Category Archives: Live Blogging

The 218th General Assembly of the PC(USA) — Live Blogging Thursday Afternoon

Leave a reply

Greetings — I will be live blogging most plenary sessions of the PC(USA)
General Assembly.  I apologize to those with e-mail feeds or a feed
reader since you will probably only get the first section of the post
since I’ll be adding updates throughout the session.  Also, if you are
reading this on a browser live you will also need to refresh the screen
since I don’t have push technology on my blog.  It’s tough being Web
1.99999 in a Web 2.0 world.  Thanks for your patience.

This is not the only source on the web for this event.
The PC(USA) official webcast can be found at http://www.pcusa.org/ga218/schedule/streaming-schedule.htm
There is also a live blogging site at http://www.scribblelive.com/Event/PCUSA_General_Assembly_218

[My commentary will be in brackets]

Comments from worship:
The first order of the afternoon was worship.  It was held in the Assembly hall, music was by a praise and worship team from a local “community church.”  The Rev. Cindy Rigby preached and it was one of the best expositions of the scriptural text we have had so far this Assembly.  One quote from the sermon:  “We are called to change the world, not by focusing on change, but by abiding in the mind of Christ.”  Amen!

Thursday Afternoon, June 26, 2008
The 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
2:29 PM 
— The commissioner chairs are filling up.  People are filing in.  The observer section is about one-third full.

2:30 PM — The Assembly is gaveled to order and opened with prayer.
2:31 PM — Speakout
Including: A comment that business may be going too fast, another that the graphs of advisory votes are on a percentage scale so remember that there are far more YAADs than other categories.  Also, for the Calvin 500, a plea to not depict him as a stern old man.  Information tells us that the was “quite a looker when he was young.”

2:50 — Bills and Overtures:  Set a new reporting order for the afternoon and evening, moving committee 6 ahead of committee 8

2:52 — Ecumenical greetings from the Presbyterian Church of Congo

3:00 — Committee 6 – Form of Government Revision
Move to refer the report to the Office of the General Assembly for study and revision by a new task force

Substitute motion from the floor to kill the revision and the process
Technically, 1) disapprove report, 2) Dismiss task force with thanks, 3) Work with GAMC to develop a new process

Perfecting the main motion
Amendment to set a time table for presbytery response, (some confusion both with process and what the different dates mean) Amendment fails on a voice vote by a wide margin.
Second amendment adding extra things to consider fails
Third amendment to change it from OGA to GAC fails by a wide margin
Fourth amendment to add a comment that the nFOG should not be organized around the “notes” of the church but should be organized around the “Great Ends” and the “Great Commission” so it is outwardly focused.
[A couple of us looked at each other and agreed that this is out of order because it does not seem to be perfecting the motion]
A ruling is asked for, Bruce says “I will refer to the clerk.  I’m not stupid.”  The clerk observes that this would go with all the other comments.   Bruce rules it is in order.
Motion to call the question and all pending questions on the main motion.  Closed by 84% vote
Voting on amendment:  Advisory overwhelming no.  Commissioners 79% no.
The main motion is perfected

Perfecting the substitute motion
Amendment to include OGA in the process.  Fails by 71%
The substitute motion is perfected

Shall the substitute motion become the main motion?
We don’t need a missional polity to do mission.  The structure and work is in place, let it continue. 
Call the question
3:57
Advisory groups reject the substitute motion by a wide margin, except ecumenical
Commissioner reject substitute by 74%

Debate on the main motion:
Financial Implications.  What if we defeat this?  Will translation be available?
Vote on the main motion:  Advisory approve by a wide margin; Commissioners approve by 87%

All additional items but 06-14: Be answered by the action on 06-01.
Both batches pass on voice vote

Item 06-14:  Amend BOO to allow provisional amendments
Committee recommends disapproval
On a voice vote the assembly agrees with the committee

The members of the Task Force are recognized.  The committee is thanked

4:15 Music lead by Jorge

Item 03-12: To Recognize Clifton Kirkpatrick’s service and bestow on him the title Stated Clerk Emeritus
Video of Cliff at work on the platform, a lot doing silly things getting the YAD gifts.
Commissioning Cliff to Stated Clerk Emeritus
Cliff is joined on stage by his granddaughters.
He is presented with a stole to recognize his new status
Close in prayer

4:35
Ten minute break

(Status:  We have three committees docketed to report in the hour before dinner.  [You do the math])

4:48 – Committee 8 – Mission Coordination and Budget
Consent agenda approved on a hand vote

Four themes
First theme: Our commitment to mission
Item 08-20: Expanding partnership in Mission
No discussion
Approved unanimously on hand vote

Item 08-05: Change in name of GAC to General Assembly Mission Council
No discussion
Approved on voice vote

Item 08-07: Revised GAMC Manual of Operations
No Discussion
Approved on voice vote

Item 08-08: Revised organization for missions
No discussion
Approved on voice vote

Item 08-18: Amendment to the organization for missions
No discussion
Approved on voice vote

Item 08-09: Amend appendix A to the organization for missions
No discussion
Approved on voice vote

Second theme:  Organization and stewardship for missions
Item 08-04: Add a representative from Presbyterian Men to GAMC
Speaker who commends Presbyterian Men but argues against this item because GAMC is trying to shrink and would set precedent for other groups to have seats on council. (Committee voted 44/14/2) [This issues comes up at regular intervals in all the various governing bodies.]
Marj Carpenter speaks in favor
Call the question – Passes on a hand vote
Hand vote:  Too close to call [I didn’t think so]
Electronic vote: Advisory generally in favor; Commissioners approve 65%

