Agreeable Disagreement

The last two days of the 219th General Assembly have been rigorous, physically and mentally. Sitting for eight hours plus each day is a challenge for even the most able sitters in the crowd. If that weren't difficult enough, keeping one's focus on the business at hand, which often includes highly emotional and contentious issues, can be mentally and emotionally exhausting. Still, it is inspirational to watch the process of discernment and decision-making for which Presbyterians are known. It is evidence of collaboration at its best. If we weren't already well versed in the fine points of Robert's Rules of Order, we couldn't help but have learned them by the end of this assembly. We became very adept at substitute motions and the order in which we perfect and discuss things. I was impressed with how engaged Presbyterians can be both in the issues that demand justice for the least of these and in the finer points of Presbyterian polity, such as authoritative interpretation! (Interpreting the constitution) Our elected commissioners have been stellar in their commitment to this orderly and rigorous process.

Among the hot button issue that were debated in the last couple of days was the ordination of gay and lesbian people. This issue has returned to the table each General Assembly for the last several years. As one who as participated in and observed the process of resolving this issue for many years, I am feeling that we still have a long way to go. The assembly did vote to send a change in the constitution to the Presbyteries that would change the direction in the book of order, changing the qualification for ordination from fidelity and chastity to living a life that is under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. It is once again up to the presbyteries to reject or accept this change.

The status of marriage and civil unions was also an intensely discussed issue. The committee recommended a study paper brought forth from a group that was appointed at the last General Assembly. A minority report that gave different language and biblical references was also offered. In an unusual result, both the majority recommendation AND the minority report were accepted, to be taken together for study and conversation among Presbyterians. The assembly was also not ready to make a statement on marriage of same gender persons and instead referred all such calls for statements back to the study papers. While this decision was made, I believe in the spirit of keeping unity in the church, which is widely split on the definition of marriage, it causes great concern for those who are being denied the right to marry and to those ministers in states where same gender marriage is legal, and thus 

need more direction from their church as to what their pastoral function should be.

The Middle East Study Paper on Israel and Palestine was approved with amendments, by the assembly. It drew quite a bit less discussion then the issues on human sexuality. Perhaps one reason there was comparatively less discussion was that the committee that brought it had been unanimous in its endorsement of the paper. This too is a very contentious issue, which has draw much emotional reaction. However, somehow, the committee was able to make wording changes that still kept the original intent of the document. The writers of the document were among the greatest defenders of the amended one that passed. Related conversations regarding the denouncement of Caterpiller and its actions in supplying equipment that causes harm to Palestinian people brought more discussion. The assembly affirmed this denouncement, which means that the PCUSA is still engaged in conversation with Caterpiller and is not at this point divesting in the stock which we own in it.

Other issues on the floor of the assembly included immigration, the wars in Iraq and Afganistan, the funding of Presbyterian Health and Welfare ministries and coalitions, and the funding of Presbyterian Youth Volunteer sites and programs. I felt that the commissions engaged whole heartedly in each issue, and as much as possible gave their full attention and consideration.

I will look with interest at how those outside the assembly and outside the church interpret and attend to the work that has been done this past week. I hope that what is noticed, more than that we disagree with one another, is that we disagree and such a way that we are talking to each other, praying with each other, listening to each other, and above all, trying to listen to God in all of this. What was considered and decided will be the basis of conversation and action in the church and outside the church for many months to come.

As we prepare to return to the communities where we live and serve Christ in our daily lives, those of us who have participated in the 219th General Assembly can't help but be changed at least in a small way. Please pray for safe travels for all those traveling home today

"There is One Body and One Spirit"

An ecumenical service of worship and Holy Communion was held on Wednesday morning in the sanctuary of Westminster Presbyterian Church. It's sanctuary is large enough to hold a huge crowd of General Assembly worshippers. Rev. Timothy Hart-Anderson began the service with a welcome, and the introduction of one of the members of Westminster who was to say a few words to us. To my surprise this member of the church was former Vice President and Ambassador to Japan, Walter Mondale. It was a thrill to be greeted by him. 

