC advice (and he apologizes for a lack of bow tie but he is sporting a stylish GA Junkie button. )
   Advisory delegates agree, MADs strongly
   Commissioners: 73% yes, 24% no

5 minute break

Resume debate
Questions: Does this minority report have implications for divorce? What about the W-4.9000 mention of a civil contract which is out of step with several jurisdictions? Answers: No and the church gets to define marriage.

Amendment to have Office of Worship design and implement a discussion in each presbytery and session and get feedback one year from now.
Point of order: Something like this was in the minority report. Stated Clerk- yes it was. Moderator – I rule it out of order. Committee Moderator – We have something like this in our business can we do that? Moderator – yes you can.
[Great moment when the Committee Moderator asked “Mr. Moderator” and Moderator Presa went looking out on the floor and the Committee Moderator had to say “next to you.”]

Debate on “Shall the minority report become the main motion?”
EAD from Guatemala – How will our church be affected? If you really care about your partners around the world, listen to us. But to listen you need to be quiet.
Question: There are other scripture references that are not in the minority report. (more of a statement than question)

[Hope you don’t mind if I am a bit more lax about getting every idea here because we are hearing a lot of the same ones as the past debate although there is more quoting of scripture by those supporting the substitute motion than in the previous debate.]

Question called – Approved 95%
Will the substitute become the main motion
   Prayer
   Advisory delegates: TSADs 19% yes, YAADs 20% yes, EADs 60% yes, MADs 29% yes
   Commissioners: 266 yes, 397 no, 3 abstain

Return to the main motion
Amendments are not in order, we go straight to debate
Today the PC(USA) has the opportunity to be prophetic, My opinion has changed. We need to take the prophetic word not to the world but to the rest of the church
God made us different created in the image of God.
The Bible has many different examples/definitions of marriage, reflects cultural location
Point of order: Ask that people waiting at microphones stand in line and not cluster in groups. No response from Moderator
It would be a rash thing to approve this
Question: Where are we going? Is this motion still in tandem with the second recommendation? Yes
Need for LGBTQ justice now
Lets show God’s love, we are in the presence of his Kingdom
Point of Information: In all the paperwork we have it refers to Christian marriage. Can we marry other faiths? Committee Moderator: This is addressed in that section of the Directory for Worship
Change is hard, sometimes painful. I tried driving in Scotland but instinct was hard to overcome. Give our parishioners some credit – they will get used to it.
As we debate these issues we need to remember all the people who have left the church
Question: When do dissents have to be filed? When is the end of the meeting? Stated Clerk: I am having real questions when the end of the meeting will be. Realistically, you have to the end of the meeting tomorrow which would be at 11:15 before worship.

Moderator asks commissioners and delegates to break into their discussion/prayer groups
Called back to order with “Spirit of the Living God”

Question is called – on voice vote
Moderator prays, nothing can separate us from the Love of God, “neither yes votes nor no votes”
     Advisory delegates: TSADs 82% yes, YAADs 75% yes, EADs split even, MADs 29% yes
     Commissioners: 308 yes, 338 no, 2 abstain, defeated

The report is arrested but a motion to disapprove this item will need to be made
Clerk makes a couple of announcements including that we only have the room for another  17 1/2 hours (and we have 8 1/2 reports)

With prayer we adjourn for dinner
See you at 7:30 PM SORRY – THAT IS 7:00 PM!

220th General Assembly of the PC(USA) — Friday Morning

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  		Live blogging the Friday morning session…
If you are following along live you will want to hit refresh periodically to reload the post. (And please excuse the typos as my fingers fly.)

I think I have some control on the technical difficulties with my connection. It is better but not perfect. I will do the best I can. Others have agreed that the wifi in the room is so saturated and they are also having problems with staying connected.

The proposed docket for the rest of the Assembly is posted at Bills and Overtures.