Item 08-01: Reinstating the annual mission season offering
Commissioner brings up Presbyterian Panel report that there are too many offerings now
Mission challenge last fall was know among some of the mission workers as “bust the gut for mission”
If this is raising money, why does it cost money — Promotional materials.  Takes 3-4 years for a new offering to generate a positive cash flow.
Comments to vote against this, because there is no good time in the church calendar, BUT work hard to raise the money in other ways
Comment that we used to have 10-12 special offerings per year, but the congregation eventually “figures this out”
Call the previous question:  Passes on voice vote
Electronic vote: Advisory YAADs and TSADs voted no; Commissioners 68% no

5:14
Item 08-02: Institutional standards for participating in the Christmas Joy Offering
No discussion
Passes on voice vote

Item 08-03: Special offerings
No discussion
Passes on voice vote

Item 08-12: Funding Christ’s mission through the PC(USA)
No discussion
Passes on voice vote

(The strength of the voices is getting weaker, but
Item 08-13 as amended: To set aside a season of interpretation
No discussion
Passes on voice vote

5:17

Having defeated the committee’s recommendation on 08-01 no action has been taken on 08-01.  To complete the action a vote to disapprove 08-01 is necessary.
Disapproval of 08-01
Voice vote was too close to call [I didn’t think so and groan went up when the electronic was announced]
Item is disapproved by 84% of commissioners

Theme Three: Deployment of our Resources
Item 08-14: Mission work plan for 2008-2012
No discussion
Passed on voice vote

Item 08-10: Reinstating the Office of Environmental Justice
No discussion
Passes on voice vote

There is some confusion on 08-11.  Committee Vice-moderator doesn’t know it needs to be moved to be answered by 08-10
The GA Vice-Moderator is confused and is bailed out by Grady
No discussion
Passes on voice vote

(Moving through the items at a reasonable rate; not too fast, not too slow) [And my typing is getting worse after a long day]
Item 08-17: On responsible purchasing
One speaker for it
Passes on voice vote

Item 08-15: Regarding Church Extension Funds
Speaker against who is concerned with a loophole that allows New Church Development funds to be used elsewhere, like redevelopement.
Amendment to restrict it to NCD’s
A staff person is invited to speak to this
One argues against amendment
Motion to call the question: Passes on voice vote
Voice vote too close to call
Electronic:  Advisory YAADs and TSADs slightly in favor of the amendment; Commissioners approve amendment 51%
[In our gallery we thought the voices were no.  Hat tip
to Byron for the call for electronic.]
Question: So where would transforming congregations funds come from now?
Move the previous question: Passed on voice vote
Voice vote too close to call
Electronic vote: YAADs slightly yes, TSADs tied; Commissioners pass by 51%
Motion to reconsider:  A commissioner who wishes to change his vote on the amendment after hearing from the staff person about funding alternatives.  As the commissioner says “I’m way over my head.”
(There is a level of confusion out there right now)
Vote to reconsider: (commissioners shout to go straight to electronic)
Point of order: How did commissioner vote on item.  Stated clerk says that since he voted in the affirmative on the amendment he is in order to move reconsideration
Electronic:  Advisory: split; Commissioners vote by 53% to reconsider

Motion from Bills and Overtures to arrest report and do Joining Hearts and Hands presentation before dinner.

(Status: we are now 2.5 committee reports behind docket.)

Hearts and Hands presentation
Recess for Dinner
End of this entry

The 218th General Assembly of the PC(USA) — Live Blogging Thursday Morning

Leave a reply

Greetings — I will be live blogging most plenary sessions of the PC(USA)
General Assembly.  I apologize to those with e-mail feeds or a feed
reader since you will probably only get the first section of the post
since I’ll be adding updates throughout the session.  Also, if you are
reading this on a browser live you will also need to refresh the screen
since I don’t have push technology on my blog.  It’s tough being Web
1.99999 in a Web 2.0 world.  Thanks for your patience.

This is not the only source on the web for this event.
The PC(USA) official webcast can be found at http://www.pcusa.org/ga218/schedule/streaming-schedule.htm
There is also a live blogging site at http://www.scribblelive.com/Event/PCUSA_General_Assembly_218

[My commentary will be in brackets]

Comments from overnight:
Asking around it is still not clear exactly who was protesting outside the Assembly hall yesterday but it was an outside organization who told anyone who walked by in no uncertain terms that if they were associated with the PC(USA), no matter what their theological leanings, they were going to Hell.  This was because of the denominations positions on GLBT individuals.  Cliff reported that the police were called but the protesters were within their free speech rights if they stayed in the area they were in.

I also found out why my lungs hurt:  The late news showed the smoke from the fires up north blowing over the Bay Area.  And a change in wind direction won’t help since then we will get the smoke from the fires in the other direction.

Thursday Morning, June 26, 2008
The 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
8:20 AM 
— The commissioner chairs are filling up.  People are filing in.  The observer section is about one-tenth full.

8:30 — The Assembly is gaveled to order and opened in prayer with a three-part song based on Micah 6:8 and prayer

8:36 — Ecumenical greetings from Reformed/Reconstructionist Jewish representative and the Buddhist Churches of America

8:43 — Bruce thanks everyone for all the parliamentary advice, solicited and not.

8:44 — Bills and Overtures: Recommends that time per speaker be reduced from three to two minutes.  [The time crunch is starting early this year]  Passes on voice vote but a notable no vote.

8:45 — Financial implications:  No items yesterday had financial implications.

8:46 — Stated Clerk reviews procedures for acting on nominations when there are challenges.

8:49 — Mission budget financial implications:  Bruce had skipped it.  There were some financial implications, but as the committee moderator said “even without the report we’ll spend money anyways.

8:51 — Nominating Committee Report:  Awaiting Assembly action later today item 00-01 Z, Y and Z [got to love the business numbering] will not be voted on now.

