220th General Assembly

Media Release: Presbyterian Church (USA) Discusses Marriage; Misses Historic Opportunity

2012-07-06T23:50:00.000-07:00

July 6, 2012
More Light Presbyterians
Media Release

Media contacts:
Antony Hebblethwaite, antony@mlp.org

Presbyterian Church (USA) Discusses Marriage; Misses Historic Opportunity

Pittsburgh, PA – Today, the 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) discussed two different ways to expand the 2 million member denomination’s understanding of marriage to include committed same-sex couples. While neither option ultimately collected the majority of votes needed to begin the ratification process, this discussion marked another step towards making the Presbyterian Church (USA) a truly inclusive church.

“While it is disappointing that the Church missed this historic opportunity to move toward full inclusion, the fact that so many Presbyterians from around the country called for the Church to recognize love between committed same-gender couples was awe-inspiring to see.” said Michael J. Adee, Executive Director, More Light Presbyterians. “We have more work to do to show those who oppose full inclusion how truly wonderful the gifts that committed, married same-sex couples bring to our church. We’re inspired by the progress we’ve made together and are just as committed to continuing this work, together.”

The Civil Union and Marriage Committee recommended overture 13-04 to amend W-4.9001, the Directory of Worship to change the characterization of marriage from a "man and a woman" to “two persons.” The Directory of Worship is part of the Book of Order, the PCUSA's Constitution. This is the first time an overture like this has been debated by a Presbyterian Church (USA) General Assembly.

The second overture would have issued an authoritative interpretation that would permit ministers residing in states where marriage between same-sex couples is already legal to preside at same-sex wedding ceremonies. This overture would have clarified a confusing limbo that many Presbyterian ministers find themselves in as more and more states recognize same-sex marriage.

Rev. Heidi Peterson, pastor, Central Presbyterian Church, Kansas City, Missouri and Co-Moderator, More Light Presbyterians said: “As a Presbyterian minister, my job is to provide pastoral care to the real people I serve in my congregation and in my community. Today, our church missed an opportunity to not only take a bold step towards love, but to also clarify confusion that ministers across the country are facing as more and more states expand their recognition of marriage to include same-sex couples. While we didn’t take this step forward today, I have faith that the Presbyterian Church (USA) will one day soon stand on the side of love.”

This progress on marriage equality follows on the heels of a 2011 amendment to open ordination in the church to include gay and lesbian candidates.

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More Light Presbyterians is a national network of Presbyterians working for the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons in the life, ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Plenary of the 220th General Assembly

MLP General Assembly Legislative Summary, July 6

2012-07-06T23:30:00.000-07:00

Civil Unions & Marriage

The General Assembly disapproved overture 13-04 to amend W-4.9001 to change the definition of marriage from a "man and a woman" to "two people" by 308-338-2. The two minority reports related to this overture were also disapproved. For more information, visit the plenary overview.

Attempts to reintroduce overtures 13-05 and 13-02 were disapproved. These authoritative interpretations would have allowed Teaching Elders and Certified Ruling Elders to perform weddings for same gender loving couples in those states which have made it legal, and for whom a legal marriage license has been issued.

13-NB, a legislative item crafted in the Civil Union & Marriage Committee calling for study, was approved by 489-152-0. It answered all of the overtures in the committee.

Part 2 of 4 | Part 3 of 4 | Part 4 of 4

Church Orders & Ministry

An attempt to reinstate previous ordination standards was disapproved by the General Assembly. Overture 07-02 was the minority report for overture 07-17. The General Assembly disapproved substitution of the minority report for the majority report by 169-487-6.

The General Assembly approved overture 07-17 by 405-230-7. The overture makes the statement that faithful Presbyterians hold different views about what the Scriptures teach "concerning the morality of committed, same-gender relationships."

Overture 07-05 adding the words "this includes repentance of sin and diligent use of the means of grace" to G-2.0104a was approved by 329-275-9. This will go to the presbyteries for ratification.

Media Coverage After General Assembly Marriage Vote

2012-07-06T23:00:00.000-07:00

Media coverage roundup after the General Assembly narrowly disapproved marriage equality legislation.

Presbyterians Reject Redefinition of Marriage, Associated Press

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) narrowly rejected a proposal to revise the traditional definition of marriage on Friday, a year after it struck down a barrier to ordaining gays.

The Presbyterian General Assembly, meeting in Pittsburgh, voted 338-308 against changing how marriage was defined in the church constitution from a "civil contract between a woman and a man" to a "covenant between two people." The assembly also rejected measures that would have affirmed a traditional definition of marriage or sought more theological study of the issue...

Michael Adee, executive director of the gay advocacy group More Light Presbyterians, called the outcome "a heartbreaking moment, a disappointing moment." Several delegates and observers wept after the vote. "It's a moment to grieve and it's also a moment when we pick up and keep doing the work," Adee said. "The conversation isn't over."

Presbyterians Vote to Keep Definition of Marriage, New York Times

In a close vote on an issue that has long divided mainline Protestant churches, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) voted on Friday against changing the definition of marriage in its constitution from a union between “a man and a woman” to a union between “two people.”

The vote at the church’s biannual convention in Pittsburgh was 338 to 308, with 2 abstentions. But the decisive generational shift that lies ahead for the church was made clear in a separate tally of votes by seminary students and young adult advisory delegates, known as YAADs. The students voted 82 to 18 percent in favor of changing the definition of marriage, and the young adult delegates voted 75 to 21 percent — but their votes were solely advisory.

The Rev. Katharine Rhodes Henderson, president of the Auburn Theological Seminary in New York City, said, “If the YAADs had voted, this probably would have passed.”

Presbyterian church narrowly upholds ban on solemnising same-sex marriages, UK Guardian

The US Presbyterian church has narrowly rejected a proposal for a change in its constitution that would have redefined marriage as a union between "two people", rather than between a woman and a man.

The 338-308 vote followed nearly four hours of heated debate on Friday at the church's general assembly in Pittsburgh, a biennial gathering to review policy.

The church, with around 2 million members, currently allows ministers to bless gay unions but prohibits them from solemnising homosexual civil marriages...

Following the session, Neal Presa, a pastor at Middlesex Presbyterian church in New Jersey who moderated the general assembly debate, brought the congregation together in prayer.