This morning’s schedule is complicated – Middle East Peacemaking Issues (Committee 15) was arrested last night and from yesterday afternoon afternoon we still have Mission Coordination (Committee 10). Docketed for the morning is Standing Committee elections, Review of Biennial Assemblies (Committee 4) and Immegration Issues (12)

We begin with (coffee and) singing

Brought to order by Moderator Presa and work through the prayer cycle led by the Ecumenical Delegate from the Waldasians in South America.

Bills and Overtures – We have ten committees yet to report. Suggest 1:50 for Civil Union and Marriage. Set the time for each speaker at 1 minute.

Debate ensues (even though it is not debatable) and a motion is made to set the time per speaker at one and a half minutes.
Question called approved by voice
The amendment fall 29% to 71%
Vote on the original motion to limit speeches to 1 minute – Passes 94% to 6%

Motion to make Civil Union and Marriage as an order of the day at 1:50 PM

Bills and Overtures is back – Presents commissioner to present a modified version of the motion arrested yesterday about consolidating all the groups formed by the Mid Council Review actions. Keeping the Racial Ethnic task force separate.

Question from the floor – can we hold off and make this a super-task force covering other topics?

This is a complicated formula for the 14 members of the Commission – 4 220th GA Commissioners, 4 Members of the Mid Council Commission, 4 members of COGA, 1 member from the National Racial Ethnic Ministries Task Force, 1 member representing synod executive leadership (I personally wish is said “synod leadership”), [and a partridge in a… ]
Passed 64% to 34%

[This reminds me of the Assembly Commission of the Church of Scotland made up of a subset of Assembly Commissioners to act on behalf of the Assembly between Assemblies.]

Financial Implications
GA Procedures – 2013 – added $0.08 to per capita; 2014 – added $0.05 to per capita
Excellent Junkie question from the floor – with declining membership what membership base is used to convert added cost to added per capita. Answer: based on standard projections, can be found in 03-12 in one of the COGA attachments
Mission Coordination – Added $18,420 to 2013 and $13,740 to 2014 budget

General Assembly Nominating Committee Report
There is one challenged position 00-02a3

All unchallenged positions are overwhelmingly approved

Challenge for ACC position
Daryl Fisher-Ogden challenged by Katherine J. Runyeon
Speeches supporting each nominee
Advisory delegates – TSADs and YAADs slightly prefer GANC nominee. EADs strongly GANC nominee and MADs strongly challenger
Commissioners – 64% Daryl Fisher-Ogden, 36% Katherine J. Runyeon

Nominations for the Nominating Committee – Item 00-03
No challenges
Approved 97% to 1% with 2% abstentions

Vice-Moderator Tom Trinidad assumes the chair

Motion to Reconsider 15-11 (Divestment)
It was a close vote and others, like me, may have pushed the wrong button
Question: If you vote one way but mean to vote the other is that really voting on the prevailing side? Stated Clerk- According to Roberts’ Yes.
Discussion for and against – “lets move on” versus “this is important we need to talk about it some more” (no one else saying they pushed the wrong button or I came to understand something different overnight)
Call the question – 90% to 10%, debate is closed
Main motion to reconsider “shall the minority report become the main motion?”
Advisory delegates – TSADs – 55% yes, YAADs – 43% yes, EADs – 29% yes, MADs – 63% yes
Commissioners – 38% yes, 62% no, 1 vote abstaining
The Assembly

[Based on comments from floor patience is getting thinner today and it appears from the vote that the commissioners feel they want to move on. I made some comments on a similar situation at the 219th Assembly.]

Question: (asked of everyone so really a speech) Who will stand against the continued illegal occupation of Palestinian lands?

Moderator calls on Moderator of the Middle East Peacemaking Committee
Committee Moderator proposes that items 15-03, 15-05, 15-07, 15-08 and 15-10 be answered by the Assembly’s action on 15-11
Motion to consider items separately
Advisory Delegates say no except MADs slightly yes
Commissioners – 15% yes, 85% no [ Commissioners want to keep moving ]

Motion to vote on 15-03 separately – The Clerk explains that the body has declared them a unit and would need to vote down this current motion.