The hymns were a combination of English, Korean, and Spanish songs. Worship leaders included people from other denominations in this country and abroad. The Minnesota Boy Choir led with the call to worship and anthems. During the offering, African Harmony, a Twin Cities ensemble committee to sharing and preserving Africa's heritage of song and days offered the song, "Yawe na bibele" (Lord of All Creation). The preacher was Peg Chemberlin, minister in the Moravian Church and Executive Director of the Minnesota Council of Churches and President of the National Council of Churches of Christ. Her message was a clear call to be in relationship and to be one with ALL sisters and brothers in Christ, which we all know is much harder to live out than to say. Her words rang in my ears as I joined all the other Presbyterians in the deliberations on in the first plenary session of the General Assembly after lunch.

The afternoon and evening General Assembly sessions held some momentous decisions which have the capacity to bring huge changes in our denomination. The Committee on Theological Issues and Institutions presented an overture to appoint a committee to produce a new translation of the Heidleberg Catechism, which is a part of our Book of Confessions. A few years ago, Dr. Jack Rogers challenged the General Assembly to take a look at this catechism, as there appeared to be some glaring mistranslations from the original German. This might have bearing on what we say we believe. A committee of scholars was appointed to take a look at it, and they reported to this General Assembly that indeed there were over 100 errors in translation that they had found. The recommendation to produce a new translation, which is also updated in inclusive language was approved on the floor. This new translation will be brought to the 220th General Assembly to be approved for inclusion in the Book of Confessions.

The last Confession that was added to our Constitution was shortly after the reunion of the Northern and Southern branches of the church, in 1986. This was the Brief Statement of Faith. Aside from the Confession of 1967, there are no confessions which address the sin of racism in our Book of Confessions. There are also no confessions that originated in the southern hemisphere of the world, where the majority of Christians in the world live at this time. The Belhar Confession came out of the fall of apartheid in South Africa and it addresses racism in church and society. It also is about living faithfully with others with whom we experience cultural and theological differences. It is timely for the world inwhich we now live. The General Assembly approved the inclusion of this confession into the Book of Confessions. It will now be sent to the Presbyteries to also approve by a two thirds majority vote in the coming year. This will be a chance for our Presbytery to study and discuss this confession and its implications for our lives of faith, and perhaps to take a look at our entire confessional heritage.

Finally, toward the end of the day, the new Revised Form of Government (FOG)was debated. The committee had recommended approval with the amendments they had proposed. A substitute motion was given that would have made this proposal a study document only and not allowed it to replace our present form of government. It was an emotional debate. Presbyterians really love their polity, it is so basic to who we are. I especially felt the emotion sitting among the stated clerks, many who are life-long Presbyterians who are so expert in their knowledge and functioning with the Book of Order. In the end, a large majority of commissioners voted to approve the new form of government and send it on to the presbyteries for approval. It appears that we have our work cut out for us -all of us. In the coming months, we all need to learn about the new form of government so that when we vote to approve it or not, we can make an informed choice. If FOG is approved by the presbyteries it will be a new structure (with so many of the time honored undergirdings still intact) that we will be living into.

Please pray for our church and the spirit of change that is upon us. 

Commissioners (and the Holy Spirit) at Work

The commissioners to the 219th General Assembly have completed the committee part of their work. Monday and Tuesday were intensely committed to deliberating over the overtures to the General Assembly that had been assigned to the 19 different committees. These overtures came to the General Assembly from many of the Presbyteries across the nation. There were also reports from various tasks forces appointed by past General Assemblies that were considered by the committees. 

An overture advocate was sent by each Presbytery that submitted an overture to explain and commend it. In each committee where it was appropriate, open hearings were also held. Anyone could sign up to speak for two minutes for or against a specific overture or report. In the committee on which Judy Hubbard served, Middle East Peacemaking Issues, 160 people signed up to testify. Since there was not enough time alloted for that many speakers, a lottery system was utilized, insuring that that there were equal numbers of speakers for or against a certain overture or report.