All unchallenged nominees are approved on a voice vote.

Challenge of Stewart Pollock by Darly Fisher-Ogden for ACC.  Speakers here still get three minutes.
Stewart Pollock approved

Challenge of A. Bates Butler by Edward Glady for GAPJC
Ecumenical delegates favored the challenger, commissioners approve Mr. Butler

Challenge of Bradley Copeland by Kenneth Working for GAPJC [This is a challenge for my synod’s seat.  I don’t know Mr. Copeland, but I greatly respect Mr. Working]
YAADs advise Ken Working; Commissioners elect Mr. Copeland by 58%.  [That is close for a floor challenge.]

Challenge of H. Clifford Looney by Ted Fairfield for GAPJC
Mr. Looney approved by a wide margin

9:29 — Two minute break

9:33  [Bruce is serious about this being two minutes]
Challenge of Lois Clarke by James Mead for the Foundation Board
Advisory: Committee nominee by a wide margin; Commissioners: The same, Clarke by 80%

Challenge of Karen Garrett by J. Oscar McCloud for the Foundation Board
Advisory 2/3 – 1/3 for Garrett; Commissioners 71% for Garrett

Challenge of Doug McArthur by Gay Mothershed for the Foundation Board  [Gay serves on the Council for Certification of Elders.  That is a new one on me.  A quick Google search brings up nothing quickly]
[Bruce once again stumbles on Rev. Janet Schlenker’s name.  She reply’s to call her Janet.]
Question from the floor about the letters following each nominee’s name.  Those are the diversity information that most of us take for granted and read in our sleep.
Advisory vote for nominee by a wide margin.  Commissioners the same – 75% for McArthur

From the Moderator of the 217th GA – Nominees to the GA Nominating Committee
Three are challenged

Challenge of William King by Catherine Purves for the Nominating Committee
[Both speakers presented their nominees very well]
Advisory vote divided:  YAAD and TSAD close, Missionary overwhelmingly for King, Ecumenical overwhelmingly for Purves
Commissioners: Purves by 53% – First challenger to win

Challenge of Joan Carpenter by Phyllis Spielmann for the Nominating Committee
[I know Joan as chair of our synod nominating committee and she is a very hard worker.  I don’t know much about Phyllis.]
Advisory vote strongly for Carpenter; Commissioners elect Carpenter by 75%
[And on a personal note, I now need to find a new member and chair of our synod nominating committee.]

Challenge of Roger Howell by Charles Youther for the Nominating Committee
Advisory vote strongly for Howell;  Commissioners elect Howell by 71%

That concludes the nominating reports.
[The results were typical for GA, one challenger was elected.  My gut reaction is that this was more challenges than normal.  But the two major bodies were the Foundation Board and the Nominating Committee indicating were the “hot points” are this year.]

10:25 – The Stated Clerk is called on for comments about the process of amending from the floor

10:27 – One minute stretch

10:28 – Bruce “We are doing a chronos minute not a kairos minute”
Committee 13 – Theological Issues and Institutions
Resume arrested report
Consent Agenda approved

Item 13-06: Heidelberg Catechism
There is a minority report
The committee chair speaks to “initiating a process” so the committee at least intends the constitutional process

Minority report argues that changing the current version will not change anything and lead to years of fighting.

Stated Clerk gives the review of the minority report/substitute motion process.  He also explains the Book of Confessions amendment process and that this must go through it.

Perfecting the main motion.
(Instead of perfecting the main motion the commissioners are asking financial questions.)
There are no amendments.  The main motion is declared perfected.

Perfecting the substitute motion
A commissioner asks to have some theological background on this and asks former GA Moderator Jack Rodgers to speak to it.  (Former moderators are corresponding members and have the privilege of the floor.)
The substitute motion is declared perfected with one clarifying amendment.
And the lines at the microphones are getting long.

The debate on the two motions begins:
Jack Rodgers speaks about the history of the translation and the story about the phrase inserted by two translators.  Confessional documents should not be about the theological controversies at the time of translation but at the time of writing.

10:55 [One hour left in the morning session and we may not finish Committee 3 since Belhar is still to come.]
One commissioner is shut off when he uses up his time.
Another brings up the “elephant in the room” and that this is just a subtle attempt by progressives to shift the denomination.
Those favoring the main motion pretty much appeal to the integrity of the translation
Those favoring the minority report appeal to the historic nature of it, that the translation is compatible with the original author’s intent,
A YAD speaks about our constantly reforming theology and how without it the Moderator nor Vice-moderator would be serving there now as they are racial-ethnic

Move to call the question:  Succeeds by 85%
Prayer
Advisory delegates generally in favor of main motion
Commissioners: Main motion by 71%

Now debating the main motion
Similar arguments as before.
Question about the Greek in the Corinthians passage one of the disputed passages depends on.  Request Prof. Gagnon respond.  He would need to be granted the privilege of the floor.  Debate moves on.
Don’t let doctrine inform confessions, let confessions inform doctrine (that is an argument against)
Against – People in the pews don’t care
Professional translator – Unethical to insert your own words

Move the question – Passes by voice vote
Vote on the Main motion:  Advisory delegates mostly 3/4 yes; Commissioners: 60% yes

Motion that 13-06 answer 13-04, 13-05, and 13-10.

Item 13-07 as amended:  Belhar
No discussion, passed on voice vote
[That one slid by]
Clerk informs the Assembly what they just did
Call for division
Electronic:  Advisory 80% yes; Commissioners 76% yes
[Boy, did I mis-judge that one!  I was expecting some debate.]
Commissioner arises to question lack of announcement about what was being done.

