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
I have gotten feedback that this second link may cause trouble on some systems and it is being looked into.  Sorry about that

[My commentary will be in brackets]

Friday Afternoon, June 27, 2008
The 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

The afternoon opened with worship including a gospel choir from the area

2:35 PM — The meeting is gaveled to order and opened with prayer by an ecumenical delegate from the Philippines

2:37 — Greetings from the ecumenical delegates from Latin America

Committee 11 – Peacemaking and International Issues
Consent Agenda Approved

Item 11-32: Commissioner Resolution on Emergency Food Aid to North Korea
Ask to show a 5 minute video, Vice-moderator tells them to make it 3 minutes
Some discussion, especially will food aid make it and that this is a political problem
Passed on voice vote

Item 11-15 as amended: Support the Presbyterian Church in Zimbabwe
Prayer from a church representative of the church, especially considering the elections there today
Some discussion
Passed on voice vote

Item 11-18 as amended: Report on Human Rights in Columbia
Prayer from a church representative of the church
Amendment from the floor.  The clerk suggests that it would be better as two amendments.  The mover agrees since it will give him two chances to speak.
First amendment to strike section on “withholding military support”
Debate on the amendment: Progress of government versus desire for development instead of military aid
Voice vote no clear, Electronic: Advisory no; Commissioners no 75%

Second amendment that tries to emphasize the Columbia Free Trade Agreement and the negative role of the FARC
Debate on amendment
Leadership comment that it was their intention to have balanced comment
Voice vote fails, division of the house
Electronic: Advisory clearly no, including 100% ecumenical; Commissioners no 73%

Vote on the main motion:  Advisory strongly yes; Commissioners yes 77%

Item 11-21 be answered by 11-18
Electronic:  Advisory strongly yes; Commissioners yes 88%

Item 11-22:
No discussion
Vote by hand passes

Item 11-01: On Peace and Justice in Palestine and Israel
For – We can not be neutral in the face of injustice

Amendment – Delete Item 2 – Endorsing the Amman Call
This puts us in the position of endorsing one side in the conflict.
Staff points out that the Amman Call came out of the Christian churches in the region
Debate on bias versus prophetic voice
Move to call the question: Approved by voice vote
Electronic on the amendment: Advisory no; Commissioners no 61%

[Lunch is taking it toll and I’m ready for a nap]

Vote on the main motion: Advisory strongly yes; Commissioners yes 74%

Items 11-03 and 11-04 be answered by 11-01
No discussion
Approved on voice vote

Item 11-06: Voices for victims of violence in Israel and Palestine
No discussion
Approved on voice vote

Item 11-25: Be answered by 11-06
No discussion
Approved on voice vote

Item 11-28:
No discussion
Approved on voice vote

Item 11-26: On Middle East Peacemaking
Minority report
Item 11-26 is at odds with 11-01.  Minority report would put 11-26 in accord with 11-01, in fact it would just have 11-26 answered by 11-01

Commissioner points out that on 11-01 they moved quickly from the vote on the amendment to the vote on the main motion [they did]

Perfecting the main motion
Commissioner confusion about what is going on
Make that lots of commissioner confusion
Amendment to strike last paragraph because it is out of the purview of the GAC
[I missed what happened here to take care of some other business]
The main motion is declared perfected

The minority report is declared perfected

Shall the substitute motion be substituted for the main motion?
Vigorous debate
Move the question on this and all pending items
Cliff reminds them that there will be no more debate on this item
Debate closed on voice vote
Vote on substitute:  Advisory vote yes; Commissioners yes 60%
The minority report becomes the main motion

Vote on the main motion: Advisory vote yes by a wide margin; Commissioners vote yes 72%

Item 11-02:
Committee recommends disapproval
No discussion
Committee recommendation passes on hand vote

Item 11-07:
Committee recommends disapproval
No discussion
Committee recommendation passes on hand vote

