Report on the 220^th General Assembly - Pittsburgh, PA. June 30^th to July 7^th, 2012

By: Reverend Doctor Jim Weldon, Jr.

The 220th General Assembly (2012) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) met in Pittsburgh, PA from June 30^th to July 7^th. It is the highest council of the PC(USA) denomination. Just under 900 elected commissioners and advisory delegates from every presbytery in our country gathered together to try to discern the mind of Christ for the PC(USA). The assembly addressed roughly 800 items of business in the form of overtures, reports, commissioner resolutions, and more. (Go to: www.pc-biz.org, to read about each item of business.) Here are the highlights of the actions taken by the assembly and my comments in blue below:

Definition of Marriage - The Civil Unions and Marriage Committee recommended for approval to amend the PC(USA) constitution to change the definition of marriage from "a man and a woman" to "two persons." The Assembly chose not to change the current definition of marriage that is in the PC(USA) constitution. (The final vote was: 308 in favor 48% and 338 against 52%). 

• The assembly also rejected a report that would re-affirm the traditional Biblical understanding of marriage, in an effort to try to clarify the alleged "uncertainty" in our constitution about the definition of marriage. The report stated: "Our Confessions, based on their understanding of Scripture, define Christian marriage as a union of one man and one woman. Any redefinition of marriage should recognize the confessional nature of the definition and should be preceded by careful and prayerful formal confessional amendment process."  After additional debate, this report failed by 40% to 60% (266-397).
• Instead, the assembly approved a two-year study and invited the entire church to engage in serious, deliberate conversation on this issue regarding the meaning of Christian marriage.
• The assembly voted down overtures to allow teaching elders (pastors) to conduct marriages for same sex couples in states where that is legal. 
• It is interesting to note that before these issues were even discussed, a homosexual Elder was chosen to preach in the worship service before the proceedings.

Jim's Comments - I find it inconceivable that the Civil Unions and Marriage Committee would recommend for approval to amend the PC(USA) constitution to change the definition of marriage from "a man and a woman" to "two persons." Even though this amendment was defeated, the vote was too close for comfort. (Yes 308, 48% and No 338, 52%).  Furthermore, it is unfathomable that the assembly would reject a report that would re-affirm the traditional Biblical understanding of marriage as a covenant between a man and a women. Instead, the assembly approved a two-year period for us all to "study" the meaning of Christian marriage. I believe that this is code for - "we don't have enough votes to change the definition of marriage from a man and women to two people this year. Let's wait a two years and try again."

The good news is that the assembly voted down overtures to allow teaching elders (pastors) to conduct marriages for same sex couples in states where that is legal. However, in states where same sex marriage is legal, Presbyterian pastors are already signing marriage licenses. In fact, the woman who was elected Vice Moderator to this year's Assembly, resigned because she confessed to having signed a marriage license for a lesbian couple.  

Lastly, that the General Assembly would deliberately choose to have a homosexual Elder preach in the worship service before discussion on these issues even began, seems to display an intentional bias and an emotional and spiritual manipulation.

Same Sex Practice - In addressing the issues of, "Is same-sex practice right or wrong, according to the Bible?" the Assembly decided that the various interpretations of scripture are just too confusing. There was an amended overture from Sacramento Presbytery that read in part, "We decline to take an action that would have the effect of imposing on the whole Presbyterian Church (USA) one interpretation of Scripture in this matter" of "what the Scriptures teach concerning the morality of committed, same-gender relationships." The best the General Assembly could do was to declare formally that "Scripture is too confusing, too subject to varied interpretations to unite around to decide matters of same-sex sexual morality."

• An opposing report which would give form to the standards in G-2.0104b, stated: "These standards are found in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as interpreted by the confessions of the church and include the commitment to live a chaste and disciplined life, whether in holy marriage between a man and a woman or in single life." This minority report would have returned the church to a Biblical standard for ordination, but that very fact caused enormous opposition that led to a 71% no vote for the minority report. Obviously, the Assembly was not at all ready to re-embrace Biblical standards of sexuality.

Jim's Comments - The Bible could not be clearer on same sex practice. The Bible contains 9 specific references to same sex practice.

• 4 in the Old Testament: Genesis 19:1-25; Judges 19:22-30; Leviticus 18:22; and Leviticus 20:13 and
• 5 in the New Testament: Romans 1:24-28; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Timothy 1:8-11; 2 Peter 2:6-10; and Jude 7.

It should be pointed out that what the Bible condemns is not personality traits such as feminine feelings on the part of a man (or masculine feelings on the part of a woman). The particular inclination or orientation of the homosexual person is not a sin. The Bible condemns the act of homosexual sex - i.e. same sex practice.

