Greetings,

   Well, the GA of the Presbyterian Church (USA) is off and
running.  I was still on vacation for the first day so my comments
on the election of the moderator are  purely from news reports and
commentary on other web sites.

From reading all the press reports I think that I am personally
comfortable with Joan Gray and her comments that she “doesn’t have all
the answers but trusts God to lead” and that she is “comfortable being
uncomfortable” with the current status of the ordination
standards.  Being a self-described “polity wonk” she should be
right in line with us “GA Junkies.”

I am not sure what to read into the tea leaves of the elections. 
From Deborah Block’s lead on the first ballot it is tempting to think
the assembly has a slightly liberal leaning.  Or, is there a
conservative leaning since the liberal votes seemed to be consistant
for Block and the centrist and conservatives moved around between the
other three.  However, based on my observations from past GA’s the
election of a moderator has some predictive status but not much. 
Taking a “theology neutral” view and looking at only the candidates’
experience seems to make sense in this case.  The three ballots
came out like this.  (First and third ballots from PC(USA) press
release.  Thanks to the Layman for the Second Ballot numbers)

From reading through the candidates’ materials it strikes me that while
all four are parish pastors (WHERE ARE THE ELDERS?!)  Block and
Gray have national experience and exposure.  Based on that alone I
can see them pulling votes from Halverson and Carson.  But only
Gray really draws, Block’s vote variation is minimal.  What
resonated with me, and what I would attribute to her being the eventual
sucessful candidate, is her honesty with her stance on the ordination
standards debate and her statement that she is “comfortable being
uncomfortable” with the denomination’s present position and seeking in
this controversy.  I’m probably wrong but she strikes me as being
more in line with the average person in the pew than any of the other
candidates.

Well, we will see how she does when the plenary begins tomorrow.  I’ll be watching.  Add your comments if you want.

Coming up, an analysis of the committee work.

Peace and blessings