4:31
Item 11-09
No discussion
Passes on voice vote

Item 11-11:
No discussion
Passes on voice vote

Item 11-17:
No discussion
Passes on voice vote

Item 11-10:  On building peace in Iraq
Minority report

Perfecting the main motion
Amendment to restore recommendation 5 – Original intent of overture was to make a statement about getting out of Iraq.  The majority report rewrote it and watered it down.  The minority report would water it down even further.
Debate: Member of committee expressed that the committee rewrote it because they felt the section was very one-sided and they wanted to restore balance.
Vote on amendment – electronic:  Advisory split, YAADs strongly no; Commissioners no 67%

Amendment – Change this from a spirit of “sorrow and confession” and replace with “humility”
Statement from mover but no other discussion
Voice vote too close, Electronic:  Advisory yes, most by only a little; Commissioners yes 69%

4:48
Amendment – Restoring to the majority report sections 5, 6, 7, and 8 that were struck by the committee
Motion to move all the previous questions.  Can not move that, only the current question because of nature of the substitute motion.
Debate closed on voice vote
Question asking to clarify the amendment
Electronic:  Advisory very close and split; Commissioners yes 61%

The main motion is perfected as amended

There is a motion to amend.  “It is out of order” “But I’ve been here a long time” “A motion to reconsider would be in order” “I move to reconsider”
Vote to reconsider:  Electronic: Advisory strongly no; Commissioners no 80%

The main motion is still perfected

Perfect the substitute motion
No amendments
The minority report is perfected

Shall the minority report become the main motion?
Debate:
Most Americans want out, don’t pull out and leave a power vacuum like Vietnam
Move the previous question?
Vote to substitute the minority report for the main motion:  Electronic: Advisory generally no; Commissioners no 58%

Final vote on main motion:  Advisory yes; Commissioners yes 76%

5:07
Motion to arrest the report of the committee.  Get some of the controversial stuff earlier
Committee moderator says that we are very close to the end of the committee report.
Motion to arrest fails on a vote by hand

Item 11-10 answer 11-08, 11-20, 11-24 passes on voice vote

Item 11-27: Report on MRTI
No discussion
Passed on voice vote

Item 11-29:  Answered by 11-27
No discussion
Passed on voice vote

Item 11-23: On divestment from Caterpill
ar and Motorola
Committee moves disapproval
Debate
Motion to call the question, passes on voice vote
Committee report passes on voice vote

Item 11-33 as amended: Commissioner Resolution on Peace with Iran
Amendment from the floor: Need to have the report communicated if it is to have impact so send it to the President
Amendment passes on voice vote
Another amendment made and withdrawn that would just do editorial work
Amendment passes on voice vote

The Peacemaking Program gives each commissioner and delegate a Liberian Cross.

This concludes the report of the Peacemaking Committee

Bruce resumes moderating.  One minute to stretch as you feel called
5:24
Twelve committees down, Three to go.

Committee 4 – Church Polity
Consent Agenda approved, including new status for several congregations to keep in your prayers

Item 04-01 as amended: Replacing “sympathy” with “empathy” for the deacons
Committee recommends “concern”
No discussion
Passes on voice vote

Item 04-02 as amended: Membership vows
No discussion
Passes on voice vote

Item 04-03: Accounting practices
Committee recommends disapproval with comment
No discussion
The committee recommendation passes on voice vote

Item 04-04: On meetings of the congregation and absentee voting
Committee recommends disapproval with comment
One speaker speaks in favor emphasizes “active” member
Committee recommendation passes on voice vote

Item 04-06 as amended:  Writing PJC decisions
A GAPJC member urges disapproval
No further discussion
Committee recommendation fails on voice vote
Motion to disapprove 04-06 made and passes on voice vote

Item 04-07:
No discussion
Passes on voice vote

Item 04-08 with comment: The definition of marrage
(Committee Moderator begins reading and then says that she has the wrong script)
Substitute motion from the floor: Assembly approve the original overture 04-08

No amendments to the main motion: the main motion is perfected

No amendments to the substitute motion:  The substitute motion is perfected

Shall the substitute motion become the main motion?
(lines forming at the microphones)
The committee worked hard and this is not the time for another controversy
Need to recognize loving relationships
Jesus taught against it
Homosexuality is a natural construct

Motion to recess for dinner (in the middle of debate: Advisory yes, except MAD no; Commissioners yes 89%

Announcements
Prayer for dinner
Back at 7:30 PST

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]

Friday Morning, June 27, 2008
The 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

8:20 AM
The activity in the whole conference center is significantly slower than other mornings.  It was a night long on business and short on sleep and it shows.  The tables for corresponding members are almost empty.  There are still a lot of empty seats at the commissioner area.  And the observer gallery is pretty sparse.