Debate –
Trust the work of the committee which overwhelmingly recommends these items. Vote down this motion and consider, discuss and vote on these individually
Motion to call the question – debate closed with 91% in favor
Vote on the main motion
     Advisory delegates: Strongly yes except MADs at even yes-no
     Commissioners: 76% yes, 24% no

Item 15-02 Boycotting Ahava Dead Sea Laboratories and Hadiklaim
Approve with Amendment
(Boycott Israeli products produced on occupied lands)
Substitute motion: To insert the divestment language from 15-11
Moderator rules it out of order – Stated Clerk reminds us that having addressed it and failed to reconsider we can not consider it again this Assembly

Debate

[Got to pass on the Tweet from @AllisSeed: #ga220 A new view of purgatory–the Assembly that never ends.]

Call the question – Approved 92%
Commissioner asks for info from the ACREC [I think this is out of order since the question was just called. That did not strike me as a procedural question.]
Vote on main motion
     Advisory delegates – all strongly yes
     Commissioners – 71% yes, 28% no, 3 abstentions

Stretch break

Item 15-01 On Recognizing that Israel’s law and practices constitute apartheid against Palestinian People
Recommend disapproval
Comment from committee – While the situation is significant and a problem, there are specific definitions of apartheid and this situation does not fulfill the definition
Question: what is the definition they are using for apartheid? Resource person says UN definition is in resources for the report
Comment: Commissioner points out the advocacy after the question was called in the last action. Moderator acknowledges that and says that he will be more aware of that
Debate – People trying to get 2 minute speeches into 1 minute limit
Commissioner asks approval because the definition of apartheid involves two racial groups
Commissioner asks disapproval because the strength of the word and the presence of the wall
Commissioner who is native South African says he has been to the wall and it is not apartheid

Question called (and tech crew has that on the screen as requested earlier by a commissioner and adds “you’re welcome” when thanked by the Moderator.) Approved 97%
Vote on the Main Motion
     Advisory delegates – strongly yes excepts EADs 80% no
     Commissioners – 72% yes, 27% no, 2 abstentions

Item 15-06 Call for economic solidarity with Palestinians
Recommendation to answer with action on items 15-02, 15-10 and 15-11.
No discussion
Advisory delegates very strongly approve except MADs 67% no
Commissioners – 89% yes, 11% no, 3 abstentions

Item 15-09 On human rights and religious freedom of Arab Christians
Recommendation from Committee to disapprove – language is not helpful
No discussion
Advisory delegates – TSADs evenly split, YAADs yes, EADs Yes, MADs evenly split
Commissioners – 72% yes, 27% no, 5 abstentions

Item 15-12 Commissioner Resolution on Prayer and Action for Syria
Committee recommends approval with amendment
No discussion
Advisory delegates – Very Strongly yes
Commissioners – 96% yes, 3% no, 5 abstentions

A final brief comment: This committee’s work has attracted the attention of the world. While the close vote has disappointed some and encouraged others, it is a disagreement about stratigy and tactics. We know that we all want to work  for peace in the Holy Land.

“And that concludes our report”
Assembly gives the committee a standing ovation
Moderator prays

Motion from the floor – Commissioner moves that the Board of Pensions be directed to create a relief of conscience plan for those plan members “troubled by the choice to continue holding… assets in Caterpillar, Motorola Solutions, and Hewlett Packard.”

No discussion
Advisory delegates strongly yes
57% yes, 41% no, 16 abstentions

Comment from the Board of Pensions – Due to how securities are managed the “proposal is impossible.”
The Moderator is left speechless… “Well…”, “With God all things are possible”
Commissioner points out that the Assembly can request but not direct the Board of Pensions
The Stated Clerk points out we have reached an order of the day for Worship and the Assembly should take up this again in the afternoon.
Any announcements? Clerk “It is time to worship”

We move to worship and I will resume live blogging at 1:30 with the afternoon session.
[Note a correction – the order of the day for Civil Union and Marriage is 1:50 PM]
And boxes of coffee are starting to appear

220th General Assembly of the PC(USA) — Thursday Evening

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  		Live blogging the Thursday evening session…
If you are following along live you will want to hit refresh periodically to reload the post. (And please excuse the typos as my fingers fly.)