"Some of us weep while some of us rejoice," he said, bowing his head. "We are a divided church."

On Thursday night, the church's civil union and marriage issues committee voted 28-24 in favor of the change.

The legalization of same-sex marriage has created a quandary for some churches in the United States. While gay parishioners have pushed for churches to sanctify their marriages, other parishioners have said marriage should be reserved for heterosexual couples.

While some Protestant clergy have elected to officiate at gay weddings, churches for the most part have been unable to reach a consensus regarding gay unions.

See Also:

Presbyterians to study marriage issue, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Presbyterians reject same-sex marriage, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Presbyterian Church rejects gay marriage proposal, Chicago Tribune
Presbyterian church rejects same-sex marriage, Christian Science Monitor

Love Is Still a Gift from God

2012-07-06T15:00:00.000-07:00

Minutes ago, the General Assembly failed to pass the Civil Union and Marriage Committee's recommendation 13-04 by a vote of 48-52%. The Committee had recommended an amendment that would have expanded the characterization of marriage from a "man and a woman" to two persons and therefore recognize the love between faithful, committed same-gender couples. The Marriage Committee's work is not complete, there is still a possibility that an Authoritative Interpretation supporting pastoral discretion for ministers in states where same-sex marriage is level could be passed. While this is a disappointing moment with regard to a marriage equality amendment, we do not give up hope for other possibilities at this Assembly to support LGBT couples and their families. Love is still a gift from God.

Plenary Civil Unions & Marriage Legislation

2012-07-06T06:32:00.002-07:00

Plenary

On Tuesday the Civil Union & Marriage committee approved Overture 13-04 to amend W-4.9001 to change the definition of marriage from "a man and a woman" to "two persons" by 28 to 24. Overture 13-05, the Authoritative Interpretation, was disapproved by 24 to 26. The Authoritative Interpretation could still be introduced in the plenary. The committee also approved legislation to study the meaning of Christian marriage.

This morning the General Assembly passed a motion to start considering business on civil unions and marriage at 1:50pmET. You can watch business on the live stream.

The Assembly Committee on Civil Union and Marriage Issues report (pdf) includes two minority reports.

13-NB (Approved by 489-152-0)

    In a desire to promote the peace, unity and purity of the church, I move the whole Presbyterian Church USA enter into a season of serious study and discernment concerning the meaning of Christian Marriage in the two year period between the 220th General Assembly and the 221st General Assembly. I would further move the Office of Theology and Worship prepare and distribute educational materials to all presbyteries and congregations.
    These materials should include the relevant scripture key methods of biblical interpretations current understanding of our constitution and some suggested guidance for prayerful and reconciling ways of listening to one another.
    We would ask that all presbyteries report to the Office of General Assembly on how this was conducted in their congregations at least three months prior to the 221st General Assembly.
    This motion is offered in the hope and trust that such discernment will genuinely seek the rule and will of God be done in our Presbyterian Church as it is in heaven under the guidance of the triune God.

Majority Report, Overture 13-04 (Disapproved 308-338-2)

    The Presbytery of Hudson River overtures the 220th General Assembly (2012) to direct the Stated Clerk to send the following proposed amendments to the presbyteries for their affirmative or negative vote:
    1.     Amend W-4.9001 as follows: [Text to be deleted is shown with a strike-through; text to be added or inserted is shown as italic.]
    “Marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the well-being of the entire human family. Marriage is a ~~civil contract~~ covenant between a ~~woman and a man~~ two people, and according to the laws of the state also constitutes a civil contract. For Christians marriage is a covenant through which ~~a man and a woman~~ two people are called to live out together before God their lives of discipleship. In a service of Christian marriage, two people make a lifelong commitment ~~is made by a woman and a man~~ ~~to each other,~~publicly witnessed and acknowledged by the community of faith.
    2.     Amend W-4.9002 as follows: [Text to be deleted is shown with a strike-through; text to be added or inserted is shown as italic.]
    “a. In preparation for the marriage service, the teaching elder† shall provide for a discussion with the ~~man and the woman~~ two people to be married concerning” [The remainder of this section remains the same.]
    3.     Amend W-4.9004 as follows: [Text to be deleted is shown with a strike-through; text to be added or inserted is shown as italic.]
    “The service begins with scriptural sentences and a brief statement of purpose. The ~~man and the woman~~ two people to be married shall declare their intention to enter into Christian marriage and shall exchange vows of love and faithfulness. The service includes appropriate passages of Scripture, which may be interpreted in various forms of proclamation. Prayers shall be offered for the couple, for the communities which support them in this new dimension of discipleship, and for all who seek to live in faithfulness. In the name of the triune God the teaching elder† shall declare publicly that ~~the woman and the man~~ they are now joined in marriage.” [The remainder of this paragraph remains the same.]
    4.     Amend W-4.9006 as follows: [Text to be deleted is shown with a strike-through; text to be added or inserted is shown as italic.]
    “A service of worship recognizing a civil marriage and confirming it in the community of faith may be appropriate when requested by the couple. The service will be similar to the marriage service except that the opening statement, the declaration of intention, the exchange of vows by the ~~husband and wife~~ two people,and the public declaration by the teaching elder† reflect the fact that ~~the woman and man~~ they are already married to one another according to the laws of the state.”

Minority Report 1 (Disapproved 323-346-3)

A Call for Listening, Discovery, and Forbearance

Minority report for the assembly committee action on Items 13-01 through 13-13:
In response to Items 13-01, 13-02, 13-03, 13-04, 13-05, 13-06, 13-07, 13-08, 13-09, 13-10, 13-11, 13-12, and 13-13, the 220th General Assembly (2012) approves with the following alternate resolution:

A Call for Listening

a. The General Assembly charges the Office of Theology and Worship to design and implement a discussion in each presbytery around the meaning of marriage and proposing ways for us to remain unified as a denomination.

These conversations would answer the following questions:
(1) What is the meaning of marriage in our post-Christendom environment in United States and Puerto Rico?
(2) How do our officers live and make faithful decisions about officiating at marriages in this environment?
(3) How can our denomination respect difference in opinion about the meaning of marriage?