8:33 — We are gaveled to order and opened with prayer by the ecumenical delegate from Canada

8:35 — Bills and Overtures reports and proposes the docket for the day.  They also move to make commissioner speeches one minute.  Commissioners rise to ask that if they have to have shorter time that platform presentations also be limited.

Motion from the floor to reconsider the docket.  (That is a first for me.)
Voice vote close; Fails electronically, not really that close

8:42 — Still lots of commissioners filing in.  They are missing this excitement

Advisory delegate suggests 90 seconds for speeches since that is the only substantial input they have since they have no vote.

Move the previous question

Suggestion to limit speakouts to 5 minutes, Bruce thinks the will of the body is no speakouts.  A voice vote confirms that.

Motion to approve minutes.

Concludes the report of the committee

8:46
Per capita budget implications:  [The legal reimbursement money does not seem to be in there.  I’m not sure what is up with it then.  I misunderstood the results from last night.  The extra commitment opportunity fund was approved.]
Mission budget implications:

8:53 — Election of the Stated Clerk

Speak in order of nomination
Gradye Parsons:  It is about gifts given to and by people.  People who have used their gifts to serve the church.  Stories about faithful Presbyterians who used their gifts in the service of the church and the world.
The future of the church matters to him.  That is why he is standing for stated clerk. (Finished with almost a minute and a half of his time left.) [Nicely delivered.  Story telling style. Familiar but not lively.]

Ed Koster:  For the last two years has been discerning his call.  Has heard the church say they want a stated clerk where connectionalism is about relationship.  Who is even handed.  Who has everyone at the table of discernment.  Who will advocate for the poor and oppressed and fight racism.
Comes with experience and a grassroots view of the church.  A theological background. Boldness.
Conflict is not necessarily bad.  It indicates we are diverse and hold strong views.  Can lead to beneficial change.
Time for new eyes and new perspective.  Time to set a new course to do mission and ministry rather than fight over it.  Jesus Christ is alive and well in the PC(USA).
[Good speech.  Lively and engaging.]

William Tarbell:  Four dimensions of the stated clerk’s office.  Operational duties.  Uses a systems analysis approach to address issues.  [I think he just turned a lot of people off with “systems analysis”]  Promotion and education to speak to the church:  Experienced and even handed.  Ecumenical tasks:  Experienced, has done mission work around the world.  Pastoral: Heard a story about John Knox — Two teenagers who asked John Knox what to do with their lives?  “Turn your lives to the church.”  In our lives together we need to “love one another.”

Charles “Casey” Jones:  Have a funny name.  We Presbyterians have a funny name too.  As a child he thought all the other churches had funny names.  Stated Clerk needs to be a spiritual leader.  Permeate OGA with prayer.  Will do what the Book of Order says in an even handed manner.  Seek to narrow distance between local churches and Louisville.  Bring the OGA a heart and mind that will always ask how does what we do affect people at the local level.  Need to be connected and rooted in Jesus Christ.  It is the name of Jesus Christ who unites us.
[Good speech, well delivered, engaging. On topic and understandable.  That will help him greatly.  It may now be between Jones and Parsons.  We will see.]

Q&A
1)  How will you keep faith with a GA to communicate decisions with which you may disagree
Parsons: It is the duty of the Stated Clerk.  Will be diligent and faithful to what GA asks him to say
Koster:  As Presbytery Stated Clerk has had to do it and has done it faithfully.  Will continue to do
Tarbell:  The stated clerk is your servant.  Communications should be with care, accuracy and objectivity
Jones:  Stated clerk supports the GA whether you agree or not.  Agree with Bill that the clerk is your servant.