Ordination Standards - General Assembly approved to send to our Presbyteries for approval, a constitutional amendment that would add wording to the qualifications and manner of life of ordained officers of the church, declaring that it "includes repentance of sin and diligent use of the means of grace."

• While this may seem self-evident, if approved by the presbyteries, the amendment would actually be a micro-step forward in refortifying ordination standards. Earlier amendments that stated that the sin of homosexual practice should not be "repented of" but rather "indulged and celebrated" have been a sore spot for Biblically faithful Presbyterians. Thus, this re-affirmation of repentance is welcome. But it's the only step forward for ordination matters from this General Assembly.
• Furthermore, this amendment did not come without opposition. Unbelievably, there are those who oppose repentance. One teaching elder (pastor) dramatically called the introduction of repentance "redundant, unnecessary, and possibly confusing." Evidently a slight majority of commissioners were okay with repentance and redemption, voting 54% to approve the constitutional amendment.

Jim's Comments - While this is one of the most positive things that came out of the assembly, the bigger question is - will it pass the Presbyteries? Already there is a lot of opposition from the liberals on this issue. It is shocking that a pastor would oppose repentance.

Church Property - The "property clause" of the PC(U.S.A.) remains in the denomination's constitution. Two separate overtures that would have placed property into the hands of congregations were rejected.

Jim's Comments - I was hoping that this would change, but I am not surprised that it didn't.

The Middle East - The assembly chose not to divest from three companies participating in "non-peaceful pursuits" in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza. Rather, the assembly voted "to pursue a positive and creative course of action with respect to the current Palestinian/Israeli conflict," and to "devise a plan of active engagement and projects that will support collaboration among Christians, Jews, and Muslims." The assembly approved a boycott on "all Israeli products coming from the occupied Palestinian territories."

Jim's comments - More research and discernment is needed on this issue. It appears that over the years, our domination has developed a pro-Palestinian stance. I believe that we should remain more neutral.

1001 Movement - The assembly overwhelmingly supported a movement to create 1001 worshiping communities. Those communities of faith will perhaps look much different from traditional congregations, but those that are already underway-in coffee shops, shopping malls, even on bicycles.

Jim's Comments - This could be a good idea... let's wait and see.

Social Justice Issues - The Assembly passed the following issues:

• A resolution encouraging the use of discipline methods that do not include corporal punishment of children.
• Called for an end to Poverty Zone Development and a resolution on Workers' Rights and Income Equality.
• Supported the work of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• A set of principles and actions called: "World of Hurt, Word of Life: Renewing God's Communion in the Work of Economic Reconstruction."
• A Resolution on Racism, Incarceration and Restoration.
• Continuing the work of Deborah's Daughters, which supports women in ministry.
• Commended the 2011-2012 Horizons Bible Study and the Accra Confession.
• Plans to update the Safe Child Policy in the PC(USA).
• Supporting justice for survivors of sexual abuse.
• A Statement on housing and the mortgage crisis.
• Appointing two seasons of prayer to seek the will of God in this year's election.
• A Statement of concern about prolonged solitary confinement.
• Advocating for trade reform and accountability.

Jim's Comments - None.

Other issues:

• Item 20-02 on directing the PC(USA)'s Board Of Pensions to provide a plan that would not pay for abortions except to save the mother's life, was disapproved by a 438/178 vote.

Jim's Comments - It is very saddening that the PC(USA)'s Board of Pensions medical plan pays for abortions. There are no accidental babies, but there are accidental parents.

• In a post-midnight session on July 6, the General Assembly approved all 11 recommendations from its Committee on Immigration Issues, calling upon the U.S. Congress to develop a comprehensive immigration policy that welcomes both documented and undocumented immigrants and diminishes enforcement of border violations. Also included are recommendations to churches on increasing their efforts to welcome immigrants into their ministries and membership and a decision to continue the General Assembly's boycott of states that take it upon themselves to enforce immigration laws that the US government is reluctant to enforce.

Jim's Comments - Where I disagree here is: (1) we need to uphold the law, (2) we need to help undocumented immigrants become documented, (3) We need to support the enforcement of border violations, and (4) we need not to participate in boycotting states that are enforcing immigration laws that the US government is reluctant to enforce.  The church should lead by example.

SUMMARY:OK - what does all this mean? It appears that our beloved denomination is moving further and further away from standing under the authority of Scripture. We, as a church body, have some hard choices to make in the days, months, and years ahead. It will be uncomfortable, unappealing, hard work. Some will not be able to stick it out and will jump ship.  We will not panic and have been and will continue to explore all our options discerning God's will for this congregation.

CHURCH STAFF