These conversations are to provide a safe space for listening to Scripture, to the confessions, and to one another, and to propose solutions to the missiological issues raised by challenges to the traditional definition of marriage in our society and the prevalence of divorce in church and society. They are to take into account the effects of globalization, changing gender roles, and differences in the church over human sexuality. Each presbytery is encouraged to implement this conversation in each of its sessions around the same three questions. These conversations and the report should be completed by August 2014. Presbyteries shall report on these conversations to the Stated Clerk and the Office of Theology and Worship by August 2014.

b. The General Assembly directs the Presbyterian World Mission office to receive feedback from our worldwide mission partners about their understanding of the meaning of marriage and their suggestions about how to move forward missiologically as a denomination, and to forward this feedback to the Stated Clerk and the Office of Theology and Worship by August 2014.

A Call for Discovery

The General Assembly instructs the Moderators of the 220th and 221st General Assemblies (2012 and 2014) to appoint a task force of nine persons representing the diversity of the denomination to receive these reports and proposals and to make a recommendation to the 222nd General Assembly (2014).

A Call for Forbearance

During this time of listening and discovery, the General Assembly asks the officers of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to bear with one another. We implore that this be a time without judicial action related to same-gender marriages. And we implore that this be a time without disobedience to our Constitution related to same gender marriage.

Financial Implications: (2013) $19,070.00, (2014) $13,295.00 Per Capita - OG

Minority Report 2 (Disapproved 266-397-3)

    Responding to the wide variety of overtures concerning the definition of Christian Marriage in the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the General Assembly makes the following statement:
    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. As our society debates the legal status of same-sex relationships, the church recognizes and reaffirms that any change in the definition of marriage in civil law does not and cannot change the church’s constitution. As our confessions instruct us, the church is called to lead men and women into the full meaning of life together, extending the compassion of Christ to all (The Confession of 1967). As our church ministers amidst a contemporary culture that includes same sex couples, the church should lovingly respond with grace and truth.
    Additionally, the 220th General Assembly (2012) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) provides the following authoritative interpretation of W-4.9001:
    “When W-4.9001 speaks of marriage, it is expounding how marriage is defined and understood by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), under the authority of the Scriptures and guided by the confessions. It is not merely describing how marriage was practiced in any particular society at any particular time. Therefore, this definition of marriage in the Directory for Worship is binding upon teaching elders and commissioned ruling elders authorized to perform Christian marriages. “Officers of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) who are authorized to perform marriages shall not state, imply, or represent that a same-sex ceremony is a marriage because under W-4.9001 a same-sex ceremony is not and cannot be a marriage” (Spahr v. Presbytery of Redwoods, 2008). A change in the definition of civil marriage under state law does not alter the definition of marriage under the PC(USA) Constitution (Southard v. Presbytery of Boston, 2011). The church’s definition of marriage may be changed only through amendment of both W-4.9001 and the confessional passages upon which it is based.”

Video: Panel Discussion on Marriage at MLP Educational Luncheon

2012-07-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

Panel Discussion

Forty-Two percent of Americans live in the 21 states that recognize various forms of legal same-sex relationships. One-third of our nation's population has marriage equality. This panel, Marriage Matters: Pastoral Care for all Couples & Families, included Presbyterian ministers from marriage equality states. Michael Adee introduced the panel discussing miscegenation laws and the landmark Loving vs. Virginia case decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1967.

This is not the first time…conversation has been about who gets to fall in love, who gets to be recognized as a couple, who gets the opportunity to get marriage. I trust that you're familiar with two remarkable people, Richard and Mildred Loving. It's a story from the late 1950s and it is hard to imagine that there were laws on the books that did not allow heterosexually oriented couples of different races to marry. They were called miscegenation laws. On the 40th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that struck down those bad, unjust, immoral and I believe un-Christian kinds of barriers and laws, Mildred said this, "I am still not a political person, but I am proud that Richards and my name are on a court case that will help reinforce the love, commitment, fairness and family that so many people black or white, young or old, gay or straight seek in life. I support the freedom to marry for all." And listen to what she says, "That is what Loving and loving are all about.

Watch the Marriage Matters Panel Discussion

MLP General Assembly Legislative Summary, July 4

2012-07-05T05:31:00.000-07:00

The General Assembly approved overture 18-03, the Report of the General Assembly Special Committee on the Heidelberg Catechism to the 220th General Assembly (2012). It was approved by voice vote. The proposed amended Heidelberg Catechism will now be sent to the presbyteries for ratification.

The General Assembly approved overture 18-01, On Amending The Book of Confessions to Include the Confession of Belhar. It was approved by 395-264-6.

More Light Presbyterians Stand with Rev. Tara Spuhler McCabe

2012-07-04T17:15:00.000-07:00

Rev. Tara Spuhler McCabe
announces resignation

We give thanks to God for the courage, pastoral heart and ministry of Rev. Tara Spuhler McCabe. Twice now she has ostensibly placed her ordination stole on the line. First, she put her ordination as a Presbyterian minister at risk by officiating a marriage of two women in Washington, DC where same-sex marriage is legal. Second, she gave up the stole and service as Vice Moderator of the 220th General Assembly today.

McCabe's fitness to serve the Church was challenged by anti-gay conservatives when they published an article before the General Assembly that included reference to a same-gender wedding license she had signed in Washington, D.C. McCabe told the Assembly today in her resignation statement that “the amount of conversation in person and comments online indicate that my confirmation touched a nerve."

"We grieve that these personal attacks did not stop with that first article. Rather, they escalated in person and online. It is a sad day for the Presbyterian Church (USA) when some within it resort to nothing less than ad hominem attacks and cyber-bullying. This is a sad day for Christianity. This is a sad day for civility," said Michael J. Adee, Executive Director.

During the question-and-answer session during the moderatorial election Saturday night, Rev. Neal Presa acknowledged that he and McCabe disagreed on same-gender marriage but their friendship outweighed their disagreement. When Presa placed McCabe’s name in nomination as Vice-Moderator on Sunday, questions about McCabe were raised on the floor. Her confirmation was approved by a 55-44 percent vote.

Of McCabe's resignation and this situation, Moderator Rev. Neal Presa said today, “It is clear that there are parties within the church who would not let her split confirmation vote rest, who questioned her integrity and even the authenticity and veracity of our eleven-and-a-half year friendship. I absorbed those attacks and still stand by her while this pernicious poison reared its ugly head."