2)  Area most needed in international outreach
Koster:  Expand outreach to wider circle of churches and other interfaith groups
Tarbell: Develop extensive contacts with international brothers and sisters.  OGA not the only international presence in the PC(USA)
Jones:  Try to speak their language. They will do more for us than we will do for them.  Cross-pollinate.
Parsons:  There are over 700 reformed body on this planet.  We have a lot to learn from them.  Not just maintain ecumenical relationships but transform them.

3)  Last year the PC(USA) lost over 57,000 members, but most Hispanics know nothing of the Presbyterian Church.
Tarbell: Need to relate and generate enthusiasm (no specifics given)
Jones: Local presbytery encourages churches to have Christian groups meet there even if not Presbyterian.  Need appropriate flexibility like commissioned lay pastors.
Parsons:  Need to develop welcoming spirit to all visiting our churches.  Hispanics facing issues we can help address.
Koster:  There are plenty of connections with other groups we could develop.  Become a member of Christian Churches Together.
[Jones has been great about addressing back to the questioner.  Tarbell picked that up this question.]

4) Where do the candidates stand on the authority of Scripture and its applicability to today?
Jones:  It is an ordination vow.  Need to be congruent with the Jesus of scripture.  But our confessions form a big tent.  Need to recognize Jesus in our world today.
Parsons:  God’s great gift to us and should be our starting place.  The Book reads us as we read it.  Wrestling and struggling with God.
Koster: “I believe in Scripture.  All of it.”  What we tend to do is pick our favorite Scriptures and quote it all the time.  Rarely seen someone who rejects authority of Scripture.  It is the interpretation where we differ.
Tarbell:  “Scripture is God’s song.”  It is Holy and God’s Word and we will all have different points of view.  But taking the ordination vow we have all taken God’s song.

5)  Reflect on somewhere you might of failed and how it helped prepare you for this office.
Parsons:  “My mother is watching so I need to be careful.”  A number of years ago he had to “clerk” the call for a called GA
.  Hauled to the GAPJC because of it.  Learned to be transparent in what we do.
Koster:  Relationships with African Americans not as good as it could be in his presbytery.  Not as good as it could be.  Regrets that.  [Did not answer the application part of the question]
Tarbell: As a brand new pastor he got a call from a staff member that described symptoms that were red flags.  He was not proactive but referred her to counseling.  A couple of weeks later she ended her life.  Learned about the necessity of being proactive and pastoral.
Jones:  Sometimes God only gets your attention through pain.  He had an agenda for one of his churches and he pushed it too hard. Has developed two parts to his congregation over worship style.  Wait for the leading of the Holy Spirit

6)  How would you direct the nFOG to the next GA?
Koster:  This will require a great amount of study.  It could use testing but that overture rejected.  Will require a great deal of work.
Tarbell:  Has concerns.  Also not sure that two years will be enough.  Stated clerk can not stop it from coming back in two years, that is decided.  But a chance to find out who we are as Presbyterians.
Jones:  Shows a desire for a “breath of fresh air” to blow through the church. [Nice subtle push for new leadership]  I believe that if something is truly of God it keeps coming back.  Time is our friend not our enemy.
Parsons:  Need to read the current one and then engage the nFOG.  Like the “before and after” diet picture about what we would ideally like to be.  Need to let the Spirit work with us.  That can be scary.  Need to nail down “missional” theology.

7)  Our internal struggles has led to blind spots.  How would you address and change that?
Tarbell:  Could not agree more.  “When elephants fight the grass gets hurt.”  We have blind spots to mission and our spirituality.  The OGA needs to encourage due process to allow us to share together.
Jones: What are our children and grandchildren going to say about our blind spots.  Spoiling environment and global poverty.  OGA – Communion of the Saints include both the rest of the world as well as those before us.  Need to connect in confessions.
Parsons:  Those who disagree do agree on some things, and they fight because they have a hope for the church and what it can be.  Can not see the Christ in each other.  Need to come at these disagreements in different, fresh ways.
Koster:  Need a full view of what is around us.  Blind spots blind us from mission at our door.  We focus on who we are not the world around us.

