Reflections on GA

As most of you know, I am not a GA junkie. While I love reconnecting with people I have known for thirty-plus years, I struggle with our continued use of a parliamentary process that was developed for use in a very different period of time. Created by an engineering officer in the US Army, Henry Martin Robert's interest in parliamentary procedure began in 1863 when he was chosen to preside over a church meeting that didn't go well. Seems like we have been struggling in church assemblies for a long time!

Perhaps even more challenging than process is getting accurate information about what really happened. A little background might be helpful: Thursday's deliberations began with commissioners hearing brief presentations from the leaders of the Marriage committee and the Middle East committee, along with presentations from a Palestinian leader from Bethlehem and a leading U.S. rabbi. Commissioners then gathered in small groups to discuss what they heard, and finally to pray about these matters - all of this well in advance of the assembly's votes later Thursday afternoon and Friday afternoon on these controversial issues. Listening and praying before debating and voting!

Following a lengthy debate, the assembly voted 61%-39% (371/238 delegates) to adopt an "authoritative interpretation" of the Constitution, permitting same-sex weddings by pastors and in churches where it is permitted by state law, even though marriage is currently described in our Constitution as being between a man and a woman. This permission takes effect immediately. The assembly then voted 71%-29%(429/175 delegates) to recommend rewriting the Book of Order section W-4.900 (where marriage is described as between "a man and a woman"). The new language being proposed for presbytery ratification posits marriage as "a unique commitment between two people, traditionally a man and a woman, to love and to support each other for the rest of their lives." After several other provisions, it concludes with this important qualification: "Nothing herein shall compel a teaching elder to perform, or compel a session to authorize the use of property for, a marriage service [that they believe contrary to] the Word of God." This proposed change to the Book of Order will require ratification by a majority of presbyteries, so we will vote on it sometime within the next year. The full text for both resolutions can be found at this link. It is important to underscore that the assembly's action was intended to permit pastoral latitude, and not to require any pastor or church to celebrate a marriage against their conscience.

Friday's schedule included two votes that have garnered much attention. First, the assembly voted by a razor-thin margin of 310-303 to divest from three American companies providing materials and services supporting the Israeli occupation of Palestine. (Further information can be found at this link.)A similar measure was defeated by just two votes at the last GA. Together, these votes reveal just how divided the church is on the best way to press for justice for oppressed people in the Holy Land. It is important to underscore that we did not divest from Israel, but from three American companies. Further, we continue to acknowledge Israel as a state. Second, the assembly voted by a large margin to approve an overture asking Presbyterians to respond to the plight of Christians being persecuted in Egypt, the Middle East, and around the world. Below are materials developed by the Office of the General Assembly to clarify questions that you might have. Please take the time to read the FAQ as there is much confusion and inaccuracy being reported by the press.

Perhaps the greatest challenge before us is whether we are able to bear with brothers and sisters who differ from us on matters that generate such heated debate and polarized division in the world around us. Can we show a more excellent way by remaining together in love and forbearance amid our differences? As we receive news of these GA actions, can we model the way of living that Scripture calls us to embrace: "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15) - even those who feel very differently about these GA decisions than we do? Together we are the body of Christ and individually members of Christ's body. Together we are called to serve the needs of our communities, make disciples, and glorify God!

With love in Christ,

Debbie Rundlett

General Presbyter

For further information, please click the links below:

Pastoral Letter on Marriage from the 221st GA 

Wanted Christian Camp Executive Director

Camp Presmont

Camp Presmont, located on Piedmont Lake, is looking for an Executive Director.  The ideal candidate will be an individual who has an active and growing faith in Jesus Christ, demonstrates personal integrity, consistent work ethic, exceptional leadership, interpersonal/written communication and organizational skills, attention to detail, basic financial skills and a team-oriented servant attitude. 

The Executive Director is responsible for the development  and management of programming, human resources, and financial, marketing, and strategic operations. 

This position is a seasonal full-time/part-time position.  The seasonal full-time period runs from June 1-July 31, and the part-time runs August 1-May 31.  During the seasonal full-time period, the Executive Director will be required to live at camp. Housing is provided.

If interested, please send resume to amydevolld33@yahoo.com or mail it to:

          Amy DeVolld

         11720 Cadiz Road

         Cambridge, OH  43725

Westminster Presbyterian Church
353 E. Pine Street
Wooster, Ohio 44691
Phone: (330) 263-2398 

2014 PW Gathering: "Radical Hospitality"

From the Presbyterian Women in the Synod of the Covenant 

The PW in the Synod of the Covenant wish to announce their 2014 Gathering, "Radical Hospitality."

• Date: July 18-19, 2014
• Location: Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 5151 W Lennon Rd, Flint Township, MI 48507

Details on breakout sessions, cost, and speakers can be found in this brochure.