We believe her statement before this Assembly and the whole Church is both a teaching moment and a wake up call. We hope and pray that the leadership of the Presbyterian Church (USA) will not allow such bullying to continue. It is time to draw a line against such un-Christian attitudes, speech and action.

Rev. McCabe, we stand with you. We give thanks to God for you. We certainly respect the decision you've made to step down from serving as Vice Moderator and regret the circumstances around it. Rev. McCabe, please know that you will always be Vice Moderator in our hearts. We are holding you and your family in our thoughts and prayers as together we're building a Church that reflects God's heart.

Watch Rev. Tara Spuhler McCabe's Resignation at Minute 8:00

Video: Rev. Katie Ricks Preaches at MLP Worship Service

2012-07-04T12:04:00.001-07:00

Rev. Katie Ricks became the first out lesbian since policy change in 2011 to be ordained by New Hope Presbytery to ministry in the Presbyterian Church (USA). The passage of Amendment 10-A, now G-2.0104 in our Book of Order, made her ordination possible.

Katie is a graduate of Columbia Theological Seminary and serves in ministry at the Church of the Reconciliation, a welcoming and affirming More Light church in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Katie came out as a lesbian at Columbia Theological Seminary and served as co-chair of the Imago Dei Chapter on campus.

In her sermon at the National MLP Celebration Worship Service, Katie spoke about the beloved community, a Church that reflects God's heart.

We the body of Christ inside these rooms and far outside these doors cannot live as the beloved community when some of us are continually being sent into exile. Yesterday as I listened to the same words that I have heard over and over again in these settings, I thought of the increased numbers of suicides by LGBT teens. I thought of children turned away from baptismal fonts because their parents are gay. I thought of the hundreds of thousands of believers shut out from faith communities by being told their kind didn't belong.

Our conversations in Pittsburgh are more than debates about semantics. Our conversations have life and death consequences for beloved children who long to be in relationship with God.

And so like Isaiah, we must proclaim the good news of the gospel of this God who has gone down this road before. Who loves us. Who has not forgotten any of us. Who has journeyed along side the broken, the lost, the excluded and the outcast.

Watch Rev. Katie Ricks' Sermon

Media Release: General Assembly Committee Approves Marriage Equality Amendment

2012-07-04T09:35:00.001-07:00

Civil Union & Marriage Committee

More Light Presbyterians
Media Release
Media Contact: Michael J. Adee, Executive Director, 505.577.0086, michael@mlp.org

General Assembly Committee Approves Marriage Equality Amendment

Pittsburgh, PA: A historic moment happened last night in the Civil Union and Marriage Committee at the 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The General Assembly Committee approved a marriage equality overture.

The Civil Union and Marriage Committee passed overture 13-04 to amend W-4.9001, the Directory of Worship to change the definition of marriage from a "man and a woman" to "two persons" by 28 to 24. The Directory of Worship is part of our Book of Order, the PCUSA's Constitution. The committee also passed legislation calling on the PCUSA to study the meaning of Christian marriage .

"We give thanks to God for the thoughtful discussion and prayerful discernment that led to this historic decision. This is the first big step toward marriage equality in the life, ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Surely as the prophet Isaiah said, 'God is doing a new thing in our midst.' As a gay man baptized, confirmed and ordained in this Church, this moment recognizing same gender loving people in both church and society feels like we are stepping on holy ground." said Michael J. Adee, Executive Director, More Light Presbyterians.

The next step for this marriage equality amendment is for it to be presented by the Civil Union and Marriage Committee to the entire Assembly. Discussion and voting on this amendment will be announced on the General Assembly Docket once all committee work is completed today.

The important attempt to resolve the pastoral crisis now for Presbyterian ministers serving in states where same-sex marriage is legal failed in committee by the narrow margin of 24 to 26. Overture 13-05 would have called for an Authoritative Interpretation which would have allowed Presbyterians ministers to perform same-sex marriages in states where they are legal.

"As as Presbyterian minister, I look forward to the day when I can offer pastoral care to all persons within the congregation I serve and in my community. Counseling and supporting couples in matters of love, commitment, faithfulness and marriage is a significant part of pastoral care. This is true for the same gender loving couples God sends my way along with heterosexual couples. My deep hope and prayer is that the Presbyterian Church (USA) will be on the right side of history and keep standing on the side of love," said Rev. Heidi Peterson, pastor, Central Presbyterian Church, Kansas City, Missouri and Co-Moderator, More Light Presbyterians.

http://www.ga220.org/2012/07/mlp-general-assembly-legislative_03.html

Media Coverage of Marriage Equality at General Assembly

2012-07-04T08:12:00.000-07:00

Civil Union & Marriage Committee

As the committee work nears an end at the 220th General Assembly, here is a roundup of the media coverage this week. A number of pro-LGBT voices were interviewed including Michael Adee and Patrick Evans of More Light Presbyterians, Rev. Janie Spahr and Rev. Paul Rodkey.

From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

A committee of the Presbyterian Church (USA) voted Tuesday night to recommend that its national governing body change the church constitution on marriage to say it is between "two people" rather than "a woman and a man."

If the change is adopted by the wider church, it would allow pastors in states where gay marriage is legal to conduct marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples [actually, the amend overture passed].

The 28-24 vote came after the committee had rejected other measures that both supported and opposed gay marriage, but had called for a two-year study on the matter. If this week's 800-member General Assembly, meeting at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown, passes this proposed amendment, it will have to be approved by a majority of 173 presbyteries to become church law.

The committee meeting lasted two days and was filled with stories of anguish both from pastors who wanted to marry gay couples and those who had already experienced the pain of church splits over such issues.

The committee voted 29-23 to recommend the denomination spend two years in a grass-roots study of Christian marriage and report back to the national governing body of the church in 2014. The vote came after the defeat of a similar plan for a four-year study...

The committee spent most of Monday listening to advocates on both sides of gay marriage...

Some advocates for gay marriage said the Bible has no consistent standard of marriage, that it includes polygamous marriages, incestuous families and other arrangements that don't fit the Presbyterian standard.

"All of these were blessed," said Patrick Evans, the interim executive director of More Light Presbyterians, an advocacy group for gays. "We are called into a new understanding and let's not pretend that the Bible only says a certain limited thing.