8) There is fear about what is going to happen in the future of the church.
Jones:  “Fear not.”  As Christians we should not be afraid.  But there are things that should concern us.  Need to get into the love of Jesus.  [Didn’t really answer the question]
Parsons:  Every church has fear of not succeeding or driving people away.  But we are called to be the church and focus on Jesus because it is His church.  Where is our faith?  Get in the boat, go across the lake, there will be a storm, you will not die.
Koster:  Fear because it feels like we are coming unglued.  We have a great tradition and traditions and a great polity.  Sometimes these things don’t bring us together when they should.  Not getting along is also part of our tradition.
Tarbell:  Fear is our most destructive enemy.  Can rob us of faith.  The clerk needs to instill trust and confidence in those around us.  No thief can be successful in the face of Jesus Christ.

9)  In the midst of our divided and polarized church will you create an environment where they are respected and valued.
Parsons:  With 2.3 million people one person can not do it.  That is a people job for all of us.  Example of working together is the FOG Task Force who were people chosen that they can fight.  Need to remember that Jesus brings us together.
Koster:  We are not called to win, we are called to discern.  Need an orderly debate that gives respect to every individual.  It is the quality of the discussion and debate that we have.  Need to talk to each other.  Can begin it right now.
Tarbell:  Contact every interest group in the church and have them designate a contact person for the OGA. Need to be moments among us when we rise up and shake the hand of the persons around us and say “God bless you.”
Jones:  Like a kairos moment.  Talks about his experience of relationship with other congregations around them, one more conservative, one more liberal.

The Q&A time is over.
[I will have to back off my earlier assessment.  Based on the Q&A I think this is too close to call between Gradye and Casey.]

First Ballot
All advisory strongly for Parsons

Gradye Parsons is elected on the first ballot
Parsons: 405 votes, 57%
Jones: 176 votes, 25%
Koster: 110 votes, 15%
Tarbell: 21 votes, 3%

[I should not have made that comment above and I would have looked like a genius.]

With the usual light-show Gradye reenter the hall to applause

Service of installation.

Comments by Gradye including thanks to the other three.

10:36 — Two minute stretch

10:42 — Committee 5 – Church Orders and Ministry
Item 05-03:  Models of examination procedures
Passes

Item 05-18 answered by this passes

Prayer and singing before the controversial issues

Item 05-12: Authoritative Interpretation of G-6.0108 for proper application
The debate begins
This is a backdoor way to change the constitution
This allows us to keep together
Question about what this does to the Bush decision.  The clerk is only fielding process questions.  Defers to the ACC about constitutional questions.  ACC says that it should accomplish intent.  But will need to be tested
TSAD raises question about “partitioning the church” where his ordination may not be recognized by every presbytery.
Restores historic principle to disagree on non-essentials.  At the present time one standard raised above others
Imposes “red-state/blue-state mindset”
Call the question – Passes on voice vote
Vote on the main motion, Electronic: YAADs and MADs very close, TSADs strongly yes, EADs strongly no; Commissioners 53% yes
[I don’t have the numbers, but I think the YAADs were closer than that.]

Other items be answered by 05-12
05-01, 02, 04, 05, 07, 10
Passed on voice vote

Item 05-09 with comment:  Substituting a new paragraph for G-6.0106b
Minority Report
11:13
The church has not had time to live with the PUP report and the study guides.  Give the church more time to work with the process of discussion, understanding, and trust.  A new study guide was issued in early 2008.