Also, I am experiencing technical difficulties with my connection. It is better but not perfect. I will do the best I can considering the circumstances.

The proposed docket for the rest of the Assembly is posted at Bills and Overtures.

This evening’s schedule is simple – Middle East Peacemaking Issues (Committee 15) delayed from the afternoon and Mission Coordination (Committee 10).

The evening begins the the regular items of music and prayer.

1001 Worshiping Communities video

Bills and Overtures – Like Gradye Parsons has a figure of John Calvin on his desk, Bills and Overtures has unveiled a praying gnome for their desk.
Bills and Overtures proposes that Middle East goes first this evening and when they conclude the Assembly then do all of Mission Coordination except Special Offerings which will be done in the morning.

Committee on Middle East and Peacemaking Issues – Committee 15
The Committee Moderator begins with words of introduction and the roadmap for the report.
The PC(USA) Area Coordinator for the Middle East give some background and reads a quote from the Kairos Document.
Now, a brief report from the Middle East Monitoring Group

On to business…

Item 15-04 Regarding a peaceful, diplomatic solution between the US and Iran
Recommends approval with amendment
Commissioner speaks against it reminding everyone of 9-11
Commissioner, neither for or against, reminds everyone to pray
Commissioner reminds us that Iran had nothing to do with 9-11, Also, experts remind us we have not had dialogue with Iran for a long time
Commissioner speaks against and contradicts the previous speaker saying the Iran is a serious threat
Call the question
Advisory delegates strongly yes
Commissioners – 81% yes, 19% no, 0% abstain

Item 15-11 On Corporate Engagement
Brian Ellison, chair of MRTI, gives an introduction to corporate engagement in general and this issue specifically. He makes the point the dialogue has occurred and has been over a period of time. However, it has not been fruitful so when engagement does not work divestment is the only remaining option.

[Speakers are lining up. There are 36 in line by one count from someone in a better position than I.]

Taking questions before hearing Minority Report
Advocacy by this morning’s ecumenical partner was questioned. There was a point of order that calling the question is being used in an aggressive manner.
Commissioner asks how much money and income are we taking about here? For BOP just enough shares are held by BOP directly to allow MRTI to file shareholder resolutions. In managed investment accounts it is much higher (did someone tweet these numbers – they went by too fast)
(Thanks Layman tweet) BOP has $10M in Caterpillar, $6M in HP and $432K Motorola Solutions.

Minority Report is presented – main point is rather than divest let’s selectively invest

Any amendments to the main motion? None so declared perfected

Amendment to the minority report – Instruct GAMC to create a process to raise funds to invest in the West Bank
Amendment approved 60% yes, 36% no, 4% abstain

No more amendments – The substitute motion is declared perfected
“Shall the Substitute Motion become the Main Motion?”
Caterpillar helped clean up after recent tornado
This is not either/or but both/and
Can we actually divest this money and how long would it take to do that?
   Answer for BOP: Divestment list goes out to managers in early December. Managers don’t have to sell right away (It’s complicated – do it so shareholders are no harmed)
   Answer for Foundation: Similar – not right away but decently and in order
Caterpillar Employee – “You are being shown a very narrow view of Caterpillar”
Palestinians are not asking for a check, they are asking for justice
This action will not achieve what MRTI seeks but will have unintended consequences and alienate partners. No one cares about our symbolic action
This is an opportunity to achieve justice in this situation
Main motion offered as a simple solution – it is actually very complex and will only be “a whisper lost in the storm”
We have enough investment from the US in Israel and the West Bank – Now is the time to divest
Afraid that divestment will harm partnership his church has. Divestment makes the PC(USA) look like an admonishing parent.
The Jewish community – if we divest it will be approved by many in the Jewish community