From the Tribune-Review:

The 220th General Assembly is expected to address the subject of gay marriage and the church before its biennial conference wraps up on Saturday in the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown. Groups on opposing sides of the debate met separately on Tuesday as the church’s committee on Civil Union and Marriage Issues considered proposals both for and against gay marriage...

“Love is not limited by gender or race,” said Michael Adee, executive director of More Light Presbyterians, a pro-gay group within the church that sponsored a luncheon and panel discussion on marriage equality in the Westin Hotel. “We stand on the right side of love, on the right side of history.”..

“I’ve got a dog in this fight, and I am tired of being told by my colleagues that this isn’t an important issue,” said the Rev. Paul Rodkey of Bethany Presbyterian Church in Spokane, Wash., who is the father of two gay children. “Presbyterian pastors have been absolutely shameful, and they’ve been to seminary.”

The civil union and marriage committee is considering several proposals. Some want the committee to recommend that the General Assembly confirm the denomination’s definition of marriage as “between a woman and a man,” while others call for a constitutional amendment to change the marriage definition to between “two people.”

From the Christian Post:

The Civil Union and Marriage Issues Committee at the 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has agreed upon two items to be considered by the assembly, one of which would amend the church's definition of marriage.

Those on the committee voted 28-24 on Tuesday in favor of sending the proposal, which could change the church's definition of marriage "between a woman and a man" to being "between two people," to the General Assembly for consideration. The proposal would also change the definition of marriage from being a "civil contract" to a "covenant" that "according to the laws of the state also constitutes a civil contract."

According to a live blog about the committee, they also approved sending another proposal, which would move the entire denomination "into a season of serious study and discernment concerning the meaning of Christian Marriage." This "season" would last until the next General Assembly in 2014, when the topic would be readdressed.

This proposal also would require the denomination's Office of Theology and Worship to distribute educational materials to all of its presbyteries in order to further inform church members.

"These materials should include the relevant scripture key methods of biblical interpretations current understanding of our constitution and some suggested guidance for prayerful and reconciling ways of listening to one another," the legislation states, according to a website about the General Assembly created by More Light Presbyterians.

From the San Francisco Examiner:

One proposal is to change how church doctrine defines marriage. Another would interpret the constitution's language on marriage as descriptive, rather than prohibitive, and allow pastors in states where gay marriage is legal to immediately begin performing same-sex weddings.

Both measures would allow ministers to officiate at gay weddings but would not compel pastors to perform the ceremonies.

"I'm hoping that the General Assembly will be touched by the spirit, and they will see our marriages not as second class but as equal with our brothers and sisters," Spahr said from San Francisco, where she lives.

The gay-marriage question highlights deep divisions within the Presbyterian Church and its 1.9 million members, as congregants increasingly ask ministers to bless same-sex marriages. Civil gay marriage is now legal in six U.S. states.

MLP General Assembly Legislative Summary, July 3

2012-07-03T21:18:00.001-07:00

The Civil Union & Marriage committee approved overture 13-04 to amend W-4.9001 to change the definition of marriage from a "man and a woman" to "two people" by 28 to 24. Overture 13-05, the authoritative interpretation, was disapproved by 24 to 26. The committee also approved legislation calling on the PCUSA to study the meaning of Christian marriage:

In a desire to promote the peace, unity and purity of the church, I move the whole Presbyterian Church USA enter into a season of serious study and discernment concerning the meaning of Christian Marriage in the two year period between the 220th General Assembly and the 221st General Assembly. I would further move the Office of Theology and Worship prepare and distribute educational materials to all presbyteries and congregations.

These materials should include the relevant scripture key methods of biblical interpretations current understanding of our constitution and some suggested guidance for prayerful and reconciling ways of listening to one another.

We would ask that all presbyteries report to the Office of General Assembly on how this was conducted in their congregations at least three months prior to the 221st General Assembly.

This motion is offered in the hope and trust that such discernment will genuinely seek the rule and will of God be done in our Presbyterian Church as it is in heaven under the guidance of the triune God.

More detail is available on MLP's live blog of the Civil Union & Marriage committee. You may also read and listen to the Overture Advocate speeches.

Attempts to reinstate previous ordination standards were disapproved in the Church Orders & Ministry committee. More detail is available on MLP's live blog of the committee. Overture 07-05 adding the words "this includes repentance of sin and diligent use of the means of grace" to G-2.0104a was approved by 28-20-5. Watch the committee video.

The Church Polity committee moved to disapprove all overtures that preemptively allowed churches to leave the denomination with their property if they disagree with G-2.0104b and other parts of the Book of Order without consulting the presbytery. Watch the committee video.

The Mid Councils Review committee moved to disapprove overtures that would allow union churches and presbyteries to reject certain standards in the Book of Order including G-2.0104b and non-geographic presbyteries based on opposition to G-2.0104b and other parts of the Book of Order. Watch the committee video.

The Confessions of the Church committee approved overture 18-01 on the Confession of Belhar. Watch the committee video.

The Board of Pensions, Foundation, Presbyterian Publishing committee moved to disapprove with comment overture 20-11, On Amending G-2.0804 Regarding Freedom of Conscience Regarding the Benefits Plan. Watch the committee video.

July 3: Civil Union & Marriage Committee

2012-07-03T09:30:00.000-07:00

All times are Eastern

10:14 PM

Overture 13-04 to amend W-4.9001 to change the definition of marriage from a "man and a woman" to "two persons" passed by 28-24.

Shall what we have done answer all business before us? Strong vote yes. Committee closed. 35-13-1.

8:30 PM

New Motion: "Move to approve 13-05 (AI) and make it the answer to all the overtures in the committee."

Discussion for and against:
--"Pastors need to be able to marry in same gender couples in states that offer them marriage. We need to embrace love and justice. It will give us the time for discernment we need."
--"It is the task of both the PJC and the GA to offer authoritative interpretations. This is not a mandate on high, but simply doing our job. This will be vetted by the GA as well."
--"What I read in the Bible is that the practice of homosexuality is a sin. The church has not done a good job of answering with love. It is not gracious to condone a sin."
--"This does not change the definition of marriage. It allows our teaching elders to exercise conscience in their ministry. It frees us to study."

