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
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