5 minute stretch break and house band is playing reflective music and not ABBA

Question: What about other mainline churches? Different denominations are in different places in the process and are structured differently. Brian Ellison – Methodist Church has no equivalent of MRTI and differing reports brought by different committee and the Methodists decided not to divest
Question: What about being at share holder meetings? Brian Ellison – Yes and sometimes it is our ecumenical partners
Question: If we take a motion to multiply, when will we know that we’ve reached the moral sin of greed? Answer from presenter of Minority report “I don’t know. I don’t have a good answer.” (and leaves the podium)
Question: Could ACSWP person tell the Assembly what they told us in Committee? ACSWP Rep says that it is very difficult to find places to invest in West Bank and the profitability is uncertain. Humanitarian investment

“I carefully and prayerfully call the question”
Advisory delegates right at the 2/3rds to close debate
Commissioners – 87% to 13% – debate has been closed

Voting on making the substitute motion the main motion
Advisory delegates fairly strongly “No” except EADs strong yes
Commissioners – 333 to 331, 2 abstain. The substitute becomes the main motion

Bills and Overtures moves to limit speeches to 1 minute (Requires 2/3)
Advisory delegates strongly yes
Commissioners – 85% yes 15% no – for the rest of the evening speeches are 1 minute

Commissioner moves to limit time on this item to one more hour (Requires 2/3)
86% yes, 12% no, 2% abstain

Debate continues
“As Presbyterians we have a lot of experience with divestment – We call it withholding per capita.” Urges supporting investment
Visited the Palestinians – They want divestment

[FYI – Right now PCUSA and #ga220 trending on Twitter]

Commissioner asks if the cards can be used to see if people still want to debate – Sea of Orange
Moderator recognizes commissioner to call the question
Commissioners – 88% to 11%, debate is closed

Questions: (actually other points) Commissioner noted that one microphone was not called on as much as the others. Another commissioner says their microphone was only called on once. One commissioner asks about the process for calling the question with the cards. There is the question raised if this is defeated can the main motion be brought back? (Answer – by a motion to reconsider)

Voting
TSADs stongly no, YAADs slightly no, EADs slightly yes, MADs all no
Commissioners – 55% yes, 43% no,  1% abstain

There is weak applause and one person in the back shouts “NO!”
Moderator compliments Assembly on civil discourse – stronger applause

Item 15-10 Pursuing a creative course of action regarind the Palestinian-Israeli conflict
Recommends approval with amendment
May be illogical in light of the action just taken. “That is your problem to deal with Mr. Moderator.” reply with a sarcastic “Thanks”

Stated Clerk recommends arresting this report to look at the language of the other items based on the previous action.

10:30 PM

Adjourn with prayer to reconvene in the morning at 8:30 AM

220th General Assembly of the PC(USA) — Minority Reports

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Please note – this is a live-ish sort of blog post that I will update as reports get produced. Update times and dates will be below but you will want to check back for the latest.

[Created 1 PM July 4]
[Updated 8 PM July 5]

The time for submitting minority reports has now passed. The @TrackerGA220 Twitter feed tells us that there are minority reports for Committees 7, 10, 13, 15 and 18. (And from the numbers one of those must have two.) As you can see from the committee titles below none are a surprise. The unexpected thing may be that there are only going to be minority reports on these five.

The reports are still in production but I will link to them here when posted
The list is now complete

  • Committee 7 – Church Orders and Ministry – Minority Report on 07-17 On honoring Jesus Christ in our Relationships with one another
  • Committee 10 – Mission Coordination – Minority Report on 10-14 Rec 2 On Special Offerings
  • Committee 13 – Civil Union and Marriage Issues – Minority Report on 13-01 to 13-13; Minority Report on 13-04 on amending W-4.9000
  • Committee 15 – Middle East and Peacemaking Issues – Minority Report on 15-11 MRTI recommendations on divestment in Israel, Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank
  • Committee 18 – Confessions – Minority Report on 18-01 regarding the Belhar Confession

There is the complete list

220th General Assembly of the PC(USA) — Thursday Afternoon

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  		Live blogging the Thursday afternoon session…
If you are following along live you will want to hit refresh periodically to reload the post. (And please excuse the typos as my fingers fly.)