--Amendment: "Teaching elders and commissioned ruling elders authorized to conduct services of marriage, as agents of the state may, at their sole discression, following the discussion required in W-9.2002a, officiate at a service of civil marriage for two person who meet the legal requirements of the state to whom the elder demonstrates sufficient committment..."
--Speeches for and against the amendment.
--Question called on amendment.
--Amendment fails 16-27-4

--Overture 13-07 proposed as substitute motion. Rejected by moderator.
--Vote to divide the question. Passes. Answering all the overtures in the committee is now a seperate motion.
--Speeches against and in favor of 13-07.
--Question has been called
--This vote will be done with a paper ballot to protect the privacy of the commissioners.
--Motion fails by 24-26-2

7:30 PM

Committee will begin again at 7:30 p.m. None of the overtures submitted by the presbyteries have been considered yet.

Going into quasi committee of the whole. Suspends business for discussion.

--"Wants to bring up confessional Christian marriage again."
--"Approve 13-05 to answer all business items."
--"Suggest 13-04 to amend the Book of Order."
--"Same sex couples are able to be blessed. But we're seeking change."
--"Prevent pastors from signing any marriage licenses."
--"In this two year plan of study that no marriages would be allowed in our church."
--"Whatever the form is that comes from the court may be signed by the pastor. Don't call it a wedding, call it a ceremony."

Completed quasi committee of the whole.

New Motion: The GA will state, "Define Christian marriage as a union of one man and one woman. Any redefinition of Christian Marriage should recognize the confessional nature of the definition and should be preceded by careful and prayerful formal confessional amendment process....change in the definition of the marriage in civil law does not and cannot change the Church's Constitution."

Speeches in support and against the motion.
--Changes of this magnitude "should be a confessional change."
--Commissioner attempts to make 13-05 (the AI) a substitute motion. Moderator will not permit it at this time.
--"What is a prayerful formal confessional amendment process? Nothing in this to create a Task Force to do anything."
--"Our Book of Confessions was created in specific times and specific contexts. Statements on marriage were written at a specific time."
--"This is clarification."
--"This is coming in cold without any study. This assumes a great deal of knowledge that we don't have."
--Move to table the motion. Seconded. Moderator does not recognize motion.
--Move to override the moderator's vote. Motion fails, discussion continues
--"I know this is hard. As counter intuitive as it sounds, this is a good idea for everyone. This brings us back to the historical principles we have sought in our church."
--"It is premature and will negate the study that we have already passed."
--Question called.
--Motion fails 19-30-2

5:00 PM

Both the main motion (4 year plan) to study and the substitute motion (2 year plan) to study has been perfected. Commissioners will vote on if the substitute motion will replace the main motion.

--Financial implications are being discussed
--Speeches on which motion will be accepted
--Vote if substitute motion should become the main motion .
--Substitute motion becomes the main motion by 31-23. The new main motion calls for 2 years of study vs. 4 years of study.

--Discussion of the main motion begins. Commissioners are discussing combining the old main motion and old substitute motion. This would require defeating the new main motion and starting from scratch. Other alernatives are being considered.

--Vote on the main motion. Discussing how to add a comment to the new main motion.
--Main motion passes by 29-23.

Commissioners leave for dinner. The committee reconvenes at 7:30 p.m. to consider the other overtures.

Here is the legislation passed by the committee:

In a desire to promote the peace, unity and purity of the church, I move the whole Presbyterian Church USA enter into a season of serious study and discernment concerning the meaning of Christian Marriage in the two year period between the 220th General Assembly and the 221st General Assembly. I would further move the Office of Theology and Worship prepare and distribute educational materials to all presbyteries and congregations.

These materials should include the relevant scripture key methods of biblical interpretations current understanding of our constitution and some suggested guidance for prayerful and reconciling ways of listening to one another.

We would ask that all presbyteries report to the Office of General Assembly on how this was conducted in their congregations at least three months prior to the 221st General Assembly.

This motion is offered in the hope and trust that such discernment will genuinely seek the rule and will of God be done in our Presbyterian Church as it is in heaven under the guidance of the triune God.

3:34 PM

--The substitute motion will be perfected first. Then the main motion. Both relate to study.
--The substitute motion: "I move the whole PCUSA enter into a season of serious study and discernment concerning the meaning of Christian Marriage in the two year period between the 220th and 221st General Assembly..."
--Amendment to substitute motion: "During this season of discernment pastors would be allowed to follow their conscience in officiating same gender marriages as permitted by law recognizing this would not bind the PJC. We would offer the directive of the GA as defense of such action."

Discussing amendment:
--"Amendment would cause confusion in the church."
--"This would be without full legal effect but at least indicate a willingness to provide some flexibility to responding to pastors in situations of pastoral need."
--Amendment to this amendment: "Sessions can allow the use of church property." Motion carries.
--Updated amendment: "During this season of discernment pastors would be allowed to follow their conscience in officiating same gender marriages as permitted by applicable state law and that sessions can allow the use of church property. Recognizing this would not bind the PJC we would offer this directive of the GA as defense of such actions."
--Speeches in favor and against the amendment.
--ACC: This amendment is a resolution, a statement of the General Assembly.
--Amendment fails, 23-17-7

Discussing the substitute motion. Substitute motion is perfected.

Returning to the main motion to perfect it (see 1:30 PM for more details)

--"The previous call to study did not include any recommendations to the General Assembly."
--Amendment to strike paragraph: "Direct the Presbyterian World Mission Office to receive feedback from our worldwide mission partners about their understanding of the meaning of marriage and the their suggestions about how to move forward missiologically as a denomination, and to forward this feedback to the Task Force."
--Speeches in favor and against amendment.
--Amendment fails 17-26

--Amendment to accelerate study process into 2 year process, not 4 year process.
--Speeches in favor and against amendment.
--Motion fails 21-26-6

--Main motion is perfected. On break.

2:55 PM

--The main motion and substitute motion both call for study. We've not seen the substitute motion on the screen yet. There is an amendment to the substitute motion that will allow for pastoral conscience in states allowing same gender marriage.
--There is a return to perfecting the main motion before considering the substitute motion.
--Lots of confusion about if a substitute motion needs to be germain to the main motion. People consulting the ACC.