At the end of the open hearings the committees began deliberating on the recommendations of each report or overture. Sometimes, the process could become laborious, as amendments, amendments to the amendments, or substitute motions were made in efforts to perfect the work and the thinking of the group. Some times, commissioners found themselves surprised at how their opinions had changed on an issue after working with their group over two days. 

I was witness to two of the nineteen committees during these days. I found the process and final result that each committee came to be an inspiring thing. The Committee on Middle East Peacemaking issues was considering a controversial report of the Middle East Study Committee. It drew a number people who came to testify or observe like myself. It seemed to me that coming to a decision on whether to approve the report and send it on to the floor of the General Assembly would be difficult, time consuming, and maybe impossible. On Monday night, a small group of commissioners from the committee stayed up all night, in order to carefully go over all the wording in the report and see that the language of it was as neutral as possible, yet speaking the truth of it to Israel. The results of their labors, was an amended document that received a unanimous vote of approval from the committee! This is a pretty unusual outcome for Presbyterians!

I also observed the end of the deliberation process for the Committee on the New Form of Government. This is also a controversial document within the church as it will change the way we get things done. Stated Clerks are especially concerned about the outcome of this deliberation and the changes it may produce. I entered the room, just as the committee was in conversation  as to whether to approve the New Form of Government plan with the amendments they had made and send it on to the floor of the General Assembly, or whether, to simply keep the conversation going in the church for now and not make any changes. The YAADs or Young Adult Advisory Delegates seemed to have had a big influence on this committee. They were thanked for keeping the committee aware that changes will have to be made to allow the Spirit to work in the future church and for growth and creativity to occur. A number of people expressed how their minds had been changed during the conversation and that they believed that now was the time to take a communal risk for change. The report was approved by a large majority.

After an evening and morning's break, these and all overtures and reports will go to the plenary sessions in the next few days. along with the recommendations of each of the committees that dealt with them. It will be fascinating to see how the entire body of commissioners receives, changes, or rejects them. This will not be the end of the process for those overtures that make changes to the Book of Order or the Book of Confessions. These will be sent on to the Presbyteries for their approval or not in the coming year. 

All of the commissioners, except our YAAD, who was spending the evening with the other YAADs at the Mall of America, met to break bread together and relax for awhile at a local Italian place which served us family style. Included in the group were also other members of the presbytery who have been drawn here as staff, former staff, observers, representatives of affinity groups, and GA enthusiasts.  It was a good evening to celebrate.

Please give thanks for the work of the Holy Spirit and our committed commissioners for what has happened among us so far. 

Opening Worship on the 4th of July

The opening worship of the 219 General Assembly, held in the Minneapolis Convention Center was an awesome, inspirational way to come together and prepare of the week of meetings ahead of us. The landscape and variety of cultural groups that make up Minnesota Presbyteries was richly reflected in this moving service. The worship was scheduled to be two hours in length. That seems like an unreasonably long time for most Presbyterians, even those of us who love to worship. However, as the postlude was playing, I glanced at my watch for the first time and was surprised to realize that more than two hours had passed. The opening processional was spectacular. It followed the call to worship with prayers and liturgical dance relating to the four directions from which all the people gathered had come. The prayers were offered by native American speakers. The procession followed with banners and masked participants, including the buffalo, eagle, sun, moon and stars and many others. The opening hymn was " All Creatures of Our God and King." Prayers and readings were offered by a variety of local Presbyterian leaders. The sermon was given by outgoing moderator, Bruce Reyes Chow. He is such a strong advocate for moving the church to make room for younger people. A baptism followed. Tears flowed as we welcomed a young child into the family of God. Her African American congregation gathered round her as the waters of baptism flowed over her head. Communion followed. Serving several thousand people in such a short time was nothing short of a miracle. The music throughout the service was varied in style and cultural perspective, but it all fit together into magnificent praise. We were sent out, with God's Spirit to do our work and meet together.