The proposed docket for the rest of the Assembly is posted at Bills and Overtures.

This afternoon’s scheduled committees are Social Justice Issues (Committee 11), Board of Pensions, Foundation and Presbyterian Publishing Corp. (Committee 20) and Middle East Peacemaking Issues (Committee 15).

I returned from my lunch during the Speak-out. Almost all respectful and few political.

1001 Worshiping Communities video

Bills and overtures recommends taking Committee on Polity next
Approved by voice vote

Committee on Church Polity – Committee 6

Committee recommends disapproval of 06-08 to amend F-1.0403
No Discussion
Approved on voice vote

Committee recommends that 06-13 and 06-17 be answered by 06-08

There is a motion to create a consent agenda. After time to compile the recommendations with no negative votes in committee and time to read over the items on the list the commissioners reject the motion in a narrow vote

Committee recommends disapproval of 06-01 to amend F-1.01
No Discussion
Approved on voice vote

Committee recommends approval of 06-02 as amended, to amend D-10.0101-.0102, clarifies duties of an investigating committee
No discussion
Approved on voice vote

Committee recommends approval of 06-04 on commissioned ruling elders in G-3.0301
No discussion
Approved on voice vote

Committee recommends that 06-16 be answered by action on 06-04
No discussion
Approved on voice vote

Committee recommends approval of alternate resolution on 06-10 regarding business at a congregational meeting
No discussion
Approved on voice vote

Committee recommends disapproval with comment of 06-11 regarding G-2.0401
No discussion
Approval on voice vote

Committee recommends disapproval of 06-06 and 06-07 to add a new section G-4.0203b regarding ownership of property
The Committee Moderator speaks to it, including pointing out that when a presbytery guarantees a PILP loan they need access to the property.
A substitute motion is presented to item 06-07
ACC speaker notes that they have not had a chance to review it.
Stated Clerk notes that the ACC needs to review it and recommends arresting this item [don’t you love parliamentary jargon?]

Committee moves on to 06-03 and 06-09 – Move approval with Amendment and Comment of 06-09 (and answer 06-03 with action on 06-09) on Administrative leave
Committee Moderator speaks to it and need to protect victims of sexual abuse – Every presbytery needs to adopt an administrative leave policy with an explicit list of the types of allegations which would trigger immediate administrative leave
Concern that this could be abused by someone who wants to get rid of a teaching elder
Approved on divided voice vote
The action on 06-03 approved on voice vote

Committee recommends disapproval of 06-12 on amending G-1.04 regarding special consideration for membership for families serving yoked churches
Commissioner gives strong support for not disapproving this item
ACC notes there is provision for persons described in the commissioners comments
Some discussion
Electronic voting – approved 89% yes, 11% no, 1%

The assembly too a break and came back singing.

[Due to technical issues I missed the next two items but both were approved on voice vote without discussion]

Returning to 06-13 and 06-17 to be answered by action on 06-08
Got lost in that consent agenda business and did not get voted on
No discussion
Approved on voice vote

Returning to the substitute motion on 06-07
On advice of Stated Clerk that it is in conflict with other provisions, it is ruled out of order
The Assembly debates the main motion – mostly stories of presbytery losing property in dismissal
Approved on voice vote

Question from the floor about Redwoods Presbytery not delivering rebuke to Jane Spahr
The presbytery forwarded what happened and the Committee simply was to receive this report
ACC – Assembly has no recourse as it is only a report

Commissioner asks that reports put items in order of delivery not in numerical order

An ecumenical guest from the Islamic Society is recognized to bring greetings

[Note: I am having connectivity issues so I have missed a considerable amount of the business of the next committee. I am posting the votes on items which were voted on electronically – all others by voice.]