11:39
Item 13-13: Study guide for the Trinity paper
Passes on voice vote

Concludes Committee Report

Committee 8 takes the stage
Bills and Overtures moves going to the Memorial Minutes for Ben Rose and begin with Committee 8 after lunch< br>Change in docket approved
11:42
Memorial for the [Very ] Rev. Dr. Ben Rose [if we used such terms]

I will end here as we will shortly adjourn for lunch

The 218th General Assembly of the PC(USA) — Live Blogging Wednesday Evening

3 Replies

Greetings — I will be live blogging most plenary sessions of the PC(USA)
General Assembly.  I apologize to those with e-mail feeds or a feed
reader since you will probably only get the first section of the post
since I’ll be adding updates throughout the session.  Also, if you are
reading this on a browser live you will also need to refresh the screen
since I don’t have push technology on my blog.  It’s tough being Web
1.99999 in a Web 2.0 world.  Thanks for your patience.

This is not the only source on the web for this event.
The PC(USA) official webcast can be found at http://www.pcusa.org/ga218/schedule/streaming-schedule.htm
There is also a live blogging site at http://www.scribblelive.com/Event/PCUSA_General_Assembly_218

[My commentary will be in brackets]

Wednesday Evening, June 25, 2008
The 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
7:20 
— The commissioner chairs are filling up.  People are filing in.  The observer section is about one-tenth full.

7:31 — Opening prayer from an ecumenical representative

7:33 — Speak out  (a GA tradition where commissioners and delegates can share what is on their heart.)
Anti-Presbyterian protesters outside, thanks to PDA for Katrina help and other prompt assistance and just caring, compliments to YADs, PC-biz problems and solutions, support Presbyterian colleges.

7:45 — Ecumenical greetings from the Armenian Apostolic Church of Iraq

7:55 — Bills and Overtures with a revised docket since we are running ahead

7:56 — Return to Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations: Peaceful relations between Christian and Muslim Communities.
The Assembly hears from Joe Small, the head of the office of Theology and Worship that Christians, Jews and Muslims are the monotheistic religions that are spiritual descends of Abraham.
Amendment to the amendment – grammatical rewording, could have been friendly if there was such a thing.
Question from the floor and we are headed into “polity hell.”  Isn’t this a substitute motion?  Clerk: no, it is strike and replace.  Next speaker: If this is an amendment to an amendment and is strike and replace we need to see what was struck to be replaced.
8:08 Last two speakers should be out of order since they are actually speaking to the full item, not this one little editorial change.  Bruce is showing grace.
Committee moderator suggests hearing from the head of the Islamic Council of North America.  Bruce agrees.  He notes that just as Christianity don’t have a singular concept of God, neither do Muslims.  But the bridge within Christianity and also within Islam, and what should be between them as well, is the concept of one God as creator.
8:17 Question is called on the two amendments.  [One of the first time I have seen the question called on more than one, but not all items.]
Break to get things up on the screen, Cliff is having words with Bruce.
8:28 End of break.  This GA seems technologically challenged on points.  And the different amendments in different colors are challenging to read on the screen.
Voting on first amendment: Advisory vote: YADs and EADs are very close.  Commissioners reject by 81%
Voting on the higher amendment:  Advisory vote: Not nearly as close, generally in favor.  Commissioners: 53% yes
Back to debate on the main motion, now amended.
Move to amend: Strike the while controversial section that we have been discussing about one God or children of Abraham.
8:38  One particular commissioner speaker has again risen with an out-of-order motion
Move the question and all pending questions
Electronic vote:  YADS, bare majority
Commissioners: 73%  all debate is closed.
A commissioner speaks that they still do not have PC-biz
Voting on amendment to strike section 2: Advisory: Yads no, TSADs tie; Commissioners: 52% no
Back to the main motion as amended
Electronic voting:  Advisory: Yes; Commissioners: 78% yes

Item 07-02:  Response to an invitation to interfaith dialog
No discussion:  passed on voice vote

At this point we are moving quickly and all the remaining items, including the referral of 07-03 about the Evangelical Presbyterian Church behavior, are being passed with no discussion and voice vote.
We are moving so fast that a commissioner complains that the PC-biz SessionSync doesn’t keep up.

8:50  Comment added to 07-04 about the Covenant Relationship with the Korean Presbyterian Church in America
Comment added and the item passed on voice vote.

Motion to Reconsider 07-02, another commissioner complains that he did not have time to get to a microphone.
Motion fails on voice vote.

Item 07-11:  Episcopal Presbyterian Agreement
Bruce waits for people to head for microphones.  One speaker.
Passes on a voice vote.

Committee Resolution honoring Clifton Kirkpatrick for his ecumenical work.  Read in entirety and passed by voice vote.  Followed by a video tribute to his ecumenical work.

9:10 — The committee concludes their report

Committee 17 – Youth
[This should be interesting because it is one of the non-traditional committees, it was generative.]
There was no business to start but by Tuesday afternoon they had generated eleven items.  The committee needed to have a 3/4 vote to bring new business to the floor.

Item 17-1NB (the NB is for New Business)
Send the DVD “Soul Searching: A Movie About Teenagers and God” to every Presbytery and prepare a study guide.
Amendment to promote “active listening.”
Now Vice-moderator Byron Wade is getting his sea legs
This was presented to committee and voted down at that time
Vote on the amendment:  Electronic: Advisory overwhelmingly no; Commissioners 89% no
There is a book, do we need the study guide?  Yes, because the book is very thick.
Comment that section shown did not contain African American youth.  Reply, African Americans are well represented.
Copyright issues for study guide?  Permissions included in cost.

Voting on main motion:  Advisory: YADS almost all yes, Missionary not as strong; Commissioners: 97% yes.