Committees began meeting on Sunday afternoon. Many of the commissioners are feeling quite overwhelmed by the daunting task ahead of them. Much of Sunday afternoon was spent in getting to know the other members of a particular committee and being oriented to the work that was ahead of them.

The evening was dedicated to enjoying the celebration of Independence Day. Those wishing to celebrate with the crowd waited in long lines at a couple of the hotels to board buses which took us to Nicholette Island, in the middle of the Mississippi River, which flows between Minneapolis and St. Paul. Dinner was being served in and beside the pavillion  as we arrived on the Island. We got in line in order to get in line for our dinner. Walleye, Minnesota Rice Salad, Corn on the Cob, and Watermelon slices were worth the wait. Entertainment and strolling the island were options for the following evening's activities. Familiar faces began to appear in the crowd and cheerful conversation abounded. Before we knew it dark had fallen. Chairs were carried on to the grass and the boom of fireworks exploded over our heads. Afterwards, buses were waiting to take weary revealers back to their hotels. Monday morning and committee meetings would be here sooner than we would be ready for it. 

Please pray for the health and well being of all the commissioners.

The Work of the Holy Spirit

The 219th General Assembly brings together 712 elected commissioners from every Presbytery in the nation. The gathering also includes 173 YAADs, or Young Adult Advisory Delegates, 25 TSADs, Theological Seminary Advisory Delegates from the Presbyterian-related seminaries, 8 Missionary Advisory Delegates, 15 Ecumenical Advisory Delegates. These are the people attending the General Assembly upon whom rests the responsibility to discern God's will together relating to a variety of issues and concerns facing the church and the world today. In the plenary session, the people, mentioned above sit in a dedicated area altogether in approximate alphabetical order by Presbytery. The Cascades contingent are seated just about in the middle section in the first two rows. They get an up-close perspective on the action.

Others who are attending this gathering sit further back. There are designated sections for the presbytery and synod executives and another section for the stated clerks. Though in the back corner, my assigned seat IS in the front row of the section, and a pretty good place to view things. In back of all the designated representatives sit the observers in the bleachers. People have come from north and south and east and west, just to observe the goings on and meet old friends and colleagues. It's all a part of the tradition. One doesn't have to look far to find a long lost friend. Sitting in the lobby of the convention center for a few minutes or strolling through the exhibition hall is the best way to discover familiar faces.

Volunteers from three local presbyteries have labored for a few years to make this gathering a reality. The Committee on Local Arrangements or COLA, consists of 200 volunteers and 2000 volunteers. Right now they are all working intensely and in a dedicated way to make sure everything goes smoothly and that all attenders feel welcome. It is most appropriate that the theme of the Assembly is "Out of a believer's heart shall flow rivers of living water." Minnesota is a land of many waters. Legend has it that it is the land of 10,000 lakes, but more accurately, it is 15,000 plus. The name Minnesota is based on the Native American Dakota word "minisota," meaning "water that reflects the sky." In the first plenary session on Saturday,

 those in attendance were greeted by those Presbyterian Minnesotans who have been planning and preparing for us.

The other major item of business for the first day of the assembly is the selection of a new moderator, who will lead the meeting in the days to come and be a spokesperson for the church in the next two years. Bruce Reyes-Chow, Moderator of the 218 General Assembly, and who is a member of San Francisco Presbytery presided over the evening. Bruce is affectionately known as the "techie" Moderator, as he pastors a church made up of mostly 20 and 30 somethings and advocates and uses tweeting, facebook, and other social media to connect with people and spread the gospel.

