So, How Was General Assembly?

by Jane Hines

Some Presbyterians who didn’t go to Denver, and some who did, are asking, “What happened at General Assembly this year?”

There’s no one way to answer that question. It’s not so much what happened as it is what didn’t happen and what almost happened. It seemed to be a time for “Not yet” or “Not quite” or “Just barely.”

Look at some of the news stories coming from the Assembly. “In close vote, Assembly reaffirms every-other-year meetings.” (Just barely). “The 215th General Assembly on Thursday referred for further study proposals for two special offerings to support overseas mission personnel.” (Not yet). “In a close vote (276 to 219), commissioners voted to grant the Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity and Purity of the PC(USA) an exemption from the Assembly’s open-meetings policy.” (Just barely).

The Rev. Susan Andrews, pastor of
Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church in
Bethesda, Maryland, was elected moderator
of the 215th General Assembly.

The General Assembly on May 30th “deflected an overture that would have required the 173 presbyteries to vote for a third time in six years on whether to delete the so-called ‘fidelity and chastity’ provision from the Book of Order. Instead, the Assembly voted to approve a substitute motion that the matter be referred to the Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity and Purity of the PC(USA). The vote was 431-92. The maker of the motion said “Justice delayed may be justice denied, but decisions rushed are often decisions regretted.” (Not yet).

Calvin Standing Bear, Native American flutist, performed
to an impressive drum accompaniment during the Assembly’s
opening worship service on Sunday, May 25. Music for the service
was presented by a variety of groups, reflecting the Assembly’s
theme of “A House of Prayer for All Peoples.”

Commissioners voted to return the original 47-page report and the two-page substitute proposed during committee debate on the changing nature of American families to the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy. They are to report back to the Assembly next year. (Not yet).

But, then

On the other hand, there were some affirmations. Three public servants were honored as Women of Faith. Growing multi-culturalism and global involvements were acknowledged and even welcomed. Thousands experienced worship and music on a grand scale. The 215th General Assembly approved a churchwide strategy for ministry with Hispanic/Latino constituencies. The commissioners took action to strengthen partnerships between the denomination and its schools, colleges, and universities. It was reported that the new “We Believe” curriculum has received very positive feedback from field tests. Assembly business was conducted in an orderly, expert and caring manner by Moderator Susan Andrews and Vice Moderator Charles Easley. It was reported that “Peace reigned among General Assembly commissioners when they received the report of the Assembly Committee on Peacemaking.”

At the opening session on Saturday, May 24, commissioners were challenged to move beyond being “a church known for our fights.” Perhaps the 215th General Assembly actually took the first step in that direction. Stay tuned for the 216th Assembly in Richmond, Virginia, next year.