9:33
Item 17-2NB: On Mentors
Encourage commissioners and others around the church to mentor youth.
Little discussion, nearly unanimous vote by raising hands

Item 17-3NB:  Create a task force primarily composed of youth to continue this work
The committee report does not list the financial implications
Speaker for about investing in youth
Speaker against concerned that parameters are not well defined.
Speaker questions the 15-21 age emphasis when we lose young adults above 21.  Response that the 15-21 was the committee’s charge.  Above 21 has other implications culturally
Financial implications:  None since there was already a similar program in the budget.
Moved the previous question: Passes overwhelmingly.
Electronic vote on main motion:  Advisory delegates vote overwhelmingly in favor;  Commissioners 91% yes.

Item 17-4NB:  Matters to refer to the new Youth Task Force
No Discussion, passes on voice vote.

Item 17-5NB:  Name change for YADs – From Youth Advisory Delegates to Young Adult Advisory Delegates
Youth in the church is 12-18 and YADs are 17-23.  Not Youth.
[How do we pronounce it?  Is it still one syllable like “YAD”?  The Texan next to me says its “YAAAAAAD”]
One YAD spoke strongly for it.
Passed on voice vote

Item 17-1: Commissioner Resolution to allow youth volunteers at GA.
Committee recommendation is to disapprove
Signer of resolution speaks to approve resolution
[This is going to get tricky because voting “yes” is voting “yes” on the committee recommendation, not the commissioner resolution so voting yes is really voting no.]
This is a legal liability issue.
Cliff speaks to the issue of what a yes and no vote, but still uses confusing language.
The YAAD that spoke next actually stated it clearly and accurately [WAY TO GO!] [And when do we stop using YAD and start using YAAD?]
Move the previous question, and it sounded like 2/3 of the Assembly seconded it
Electronic voting:  Advisory delegates: YAAD’s 75% yes, Commissioners 88% yes

This concludes the report of Committee 17

10:04
Commissioner motion to recess for the evening
The Stated Clerk indicates they would like to do one more item of business.
The motion to recess is defeated.

Committee 13 – Theological Issues and Institutions
Item 13-02:  Approve the President of Union Theological Seminary
No discussion, approved by voice vote
Seminary presidents are introduced.
President Rev. Brian Blount addresses the assembly

The corresponding
member section and the observer section is pretty empty

Motion to arrest the report
Approved by standing for dismissal
Closing prayer
We are adjourned until tomorrow morning.
10:15 PM

The 218th General Assembly of the PC(USA) — Live Blogging Wednesday Afternoon

2 Replies

Greetings — I will be live blogging most plenary sessions of the PC(USA)
General Assembly.  I apologize to those with e-mail feeds or a feed
reader since you will probably only get the first section of the post
since I’ll be adding updates throughout the session.  Also, if you are
reading this on a browser live you will also need to refresh the screen
since I don’t have push technology on my blog.  It’s tough being Web
1.99999 in a Web 2.0 world.  Thanks for your patience.

This is not the only source on the web for this event.
The PC(USA) official webcast can be found at http://www.pcusa.org/ga218/schedule/streaming-schedule.htm
There is also a live blogging site at http://www.scribblelive.com/Event/PCUSA_General_Assembly_218

[My commentary will be in brackets]

Wednesday Afternoon, June 25, 2008
The 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
2:20 
— The commissioner chairs are filling up.  People are filing in.  The observer section is about one-quarter full.

2:31 — Moderator Bruce Reyes-Chow gavels the Assembly to order.  We are opened in prayer by a TSAD
2:35 — Greetings from the Ecumenical representative from the AME Zion church
2:37 — Bills and Overtures Committee.  Bring the minutes from Saturday and Sunday for approval.  Approved
Docket for the rest of the plenary
2:38 — Approval of the Rev. Byron Wade as Vice-moderator of the 218th.  Confirmed and he is being installed at this time.

2:49 — Finished the installation with the singing of the Doxology.  And Bruce admits that he can not sing.

2:50 — GAC Nominating committee reports two GA Commissioners have been nominated for the positions with the GAC.  Four more are needed and the deadline for nominations have been extended

2:52 — The Stated Clerk is giving info on speaking to orient the commissioners, or remind them what they heard last Saturday afternoon.  It has been a long week.
Now talking about making motions and using the motions form.  And the help available from stated clerks around the hall.  The information about dissents and protests if being covered.  Now the info on “moving the previous question.”  Finally, the process for “substitute motions.”  [This will get a lot of people confused the first few times it happens.]
The next topic is consent items and review of the voting systems.

And the GA is not paperless:  Paper copies of committee reports will be distributed.  This is a back up since PC-biz has been rough the last few days.

3:04 — Another orientation to PC-biz, this time including the green check marks following committee and Assembly action.  But still problems with SessionSync.  [I can see the slowness from the load]

3:08 — Presentation on the centennial of Presbyterian Camps and Conference Centers.

3:18 — The regular presentation of the financial implications to the per capita and mission budgets of commissioner actions.  Nothing has been approved yet so just reporting background.
My mistake.  They are reporting the proposed but not yet approved based on completed committee reports

3:27
Report of Committee 15:  Pensions, Foundation, and Publishing Corporation
There is no consent agenda on PC-biz
Report from the Board of Pensions about the CREDO program.  Eight day conference of renewal and reflection on their ministry.
Item 15-01 – No discussion, passed on voice vote.
Item 15-02 as amended – Relief of conscience plan annually.  No discussion, passed on voice vote
Item 15-03 – No discussion, passed on voice vote
Item 15-04 – No discussion, passed on voice vote
Item 15-05 with comment – No discussion, passed on voice vote
[The item is to confirm Robert Leech as president of the Foundation.  The comment commends Mr. Leech for his work.  The GAC may have a different view based on the GAC disagreement.]
Item 15-06 – No discussion, passed on voice vote
Back to 15-05 – Mr. Leech given three minutes to address assembly.  Announced the winners of the Youth Video Challenge.
Item 15-07 – To confirm Mr. Mark Lewis as the President of the Publishing Corporation.  No Discussion, passed on voice vote.  Mr. Lewis given three minutes to address assembly.