--Committee in quasi committee of the whole. Discussion mode about what is happening and how we can move forward.
--"Lets move forward, not backward. Propose it again."
--Discussing three categories before the committee.
--"It is important that we follow parliamentary procedure at this assembly. Parliamentary procedure is designed to protect the rights of the majority and the minority. It is vital that Roberts Rules are followed."

--Temperature check on three categories:
1) Amend/AI type options 13-04, 13-05, strong interest
2) Study options, strong interest
3) Statement of traditional marriage and confessions, moderate interest

--Parliamentarian speaking to the commissioners. "Your process is proceeding OK. Continue to perfect the motions. Substitute motions do need to be germain but that is ambiguous. The committee decided that it was not germain by overrulling the moderator."

2:16 PM

Returning to discussing the main motion to study.

--Substitute motion being proposed: GA acknowledge, "Our confession, based on their understanding of Scripture, define Christian Marriage as a union of one man and one women. Any redefinition of Christian marriage should recognize the confessional nature of the definition and should be preceded by a careful and prayerful formal confessional amendment process."
--Moderator: This substitute motion is within the bounds of the discussion.
--Moderator decision is appealed. Seconded. Vote 24-17-7. Substitute motion out of order.

Back to main motion.

--Substitute motion. Seconded. "Move that the whole PCUSA enter into season of serious study between 220th and 221st General Assembly. All presbyteries report to the Office of the GA three months prior to the 221st General Assembly."

Discussion:

--Amendment: "During this season of discernment, pastors would be allowed to follow their consciences during this period of study. Would not bind PJC." Seconded.
--"I've heard so many people talking about pain on this issue. Congregations also feel the pain and anguish of same gender couples. This provides protections to pastors seeking to meet the need of their congregations without threat of losing their ordination. Provide a season of true discernment."
--Point of order. This amendment is effectively an authoritative interpretation. This is not germain to the main motion and would invalidate the substitute motion.
--Point of order: Need to perfect the original main motion, then we will return to the substitute motion.
--The 219th General Assembly just offered a study. The options we are talking about now are much more intentional.
--Commissioner asks for clarification from the constitutional committee (ACC) on if a substitute motion needs to be germain to the main motion to be considered.

Break for 10 minutes.

1:30 PM

--Motion (carried forward from 11:30 AM below): Because of deep divisions and pain, 1) A call for conversation, 2) Mandate that each presbytery engage in a conversation on the meaning of marriage and how to be unified as a denomination, 3) Conversations and reports completed by 222th General Assembly, 4) Receive feedback from global partners, 5) GA send letter to congregations about study.

--Amendments:

"Charge the Office of Theology and Worship to design and implement the discussion in presbyteries and sessions."
"Each presbytery is encourage to implement this conversation in each of its sessions around the same three question."
"Presbyteries shall report on these conversations to the Stated Clerk and the Office of Theology and Worship by August 2014."
"Moderators of the 220th and 221st General Assemblies appoint a Task Force of nine persons representing the diversity of the denomination to receive these reports and proposals and make a recommendation to the 222nd General Assembly."

Sorry folks but the whole motion is not available on PC-Biz.

--Discussion:

"We are called here and now to embrace a change. Waiting four to six years does not see acceptable to me."

--Amendments pass.

--Quasi Committee of the whole explained. Go into conversation for the opportunity to hear the other items coming forward. No action in this quasi committee. Commissioners want to hear other motions out there before moving forward with the current motion. This would go for about 15 minutes.

--Motion passes. Committee in quasi committee of the whole to hear other motions out there.

Motions out there:

--"Similar to the one we are considering. Move the PCUSA move into a season of serious study on Christian marriage between this assembly and the next. Intent is to do this in two year and more open ended."
--"Move to approve 13-05. This would relieve the difficult pastoral crisis in states where there is same gender marriage."
--"Our confessions based on scripture. Any redefinition of Christian marriage should be rooted in confessions. Changes in the confessions should precede changing the Book of Order."

Comments:

--"What is realistic in terms of a time frame for a study?"
--"The language that was inserted in the first motion dealt with mutual forbearance. During the season of mutual forbearance pastors can follow their conscience to marry couples in states that offer same sex marriage. Statement by General Assembly."
--"Speak to Authoritative Interpretation. Yes I would like this passed. We need take some action in states where same gender marriage is legal."
--"The amendment before us is what we did at the last General Assembly. It seems to delay things. I'm for 13-05. We need a clear sense of mutual forbearance for our pastors in states that allow same gender marriage."
--"Lots of presbyteries have not been given a change to discuss marriage. The discussion did not happen because of denomination shaking events last year."
--"We have a dilemma in Iowa where same gender marriage is legal. Things are changing and we have to address it."
--"Yes worlds are shaking. An AI that recognizes same gender marriage will be like a bomb in the church. Allowing same-sex marriage. It will cause a schism in the church. I understand the difficulties of pastoral care. We need to think about being patient."
--"Referring to state laws on marriage, the state law does not supercede God's law."
--"In regards to 13-05 and the issue of the wholeness of the church. We have given an awful lot of leeway to pastors to give blessings. We need to let people to work this through before movement."
--"Do pastors have their hands tied in ministering to their congregations. The current standards do not tie ministers hands to give pastoral care. We're talking about what happens in a worship service."
--"I appreciate the concern about the AI consequences. I take exception of the nuclear option language. We are here to discern what God's will is right now. What is best for the health of our church. We need to prevent these prosecutions in our church while we discuss things."

Moving out of quasi committee of the whole. Back to business!

12:00 PM

Lunch break. Reconvene at 1:30 pm.

11:30 AM

The chair will entertain motions. There are 10 motions.

--Motion: Because of deep divisions and pain, 1) A call for conversation, 2) Mandate that each presbytery engage in a conversation on the meaning of marriage and how to be unified as a denomination, 3) Conversations and reports completed by 222th General Assembly, 4) Receive feedback from global partners, 5) GA send letter to congregations about study.
--Seconded
--"We need space for this conversation in the PCUSA."

Discussion:
--Amend motion to add Puerto Rico. Motion carries.
--Amend motion to charge the "Office of Theology and Worship to organize the discussion in presbyteries and sessions." Amendment to amendment. Instead of "organize," use "design and implement." Amendment to the amendment passes. Amendment to the amendment "in each presbytery and session."
--Now looking at this version, "Charge the office of Theology and Worship to design and implement discussions in each presbytery and its sessions."
--Office of Theology and Worship being asked about helpful language.
--Amendment to add "in each presbytery and their sessions" fails.