Perfecting the main motion
Amendment to delete item 2 – The past AI’s are rendered moot
Debate on the amendment
Called the question on voice vote
Vote on the amendment: all no to varying degrees; Commissioners no 63%
Main motion is perfected

Perfecting the minority report
Can I ask a question about the main motion?  Bruce “You can start”
Question to the minority committee about their numbers.  They based some numbers on the number of Presbyteries that submitted overtures.  [False assumption in my opinion.  You can consider the issue without submitting an overture.]
Minority report is perfected

Shall the minority report become the main motion?
Yes – the people in the pews are not ready yet
No – We have discussed this too long already
Yes – The process of the discussion causes problems.  Unless we expect the outcome to be different this is not the
time to do it again.
No – It is time.  We have kept qualified people out for too long.
Yes – Need to engage presbyteries who have not engaged yet.
No – Need to be open to all
Yes – Need to better understand these issues
No – I know a GLBT person and they are real people with real calls from God
Yes – Need a strong witness to Biblical standards for sexuality.  We will send a shock wave through the church
No – The minority report is just a stalling tactic
Call the question and all previous questions.  YAADs didn’t quite make the 2/3.  Commissioners yes 74%
Debate is closed
Time of silence and Moderator’s prayer

Vote on substituting the minority report
YAADs 75% no, TSADs and MADs no; EADs Yes
Commissioners 54% no (319/375)

Motion to divide the motion ruled out of order
A bunch of parliamentary questions.  Several people feeling very disenfranchised because they missed their chance to do something thinking it would come later on.

Motion to reconsider
Clerk says it should be “Appeal the ruling of the chair” – Majority vote
Point of Order: The commissioner says the vote to call the question may be reconsidered
Clerk: Either way will accomplish the same thing
Sustain the ruling of the chair:  Advisory: Yes, Yes, Tie, No; Commissioners yes 56%

Question: the presbyteries still have to vote on it?  The change to the BOO goes to presbyteries.  The elimination of the AI’s would take place immediately

Vote on the main motion:  Advisory Yes, YAADs and TSADs 67%; Commissioners 54% yes.
(The hall is quiet, and then people start heading to the restrooms.)

11:55
this action answers 05-06, 08, 11, 13 passed on voice vote

(people headed for lunch as business continues)
Item 05-14:
No discussion
Passed on voice vote

Item 05-15:
No discussion
Passed on voice vote

Items 05-16, 17: (Identical in intent)
No discussion
Passed on voice vote

Thanks to committee
This concludes the committee report

Prayer

Announcement? None
Recess with prayer by a YAAD
12:02

Eleven of fifteen committees down, four more to go.

Worship after lunch.  Reports resume at 2:30. 
Back then

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]

FYI: Youth Advisory Delegates are now (or at the next GA) called Young Adult Advisory Delegates, YAADs.

Thursday Evening, June 26, 2008
The 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

7:58 PM
[Yes, I know I’m late, but I was having a great time of fellowship at dinner and stayed a bit longer.  But I made it back for the committee business.]

We have had Speakout and greetings from the ecumenical delegates from Asia.

Resume Committee 8 – Mission Coordination and Budgets
Our story so far…
Just before the dinner recess the Assembly voted, by a narrow margin, to reconsider 08-15 because a staff member’s comments after an amendment passed gave some of the commissioners second thoughts about the amendment.
The commissioners are now debating and asking about the availability of funds for congregational transformation.
Debate is closed by voice vote
We now revote on the previously approved amendment
Advisory have a split vote but YAADs and TSADs  were slightly against.  Commissioner vote against amendment by 58%
There are a couple of blue paddles raised.  The Vice-moderator calls on one
We’ve got the words but I don’t know where it goes.  The intent is to protect money that is supposed to be used only for New Church Development.
Point of order about were we not only considering the amendment?  Why are we revoting on the main motion?
The minutes are being checked
[Comment on the day over on the Scribblelive blog from Stephanie:  “Lets do th Hokey Pokey”]

GAMC Moderator says that the previously approved GAMC manual says that the necessary wording is already in place so this amendment is irrelevant.

