The senior pastor of our congregation sent out a letter about the 219th GA that convenes this coming Saturday in Minneapolis. He reminded us that like the kings of ancient Israel, the PCUSA go out to do war in the spring of the year (2 Samuel 11:1).
Well, okay, so technically it's summer already, but you see his point. So onward PresbySoldiers, into the fray.
The PCUSA remains deeply divided along the same lines that divide American culture, and this shows no sign of abating. Presbyterians continue to prefer fighting about these types of issues every other year at GA rather than try to address the church's continuing sharp membership decline and resulting irrelevance.
The three "hot button" issues for this year's GA are:
There are 6 candidates standing for the position of Moderator. I just finished reading their responses to questions posed by the Presbyterian Outlook. Interestingly all but one said that the most important issue before the GA was the adoption of the Form of Government report. Really? Revising our Book of Order is the most pressing issue? That will be a hard sell back in the home churches.
By now those of you wanting to follow the doin's know where to go and how to do it online. PresbyBlogger Robert Austell (also a commissioner to GA this year) has developed a great website GA Help for commissioners and those who want to follow the proceedings in the committees and plenary sessions in detail and that is new this year, so you may want to check it out. The plenary sessions will be streamed live so you can watch at home in your pajamas, too.
Sometimes I feel the GA is like the slow motion train wreck that I can't bear to watch but also can't stand to turn away from. So this time I'm not planning to watch every proceeding and blog about it, but will doubtless watch some of it and may blog. Or not.
But I will be praying.
Well, okay, so technically it's summer already, but you see his point. So onward PresbySoldiers, into the fray.
The PCUSA remains deeply divided along the same lines that divide American culture, and this shows no sign of abating. Presbyterians continue to prefer fighting about these types of issues every other year at GA rather than try to address the church's continuing sharp membership decline and resulting irrelevance.
The three "hot button" issues for this year's GA are:
- The definition of Christian marriage (our presbytery sent an overture to GA advocating retaining the traditional "one man one woman" definition and this was also endorsed by our session). Any change by the GA will have to be concurred in by a majority of presbyteries to become effective.
- Ordination Standards and the issue of gay/lesbian/transgender eligibility. Any change by GA in the current Book of Order requirements will also require presbyteries to vote to concur.
- Middle East Issues: a highly controversial report is coming to the GA that will draw much negative publicity and create further division within the church. This won't require presbytery vote and approval .
There are 6 candidates standing for the position of Moderator. I just finished reading their responses to questions posed by the Presbyterian Outlook. Interestingly all but one said that the most important issue before the GA was the adoption of the Form of Government report. Really? Revising our Book of Order is the most pressing issue? That will be a hard sell back in the home churches.
By now those of you wanting to follow the doin's know where to go and how to do it online. PresbyBlogger Robert Austell (also a commissioner to GA this year) has developed a great website GA Help for commissioners and those who want to follow the proceedings in the committees and plenary sessions in detail and that is new this year, so you may want to check it out. The plenary sessions will be streamed live so you can watch at home in your pajamas, too.
Sometimes I feel the GA is like the slow motion train wreck that I can't bear to watch but also can't stand to turn away from. So this time I'm not planning to watch every proceeding and blog about it, but will doubtless watch some of it and may blog. Or not.
But I will be praying.
Well, I'm praying too...and I'm really glad it's not my denom this time...but it will be our turn soon enough. And we will dance around the same bonfires. sigh.
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm praying too...and I'm really glad it's not my denom this time...but it will be our turn soon enough. And we will dance around the same bonfires. sigh.
ReplyDelete...remains deeply divided along the same lines that divide American culture, and this shows no sign of abating. ...continue to prefer fighting about these types of issues... rather than try to address the church's continuing sharp membership decline and resulting irrelevance.
ReplyDeleteYep. Same bonfire. *sigh* I'll say a prayer for you all, too.
Just came back from the EPC GA. It was a joy. As one commissioner said "the differences in this room are minuscule". Aside from the way business was conducted one thing that impressed me was the honor given to the chaplains in the room. They were invited to the front, given the floor to introduce themselves and where they served. A long standing ovation was given.
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with the PCUSA, of which my husband is still one.
I too followed the EPC GA, and was amazed that work actually got done, and people were actually able to understand what the issues were.
ReplyDeleteIn the PCUSA you have to have a website to list all the issues trying to be decided in a week.
No one can totally understand all that is being decided on, and thus many are dependent on what is being told to them by 'staffers' who are often biased in their advice.
One can only pray that the Holy Spirit descends on the GA and moves it towards a more faithful view of Christ and the Bible, and away from conforming to this world.