This concludes the report of Committee 15

Bruce: “See, this is easy”

3:42
Report of Committee 15: Church Growth and Christian Education
Consent agenda moved and passed

Item 12-01 – Strategy for Church Growth for African-American Congregations
Three minute presentation
Move to an advisory vote to exercise their arms.  Now raised hands for commissioners.  Passes overwhelmingly.

3:50
Item 12-02 – Grow God’s Church Deep and Wide
Three minute presentation by Tom Taylor, Deputy GAC Executive
Not just growing the numbers, but growing the individual members spiritually. Not one-size-fits-all but a call to action.  Plugs presbygrow.net.  [They are the ones with the Follow Mii t-shirts]  Move to video — looks like video was made interviewing people here about what particular churches are doing
Motion on the floor.  We have our first question from the floor!  Speaker in favor of the motion.
Passed on voice vote

4:03
Item 12-03, 05 – PILP approved in consent agenda

Item 12-04 – Jay Hudson confirmed as the President of PILP
Mr. Hudson addresses the Assembly

Item 12-06 – Advisory vote passes, commissioner vote passes both on voice

Item 12-07 – Children’s day, the Committee Recommends Disapproval
Committee recommendation (that is the item is disapproved) on voice vote but there was significant no votes.

4:12
Item 12-08 – Adolescence human development resources, with comment about setting aside differences
Speaker against.  I think he was on the committee.
YAD and minister from the originating presbytery speak in favor.
Bruce is still getting his sea legs on the debate system
Question about financial implications – Editor talks about costs and need to sell the curriculum for $60+
Motion to amend: Produce with 2011 budget year funds.
4:23 Amendment fails on voice vote
YAD speaks against and asks for someone who can to make an amendment that requires balanced views.  Reads text of his committee amendment that was misplaced in committee.
Amendment maker is not ready and Bruce moves on.
There are a lot of YADs speaking in this debate.
The commissioner is ready with his amendment.
4:34 It has now been posted Bruce: “it is my understanding that it is appropriate.  Welcome to General Assembly.”
One speaker against, no one lined up to speak in favor, Bruce moves to an electronic vote.  TSADs and YADs split, YADS no.  Commissioners vote no.
Back to the main motion.
Question about one of the original Assembly Committee on Women’s Concerns comments on the overture.  Committee representative answers question and then goes too far in advocacy and Bruce rules her out of order.
Commissioner moves YAD’s proposed amendment.
One against, someone tries to make an unrelated amendment so sits down, The YAD that originally mentioned it is now speaking for it.
Motion to close debate on this and all previous questions.  Passes on near unanimous hand vote.
Advisory delegates opposed on hand vote.  Commissioners opposed on hand vote.
(Commissioners are running to their seats for the final vote)
Final vote electronically carries in both advisory and commissioners by a wide margin.
This concludes the committee report

4:54
Bills and Overtures moves to continue on to Committee 7 since the Assembly is ahead of docket. (Moved up from after dinner) [This could be arrested for dinner since there are a couple of controversial issues.]
Approved

Committee 7 – Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations
Greetings from the National Council of Churches
Presbyterian heritage stretches from “Calvin to Kirkpatrick”

Consent Agenda approved

5:04
Item 07-05: Ecumenical Policy Statement
Presentation about development of statement.  Statement will guide PC(USA) for the next decade
Passed on voice vote

Interfaith relationships
Item 07-07:  No discussion, passed on voice vote
Item 07-01: Tolerance and and Peaceful Relations between the Christian and Muslim Communities
The item was amended by the committee to eliminate “worship the same God.”
Blue paddles for amendments
5:09
First speaker proposes amendment.  Changes
from worship the same God to share commandments.  Muslim leaders don’t necessarily think we worship the same God.
(People lined up at most microphones)
Debate continues and requests for interpretation from Office of Theology
No one to speak to Theology
Going to adjourn for dinner

Gradye gives announcments
Ecumenical delegate gives closing prayer
5:32 Adjourn
See you after dinner

The PC(USA) General Assembly — Live Blogging Moderator Election

4 Replies

Greetings — I will be live blogging most sessions of the PC(USA)
General Assembly.  I apologize to those with e-mail feeds or a feed
reader since you will probably only get the first section of the post
since I’ll be pushing updates throughout the session.  Also, if you are
reading this on a browser live you will also need to refresh the screen
since I don’t have push technology on my blog.  It’s tough being Web
1.99999 in a Web 2.0 world.  Thanks for your patience.

Saturday Evening, June 21, 2008
The 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
7:00 
— The commissioner chairs are filling up.  People are filing in.  The observer section is about half full.

The session begins with greetings from the Reformed churches in Europe given by the representative of the Swiss Reformed church.

There were some problems this afternoon with PC-biz so one or two items from the Committee on Bill and Overtures were postponed until this evening so that all the commissioners could have the items in from of them.  Talking to my son it looked to him like server overload.  The refresh button would work for a while and then the system got slower and slower until he got an “unavailable” message.  Then the cycle would start all over again.  We will see what it does this evening but bringing new servers on-line is not something they will be able to do over dinner.  We will see.

They just announced that network changes have been made so only the commissioners and delegates have PC-biz access.  But when asked it the commissioners could get it the answer is a resounding “no.”  It looks like few of the commissioners can see it.  The item is abandoned for today.