Call the question and all pending questions, passed overwhelmingly on voice vote
Electronic voting: Advisory split, commissioners no 67%

Vote on the main motion: Advisory strong yes, commissioners 92% yes

8:23
Item 8-24: Budgetary and Finance Review Concerns
No discussion
Passed on voice vote

Item 8-25:  Group Wind and Hail Insurance
The committee recommends disapproval because the presbytery of origination has asked to do it instead in presbytery consultation and bring it to the 219th
Commissioners vote yes by 92%

Fourth Theme:  Mission Effectiveness

Item 08-22: Create a GAC Review Committee
No discussion
Passed on voice vote

Item 08-23: Evaluating the Standards of Review
No discussion
Passed on voice vote

Item 08-16: Review of GAC Advisory Committees
Questions about the current review processes
Amendment about composition of the review committee.
Apparently this exactly undoes the committee action and there is a question if this should have been done as a minority report.  A member of the committee says that she tried to file a minority report but was told to do it on the floor.
[The place is getting tired and punch-drunk.  This evening could get long]
The question is called, passed on voice vote
Electronic vote: Advisory mostly no; Commissioners vote no by 63%
Main Motion: Advisory vote yes except for ecumenical where yes and abstain tied; commissioners yes

Bills and overtures moves that all remaining commissioner speeches this evening be one minutes
Needs 2/3 to suspend the standing rules
Advisory yes, Commissioners passes with 81%

Item 08-21:  Trust relationships
This was the “shotgun wedding” of the GAMC and the Foundation over designation of funds.
Linda Valentine speaks and states this is acceptable to GAMC
Robert Leech agrees that the Foundation is on board
GAMC chair thanks committee for “being the church for them”
ACC representative in a long statement says that 08-21 is constitutionally sound

No discussion
Passed on a voice vote.

This concludes the committee report, the committee moderator thanks the committee and says they ran out of amendment forms twice.

8:54
General Assembly Nominating Committee
With 08-22 approval the Review Committee needs to be staffed
No challanges
Slate passed on voice vote

8:58
Committee 16 – Worship and Spiritual Renewal
Item 16-01: On reaffirming our common faith in Jesus Christ
No discussion
Approved on voice vote

Item 16-02: A Call to Seek God for the Spiritual Renewal of the Church
A couple of questions
No debate
Approved on voice vote

Report on how the committee worked using a communal discernment process:  Experience was a mixed bag.  A learning experience.  Two committee members walked out and did not return.  A YAAD really appreciated it.  Prior orientation or training would have been helpful.  A third-time commissioner said this was the least frustrating committee experience he’d had.

This concludes the report

9:09
Committee on Theological Education  (That is not a commissioner committee)
Presentation of the Committee on Theological Education Award for Excellence

9:14
Committee 3 – General Assembly Procedures
Consent Agenda approved

Item 03-14: Approval of Associate Stated Clerks
No discussion
Passed on voice vote

Item 03-07: Non-geographic presbyteries
Comments about the history of the proposal and the request for a non-geographic Korean language synod
TSAD speaks in favor of the item but urges the addition of a sunset clause.
No further debate
Passed on voice vote

Item 03-18: Continuation of Hanmi Presbytery
Comments by Committee Moderator
Same TSAD speaks in favor of a sunset clause
Committee member speaks about presbytery still having an influx of new immigrents.
Another speaker points out it is a temporary condition for congregations to transition.  A continuing need for it
Amendment to add a 10 year sunset clause
Commissioner from Hanmi argues that there should be no term limit and does not need to live as a “lame duck.”
Call the question, passed on voice vote
Voice vote: Advisory against, Commissioner against
Amendment to have a sunset clause on the congregations
[Got to be honest, I don’t understand this amendment.  Is it on the presbytery or the churches?  And the length of the sunset clause was not specified!]
Confusing wording does not matter, amendment fails on a voice vote
Vote on the main motion: Electronic: Advisory yes by a wide margin.  Commissioners yes 91%

Item 03-05: Flexible presbytery and synod membership
Committee recommends disapproval
No discussion
Committee recommendation passes on voice vote

Item 03-06: Evaluation of Synod Structure
Committee recommends disapproval
One speaker against, one clarification, One in favor because this will be part of the FOG review
Approved on voice vote

Item 03-20: Creating an office on healing from clergy sexual abuse.
View video
One commissioner who was a member of the San Francisco task force spoke about the need for healing
Another commissioner spoke about the need for resources for “alternative resolution” when a negotiated settlement is reached and there is no clear closure.
Passed on voice vote
One minute of silent prayer for the victims of abuse.