Social Justice Issues
11-02 – Fair development
439/185/23

11-05 – Calling for an end to Corporal Punishment
Some spirited debate
51% yes, 47% no, 1% abstain

11-09 – Work of Economic Reconstruction
424/166/27

11-20 – A Statement on the Mortgage and Housing Crisis
431/191/16

4:03 PM – Motion from Bills and Overtures to arrest this report and move on to Middle East Peacemaking issues
Yes – 42% No-55% Abstain-3%
The report is not arrested

Item 11-01 Economic Justice in the Troubled times
Speaker points out that just by having a retirement account or children’s education fund would make us complicit
429/194/8

Item 11-10 Workers Rights
No Discussion
Approved on voice vote

Item 11-06 To have MRTI report to GAMC on Publicly Traded Corporations that operate for-profit prisons
YAAD explains the motivation behind the compromise amendment they crafted
62% Yes, 35% No, 2% Abstain

Commissioner Resolutions
Item 11-22 Consequences on those in long solitary confinement – Recommend approve as amended
No Discussion
Approved on voice vote

Item 11-23 Alternate giving options for union members – Recommend disapproval
No Discussion
Approved on voice vote

This concludes the report

Memorial moment for William Lytle, Moderator of the 190th General Assembly of the UPCUSA

Committee on Board of Pensions, Foundation and Presbyterian Publishing – Committee 20
[It is now 4:50 PM – Dinner recess is at 5:30 PM. See if we make it.]
No financial implications
Eight items on the consent agenda
   Item 20-12 removed
   Consent agenda approved with remaining seven items
   [And on a personal note a thanks to the Assembly for passing the overture I advocated for – 20-03]

Items related to the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation
Item 20-09 Commend the new Presbyterian Hymnal
No discussion
Approved on voice vote

Item 20-08 Confirm the reelection of the president of the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation
No discussion
Approved on voice vote

Items related to the Board of Pensions
Item 20-02 Regarding a medical plan that will only pay for abortions to save the life of the woman
Recommending disapproval
Commissioner asks how to register a dissent
Moderate debate with commissioners expressing strong opinions
Commissioners ready to vote – question called
Advisory delegates strongly in favor except EADs who are against or abstaining
Commissioners 70% yes, 28% no, 1% abstain

Item 20-12 Commissioner Resolution Shared Benefits Plan
Commissioner who had it pulled from the consent agenda speaks against it – it is dangerous to have our fine pension plan shared with those that are pulling their congregations out of the denomination.
Commissioner speaks in favor asking Assembly to err on the side of Grace
Commissioner speaks against likening EPC’s opposition to ordaining women to corporations the PC(USA) won’t invest in.
Vote to close debate – call for division of the house
To close debate – 64% yes, 35% no, 1% abstain – debate is not closed (although Moderator had to be reminded by the Stated Clerk that it requires a 2/3 supermajority)
Debate continues with strong feelings about those churches that have been dismissed
Question: Would Board of Pensions explain what happens when someone leaves? BOP Rep – those that leave keep their credits in tact
BOP Rep – We will have to have a conversation about what to have the conversation about. If this is an ecclesiastical matter we will follow the lead of the clerk.
Commissioner says that only one EPC presbytery does not ordain women. [That covers teaching elders but ruling elder is still up to the particular church]
Question has been called – debate closed 91%/8%/0%
Main motion – 319 yes, 311 no, 8 abstain (votes)

YAAD asks that if commissioners electronically vote on a close vote the advisory delegates should as well. The Moderator acknowledges that.

Item 20-11 Relief of Conscience for Domestic Partner Benefits
Recommend to disapprove with comment
Advisory delegates in favor
Passes 79% yes, 20% no, 1% abstain

Final stretch…
Foundation Item
Item 20-06 Churchwide Gift Program
And this item comes with a video… Suggests showing it after dinner
No discussion
Advisory delegates strongly yes
Item is approved 97% yes, 3% no, 0% abstain

That concludes the report

Moderator Presa resumes the chair

Bills and Overtures – “Never mind…”

Stated Clerk – After dinner we will begin with Middle East Peacemaking, then Mission Coordination
Town hall forum with Tara Spuhler McCabe right after recess

Close with prayer at 5:45
In recess until 7:30 PM
[It could be a long night…]