Election of the Moderator
The Moderator election will get underway shortly.  The Moderator candidates each had four minutes to speak at the Outlook Dinner.  Bruce Reyes-Chow went first and told a funny story on himself as part of his presentation.  Entertaining and on target about the need to understand each other.  Roger Shoemaker went second and told a funny joke but not a personal relevance.  His speech, while interesting and heartfelt was probably the weakest of the four.  Carl Mazza followed him and was right on message as seen in his answers in the information booklet.  He began with, and interwove, a personal experience from his homeless ministry into his remarks.  If he keeps this pattern tonight he will touch a lot of commissioners.  Bill Teng finished the remarks and began with a hat tip to the Outlook and then well delivered remarks about the focus of the church.

The nominations begin:
(Note, I will be covering both the nominating speech and the candidate speech in the same section although all four nominating speeches are given before the candidates speech.


The nominating speech is emphasizing his connection to youth and the younger face of the church.  But they also talk about his service to the denomination, but with few specifics.  He respects the Reformed tradition but encourages dialog between diverse people.

In Bruce’s comments he begins with his Presbyterian roots and how previous generations, and Abraham, did not know the future but stepped out into it.  Is there anything too hard and too wondrous for God?  He concentrates his whole speech on the “new realities” and the future of the church.  Strong, well delivered, and tightly focused speech.  Shows a lot of passion for this.  (Wild applause from his fan base in the observer section.  He is local after all.)


The nominating speech is talking about Carl’s heart and “mission in action.”  His hands-on experience and his presence with the people.  “Leadership that lives and breaths the Gospel.”

Carl begins with two principles:  Commitment to Jesus Christ and to the mission in the world.  He was the result of mission, a Presbyterian church led him to Jesus Christ.  Tries to return the gift of honest conversation and relationship.  Then he gets into a mission story, the same one about a 14 year old girl that prayed at one of the shelters.  That leads into his big finish about being loved by God.  (His speech was a bit shaky in the middle, but once he launched into the story he spoke boldly, clearly, and passionately.)


The speech is being given by Tamara Letts, Bill’s Vice-moderator candidate.  She emphasizes his commitment to the denomination, service to the church, and love of church and commitment to its unity.  Also, his Presbyterian heritage and his multicultural background.

Bill opened with his theme of “In gratitude and hope.”  It is gratitude for what God has done that sends us out to share the love and hope of Jesus.  He repeats his theme that, if elected, he will spend the two years traveling about telling the stories of what Presbyterians have done in the past.  He too shares stories, these about the people touched by missionaries to China, including his own grandfather.  His big finish is the closing lines from the Brief Confession of Faith.


Begins with the parable of the fig tree and the tree as a symbol of Roger’s candidacy.  The church’s roots need to be nurtured and sometimes need to be thinned out.  The church needs to be cultivated and pruned, and he rattles off what Roger has done for the church.  (Hate to say it but this speech did not connect with me.  Too much time on trees in Nebraska and not enough on Roger himself.)  But the big finish was a nice connection to the healing trees in Revelation.

Roger begins with a declaration that he will be guided by the Book of Order and Book of Confessions.  He then talks about how we must live as the body of Christ to exhibit Christ to those who enter our midst.  Our witness is both financial and our presence with people.  Wants to be in conversation to find ways to grow our church.  Do we work together to save the tree or stand by and watch the tree slowly die. (Trims speech because of time but still ran way over.  Should have left it at the “work together to save the tree.”)

Questions and Answers (one hour)
1)  The question is addressed at Bruce but is reworded to be generic:  If elected Moderator how will your current ministry be covered.
Bruce:  Talks about his church, but does not answer question about ministry too directly.  The church is excited and the church style allows his absence
Carl:  Meeting Ground might enjoy some relief from him after 26 years.   But the ministry is about bringing churches together so it does not take away from his ministry but actually enhances it.
Bill:  His session has agreed to having him away 2 Sundays a month and Associates and Pulpit Supply are available.
Roger:  “I don’t have a church”  He as at a place where he can do this.

2)  How would you describe a “missional orientation?”
Carl:  The members of the church are interested in doing mission.  We need to find new ways of doing mission.
Bill: God is the God of the mission.  We do not originate but are sent in partnership with Jesus.
Roger:  The church has become a group that is willing to take a risk and love the unlovable.  Need to find ways to do it.
Bruce:  This means an institutional shift.  One thing to say, another to do.  The revised FOG moves us from prohibiting to empowering because the presbytery and people know the context.

3)  Question from a YAD about inclusivity and especially ordination.
Bill:  We as a church need to be inclusive.  Ordination involves a call to be affirmed by a wider group so it is not “inclusivity” but “fitness to serve.”
Roger:  Tough question made tougher by the narrow focus on the GLBT community.  Need to work with Book of Order and Confessions.  To make progress we first need to take down other walls.
Bruce:
  “No elephants in the room.”  Personally believes it should be extended to all people, but accepts that is now where the church is.
Carl:  Difficult and hurtful issue.  To move forward with this there must be unity.  His mission gives him a “broad understanding of humanity.”  Unflinchingly in favor of full inclusion because he has seen the hurt that denial of ordination has caused.  If mission is the goal we can get past this and with a fuller understanding of who God is we will agree on inclusion.

4) What is the Gospel
Roger:  The good news of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  (That was all he said)
Bruce:  The good news of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus
Carl:  Similar to Bruce but adds that we become a new creation.
Bill:  Includes much of the above, but adds transformation because of the sacrifice of Jesus.