There were 6 very qualified people who have felt the call of the Spirit to serve as Moderator of the 219th General Assembly. I felt that I would have been pleased to have any one of them as moderator of my church. They were each introduced in a speech by an advocate, then they were each given time to speak for themselves. After that there was a question/answer period where each was given the opportunity to respond to questions of the commissioners. Having six well spoken candidates go through this process, took a great deal of time, but after we'd heard all of them speak several times, we began to get an idea of who each one was. Finally the voting began. Commissioners and Advisory delegates vote with a wireless voting device. Unfortunately, on this first run of the system, things didn't go very smoothly. Many were not getting their votes registered. The evening went on with the trials of an electronic system. The rule is that a candidate does not win unless they achieve a majority of the votes. 

When the system's glitches finally seemed to be worked out, it took two votes before one person finally received 51% of the vote. That candidate was Elder Cynthia Bolback, the only elder in the group of about half men and women. She is from the National Capital Presbytery and has been a part of the task force working on the new form of government (FOG). It seemed to me that she will very ably moderate the meetings of the General Assembly with seriousness, polity expertise, and a quiet but appealing wit. It seemed that all was chaos for much of the process, but the end result, it seemed was actually a work of the Holy Spirit. With the announcement of the election results the tired crowd came to life again to celebrate and pray for this new leader. Among her supporters on stage was a life size- cardboard figure of John Calvin. Even this ancient founder was on hand it spirit to celebrate with the church.

Please pray for our new moderator, Cynthia Bolback as she begins her important service to the church this week.

Breaking Down the Walls

One of the items of business that the 219th General Assembly will be considering is the report of the Middle East Study Committee, which was commissioned to undertake a comprehensive study of the Israel/Palestine conflict that included the perspectives of three faith traditions (Christian, Jewish, and Muslim) and took into consideration geographical, historical, political, and theological perspectives. The Middle East Study Committee was made up of Presbyterians with diverse perspectives themselves. The report as it now stands is available on the PCUSA website.

On Friday evening, July 2, the Middle East Study Committee sponsored an event called "Shalom, Salaam, and Peace: One Hope, Two Peoples, Three Faith Traditions." This event gave General Assembly attenders a chance to hear first hand, the perspective of religious people who live in Israel and Palestine. Two of the three speakers who were invited to come spoke eloquently of their experiences and understandings. His Excellency Avraham Burg, former member and Speaker of the Knesset; Israeli Cabinent Minister, and Former Chairperson of the Jewish Agency for Israel and active peace maker began the conversation. One of his points was to warn Americans that increasing isolation of Israel in the world political arena is counter productive. He also said that both Palestinians and Israelis must move from trauma (which both have experienced in their histories and in an on-going way, to finding a way to develop trust.

Dr. Allan Jarrar, a Muslim Palestinian and Director of Community Based Rehabilitation, Palestinian Medical Relief Society, was unable to attend this gathering, but he sent his remarks for participants to read. Among his remarks were an overriding concern that grave violations of Palestinian human and socioeconomic rights, both personal and collective have persisted. He believes that a peaceful end to the ongoing conflict should be based on UN General Assembly and Security Council resolutions and that the international community is responsible for enforcing these resolutions.

The second speaker of yesterday's meeting was The Reverend Dr. Mitri Raheb, Pastor of Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church, Bethlehem, West Bank and Founder and President of Diyar Consortium and International Center of Bethlehem. Mr. Raheb began his comments saying that "We have too many peace-talkers and not enough peacemakers. Talk is one thing, but the facts on the ground are more important." The facts on the ground for the Palestinians are grim. He says, "The occupation is not philosophical, but it is existential." He also feels that the problem between Israel and Palestine has nothing to do with American Jewish/Christian dialogue. He challenged Presbyterians to put their faith into action. He said, "Hope is what we do, and there is so much to be done."