9:54
Item 03-21: Commissioner resolution about financial support for presbyteries’ legal fees on property issues
Allocate $50,000/presbytery for $2,000,000
This will increase the per capita by $0.92
Amend
ment – Add section 3 to create an extra commitment account
(people are lining up at the microphones)
Voice vote too close
Electronic: Advisory split; commissioners vote yes 60%
Debate on the main motion
One commissioner points out that they just could not spend $100,000 on healing abuse victims, has a moral problem now approving $2,000,000 on taking churches to court.
[This may be the quote of the day!]
Debate closed on a voice vote
Advisory vote is YAADs no, others yes; Commissioners 57% yes.

Item 03-09: Eliminate Mission funding in per capita by 2010
Committee recommends disapproval since no alternative plan was offered
One speaker against
Advisory delegates strongly yes, commissioners yes 82%

Item 03-08: On transferring items from the per capita to the mission budget
Committee recommends disapproval – Part of being Presbyterian is to be ecumenical
Debate about ecumenical activity
(Bruce is moving things along by suggesting calling the question)
Motion to call the question
Electronic: Advisory strongly yes; Commissioners yes 77%

Item 03-10 and 03-11:
Disapprove these items for the same reasons on 03-08
No discussion
Electronic vote:  Advisory delegates strongly yes; Commissioners yes 82%

Commissioner rises to criticize the Moderator for coercing debate by suggesting calling the question

Item 03-16 Recommendation 1: GA Per Capita Proposal
No discussion
Approved on voice vote

Item 03-16 #2-6
No discussion
Approved on voice vote

Item 03-16 #7
(rattling off line item amounts.  Any eyes that were not glazed over are now)
No discussion
Approve on voice vote
“The ayes are getting sleepier”

Item 03-03: Amending and suspending the standing rules
Committee recommends being approved as amended
[This is the amendment I missed so it is only amending but not suspending]
No discussion
Approved on voice vote

Item 03-22:
No discussion
Approved on a voice vote

Item 03-23: Publishing full audits
Committee recommends disapproval
Congregations need only publish that the audit has been done.  For PC(USA) the full audit would be substantial
Staff says that GAC/OGA publishes audits on web sites.  All others available if you want it
Amendment to publish electronically
Bruce points out that this motion is to disapprove, need to defeat this one first
Question called, passed on voice vote
Main motion passes on voice vote

Item 03-24: Amending standing rules
Committee recommends disapproval
No discussion
Committee recommendation passes on voice vote

Items for information on which the committee took final action

This concludes the committee report

(This concludes the afternoon docket.)

Bruce suggests one more committee.  Motion to plow on through.  Voice vote close

Committee 14 – Review of GA Permanent Committees.

Item 14-01 #1
Question about jumping around item numbers (this is a question that has been waiting a while and relates to the previous committee report)
No discussion
Passed on voice vote

Item 14-01 #2
No discussion
Passed on voice vote

Item 14 Recommendations 1 #1-4
No discussion
Passed on voice vote

Item 14 Recommendation 2
No discussion
Passed on voice vote

Item 14 Recommendation 3
No discussion
Passed on voice vote

Item 14 Recommendation 4
No discussion
Passed on voice vote

Item 14 Recommendation 5
No discussion
Passed on voice vote

Item 14 Report #3 Recommendation #1
No discussion
Passed on voice vote

Item 14 Report #3 Recommendation #2
Question where to find it on PC-biz?
No discussion
Passed on voice vote

There was a lot of confusion if this can be found on PC-biz
None of us in the gallery could find it.

about 500 motions to recess.  About the same number of seconds
Closing prayer
Recessed – Back in the morning

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

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

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