5) With our ordination standards a particular person feels like “Jesus is being taken away from me.”  Given that, how do we grow the church
Bruce:  “Does anyone else want to go first?”   Can we really agree to disagree on this issue?  We can make Jesus real when we deal with issues like this with transparency.  People outside of the church can tell when we are not being real.  In being real we can grow the church.
Carl:  In doing mission together we are transformed.  The church must be a place of safety to come together and risk.
Bill:  The Gospel is for all people and is transformational.  God has a whole-person claim on all of us.  In this case, need to work with the person about what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.
Roger:  Jesus calls us all and no person or body can take Him away.  But we need to work together to find answers.

Editorial notes:
The observer section is now full.
There are definite trends in answers: Bill giving a diplomatic opening to his answers, Bruce using humor to break the tension, Carl going back to his mission experience and its role in transformation, and Roger having a brief and sometimes weak or indirect answers.

6)  What do we say to members in small declining churches, particularly in small communities.
Carl:  Small churches are important.  Need talented and visionary leaders to work with them.
Bill:  Viability is not an issue of size but about the impact the church has in the community.
Roger:  Any of you also every preach to a congregation of 5?  Need to work at partnering small churches in small communities.  (Having just commented about weak answers he came up with an interesting one.)
Bruce:  Need to ask tough questions and be honest.  Is a church living in the past?  Need to ask hard questions about if a church is doing the mission of God in their context.

7)  What does the global church have to teach us?
Bill:  Has experience overseas and in developing countries the church today, like the early church, is counter-cultural.  We should not be too comfortable where we are.  Need to get out and share our faith.
Roger:  We need to meet the basic needs of our international friends and understand how they see us.  Maybe we can learn something from them.
Bruce:  We need to hear the world view of others, different ways of being.  Helps us understand the “fullness of life.”
Carl:  The strength of faith and simplicity of worship in undeveloped countries has a lot to teach us.  They also have a lot to teach us about peacemaking from their experience as the victims and marginalized.

8)  The church seems to be moving from personal righteousness to social and global issues.  What is the balance and what are the implications.
Roger:  Personal relationship comes in building blocks that are also tied to what we do in the world.
Bruce:  The two issues are not mutually exclusive.  Personal connection to God can be manifest in many ways including social causes and discipleship.  We can push each other in these different areas.
Carl:  Through many different experiences has grown in his spirituality.  By relating to a hurting brother we enhance both of our personal relationships with God.
Bill:  I am a hypocrit if I can’t love my neighbor but work for peace globally.

Time up, we move to the vote:

First ballot:
Advisory:  YADS: Bruce Reyes-Chow by a wide margin, 107 votes with 23 for Carl, 10 for Roger, and 23 for Bill.

Commissioners:  No majority.  Bruce 341, Bill 250, Carl 102, Roger 14.  Bruce got 48% and Bill got 35%.

The system is being reset for the second ballot.  Prediction:  Carl’s votes go to Bruce, Roger’s votes go to Bill.  Bruce wins in the next ballot or two.

Second ballot:
Advisory:  About the same.  I did not write fast enough.
Commissioners:  Bruce Reyes-Chow is the Moderator of the 218th General Assembly
Bruce 390, Bill 255, Carl 52, Roger 7

We now proceed to the installation.
I’ll finish the live blogging here and post pictures and a reading of the tea leaves in the next 12 hours.

The PC(USA) General Assembly — Live Blogging Saturday Morning 1

Leave a reply

Greetings — I will be live blogging most sessions of the PC(USA) General Assembly.  I apologize to those with e-mail feeds or a feed reader since you will probably only get the first section of the post since I’ll be pushing update throughout the session.  Also, if you are reading this on a browser live you will also need to refresh the screen since I don’t have push technology on my blog.  It’s tough being Web 1.99999 in a Web 2.0 world.  Thanks for your patience.

Saturday Morning, June 21, 2008
The 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
10:00  — The commissioner chairs are filling up.  People are filing in.  The soothing background music is playing. (I could have done with great hymns of the faith) And camera operators are ready.

There has been some questions this morning about internet access.  It turns out that there is WiFi in the hall, but you can only get to PC-biz

10:01  The Assembly is called to order with the gavel and prayer by the Moderator of the 217th GA, the Rev. Joan Gray.  Including a long period, a couple of minutes, or silence.

10:04 — Cliff Kirkpatrick leads a litany followed by the Servant Song.    Interesting this was also used in opening by the Church of Scotland GA this year.  Except with stings instead of keyboard.

10:12 — Commissioners and delegates are asked and answer the questions of “commissioning”

Another prayer, litany, and hymn “Come O Spirit, Dwell Among Us” sung to Ebenezer.

10:20 — The General Assembly is now commissioned and we move on to formalities.
A quorum is declared, corresponding members seated, and welcome from COLA.

10:30 — Move on to promotional videos and official welcome and gift to Moderator and Vice-moderator:  hand-crafted wooden boxes.

10:41 — Robert Wilson assumes the gavel and Joan Gray gives the moderator’s report with her usual humor.

We then have the report of the Vice-moderator and we are not up to the GAC report

The GAC church growth segment highlights the Highlands Church in Paso Robles, California, which has recently become the “poster child” for church planting in this day and age.

11:20 — Move on to Nominating Committee and an overview of the nominations from the floor process for challenging committee nominees

11:25 — Finance overview and financial implications.  They are listing what is covered under per capita, but there are possible changes to what budget items can be covered by per capita before this GA.  But the possible change to the mission budget, to the tune of an increase of $13,000,000, that would be caused by the proposed shift is presented as either full disclosure, or maybe a threat.

11:35 — The morning agenda has been concluded.  The afternoon is orientation so I probably will not live blog that.  Maybe a post or two of other business, but live blogging will resume this evening for the Moderator election.