The 132nd GA of the Presbyterian Church in Canada was held in St. Catharines June 4-9, 2006.  As noted in an earlier post one of the notable events was the naming (their term) of Wilma Welsh as moderator, the first layperson to serve in that position. 

   The next day there was a recommendation by the “Clerks of Assembly” to not allow ruling elders as interim moderators of churches.  From the GA report it seems that it was not just to moderate session, like elders serving on, or who have served on COM, can do in the PC(USA), but rather to serve in an interim pastoral capacity.  This would be equivilant to a commissioned lay pastor in the PC(USA) even possibly being authorized to administer the sacraments.

   The daily report talks about a “lengthy discussion” about providing sanctuary.  The GA adopted the following:

“Should a congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Canada, desiring in obedience to God’s word and its own conscience, may offer sanctuary to an asylum seeker whose claim for refugee status has been rejected and who faces a risk of persecution if returned to his/her country of origin, they may consider the following as appropriate steps to follow:
1. have an independent review of the evidence provided by the asylum seeker that confirms the risk
2. have exhausted all of the legal and political recourses as outlined in this statement;
3. have followed the decision making procedures of The Presbyterian Church in Canada.”

   Much of the debate seems not to be about polity issues that seem to be the focus of denominations like the PC(USA) but about church and society issues like aids and sustainable development.  In the coming year there will be a focus on global health and the concern about getting affordable medication to developing countries will be brought up with the Canadian Government and corporations.

   Short notes:  The GA was introduced to an annual theme for the church “Year of Sabbath” which will be launched church-wide in Advent.  During the Year of Sabbath each congregation will be encouraged to participate in at least one weekend long spiritual retreat.  The GA celebrated the 40th anniversary of the ordination of women to both the office of teaching elder and ruling elder.  The moderator, Wilma Welsh, ordained in 1967, was one of the first women ordained.

For more information, reports, presentations, and pictures you can go to the PCC General Assembly Page