Both speakers were given the opportunity to respond to one another's comments and to questions from the audience. One basic difference between the two appeared to be the option of boycott. Mr. Burg feels that American policy that boycotts Israel is counterproductive and unhelpful. Mr. Raheb states that the Palestinians are already heavily boycotted economically by Israel and that this is a viable option for peace supporters to take against Israel as a form of non-violent resistance. Both have larger visions for peace beyond a two state solution, and both agree that unjust systems on both sides need to be addressed in order for Jesus' vision of abundant life for all peoples to be a reality.

No Cascades Commissioners have been assigned to the Committee which will be considering this report, however, I will try to attend this committee meeting as much as possible to watch the testimony and discussion. This report may prove to be one of the most noticed pieces of business to come from this assembly. In whatever form it takes after going through the Presbyterian committee and plenary process, this document is not considered official policy of the PC(USA), but a faith witness and basis for ongoing Presbyterian engagement and action towards justice and peace. Prayers for all peoples involved are needed. 

The 219th General Assembly Begins

Welcome to Minneapolis! Welcome to the 219 General Assembly of the PCUSA! There are so many ways that commissioners and other participants are already being made to feel welcome as this biennial gathering of Presbyterians begins to get underway. Downtown Minneapolis is an ideal site for this meeting. The convention center is easily accessible from the airport and is very close to the major hotels and eateries of the city. Only a block or so away from the center is Westminster Presbyterian Church, host of a number of activities and gatherings during this event. Minneapolis is a beautiful and inviting city.

I have had the opportunity to do some exploring of the city's streets, parks and labyrinth of skyways (enclosed walkways between buildings)already this week. As the newest stated clerk of the group, I arrived a few days before the beginning of General Assembly to attend the Association of Stated Clerk's pre-assembly meeting, which was held at Westminster Presbyterian Church. I found the stated clerks to be an extremely knowledgeable and dedicated group of individuals, upon whom I know I will depend as colleagues as I begin my service to the Presbytery of the Cascades. During this meeting, the clerks met with a number of individuals from the national offices of the General Assembly to learn more about the issues which will be considered at the assembly and how the possible changes to the constitution will affect the workings of our presbyteries and other governing bodies. The highlight of the gathering for me was meeting and getting to know the other clerks, and especially the times of worship and prayer.

Today is the day that the commissioners and others begin arriving. The registration at the Convention Center began early this morning. The Presbytery of the Cascades is represented by a great group of people this year, coming from across our Presbytery. Our commissioners and the General Assembly committees on which they will serve include Rev. David Hampton, Mission Coordination,  Elder Tracy Cerri, Civil Uniion and Marriage Issues, Rev. Aleida Jernigan, Bills and Overtures, Elder Verne Duncan, Peacmaking and International Issues, Rev. Audrey Schindler, Social Justice Issues A: Promotions of Social Righteousness, Elder Judy Hubbard, Middle East Peacemaking Issues. Rev. Richard Christensen, Social Justice Issues B: Exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven, Elder Claudia Eagle, Church Growth, Christian Education Investment & Loan Program, and Young Adult Advisory Delegate, Jaclyn Hill, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations. My hope is that as the Assembly progresses, each one will contribute some of their experience and insight to this blog to share from collective perspectives. Also representing Cascades Presbytery is Rev. John Mahon, one of our co-executive presbyters. I am aware that other members of Cascades Presbytery are also attending as visitors, and as I see them, I will try to mention them here as will as the perspectives they bring to the whole.

 The theme of the assembly this year is "Out of the Believer's Heart Shall Flow Rivers of Living Water" (John 7:38. ) Our worship at the Stated Clerk meeting and the worship of the Assembly in the coming week will reflect that theme. To prepare for the Assembly worship, participants were asked to bring a small amount of water from their local rivers, lakes, and streams. My contribution will be water from the Willamette River that flows through my neighborhood, a few blocks from my house. I hope this water gathered from all of our peoples will represent a coming together in unity in Jesus' name, a remembering of our common baptism, and a pouring out of the Holy Spirit upon this gathering. 

Please include the General Assembly and all those I have mentioned here in your prayers this week. I look forward to sharing this time with you