11:12 AM

Committee reconvenes. Overview of parliamentary procedure. Also information about how to submit a study to the General Assembly.

11:00 AM

Committee on break. Voted to start business after the break.

10:20 AM

Sharing words from tables. "No AI", "For AI", "Concerns", "Middle ground"

Going into a time to hear from each other. Where are you hearing sparks of possibility?

--"We heard pain and harm from both sides. It is not from fear from what will happen. People are voting to leave the PCUSA. Last night that we heard about churches leaving. We heard about the impact on mission partners including relocating missionaries. Reformed theology changes but many of the changes come from many deliberations after years."
--"Student at Princeton Theological Seminary. We have talked about what a difficult decision this is. We realize the weight that our decisions carry. This is such a big issue it is important to take this to the congregations."
--"I have some ideas. I can fully appreciate both sides of the battle. What if we let 'marriage' remain the same, but in states where gay marriage licenses are permitted, have a church service that is not specifically a marriage, but can have all of the celebration, all of the affirmation that the couple wants to do...Can we find away to affirm this other kind of ministry unit and support and encourage and care for and not have to get tied up with how in the world did they consummate their marriage. It is an idea, but I don't know how to put it together. Keep marriage as marriage, but there is this other ministry unit that needs our support."
--"I feel troubled. I'm troubled about conversations about saving the church when people are hurting. As children of God, our first concern should be for people, not for the institution. In states where same-sex marriage has been moved to be legal, pastors in those states should be able to marry a gay couple. You should be able to sign a license. To do less than that is disingenuous. No one wants to be treated differently. A bigger issue is to change the wording in the Book of Order. I'm willing to compromise on that. People in a state with same sex marriage, you should be able to sign the marriage license."
--"I endorse the calls for further discussion. The church really needs to get the issue into the church. Then there is MLK, justice can't wait. But how long?"
--"Hearing from both sides of this debate, there are lots of words of love. On the left there are words of love for everyone and words of condemnation for those who disagree. People on both sides of this argument are seeking what God's call is. We're discerning. Our decisions here cannot be taken lightly. We need to put into practice the words we speak and listen to each other and really respect that we are brothers and sister in Christ."
--"We all think we need to have a good discussion and study of this issue. I don't think we will study this issue if there is not a vote at stake. We need a way to challenge presbyteries to study the issue. We've had two years of study but we have not done it. I encourage us to find a middle group that continues to affirm the definition of marriage but finds a middle way. Find wording on how to promote study."
--"I'm a campus minister. We gather around the table with different issue. We listen and hear. We need to get some help to bring us a full picture."
--"I'm so moved by what we have heard this morning. What ever we do we must honor the courage and pain we heard yesterday. As Christians we are people of faith and faith must have actions. We are God's hands and feet."
--"We need to create a balance. I want all of us to think about our brothers and sisters and let the Holy Spirit talk."
--"There is a necessity for pastoral exception. Pastors can make decisions based on cases. How many pastors have baptized children even when parents don't attend church? Is there a way we can simply recognize that sessions and presbyteries need to make individual decisions. We need to give pastoral exceptions in states where it is legal. There is a bigger question about marriage in general as well. If we call for a study, maybe we need to include marriage issues in general."
--"I'm dedicated to unity in the Christian church. What scares me today is the polarization we're experiencing that we see in our culture generally. If we seek a third way of study for a limited period of time in the effort to keep our church united and fulfilled in some way that would be good. Christ's prayer for the unity of the church. We need to give ourselves time to reduce some of that polarization. People are divided and we need a 3rd way."
--"The church has been described in terms of a body. All of the parts are indispensable. Our digits are stretched as far as we can go. This issue has us stretched. My spark of hope is that this body will keep things together even while we are stretched. We need a way to allow that to happen in our denomination. As a committee we are called to talk about a social issue. As a church we have not learned to talk together about diverse ways. We need to act like a diverse body that values its parts."
--"Make a motion that we move on to business items."
--Motion passes 23-18-4. Business starts after the break.

9:45 AM

Tables going into discernment. Where are you this morning? Has anything changed since last night. Some people have brought motions. "Please share those motions with people at your tables and get a temperature check."

9:39 AM

Commissioners are asking for more time to process things before entering into business.
9:15 AM

Commissioners are gathering for business.

July 3: Church Orders & Ministry Committee

2012-07-03T09:29:00.000-07:00

All times are Eastern time.

The recommendations of the Church Orders and Ministry Committee will now go to the Assembly plenary. The General Assembly plenary convenes on Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 PM eastern time.

My understanding of what happened in this committee is that we were hurt only by 07-05

being approved. I believe that we did well with the outcomes of the other agenda items.

3:50 PM The committee will now observe communion together.

3:49 PM The vote to disapprove 07-16 is 44-6-4.

3:46 PM The motion was not approved 6-43-5. Now voting to disapprove.

3:44 PM People are speaking against the approval of the motion.
3:39 PM ACSWP ADVICE AND COUNSEL

Items 07-02, 07-03, 07-06, and 07-16 from the Presbyteries of Stockton, Central Florida, Washington, and Foothills, respectively, overture the 220th General Assembly (2012) to reinstate, as a standard for ordination, the requirement that candidates live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or to live in chastely in singleness.

The Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy (ACSWP) advises that Items 07-02, 07-03, 07-06, and 07-16 be disapproved.

3:36 PM The last item of business is 07-16.5. Marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the well-being of the entire human family. Marriage is a civil contract between a woman and a man. For Christians marriage is a covenant through which a man and a woman are called to live out together before God their lives of discipleship. In a service of Christian marriage a lifelong commitment is made by a woman and a man to each other, publicly witnessed and acknowledged by the community of faith (W-4.9001).”

3:35 PM The motion to approve 07-05 was approved. I don't like this but at least it has to go through plenary.

3:35 PM Voting now.

3:32 PM A young guy is saying that there is a disruption in the covenant. He and several young women were talking in the hallway just now, and one was crying. This was in response to the man who spoke about people leaving the Church.

3:15 PM A young adult is speaking about fear and of how statements are being made about trying to "give" those who are feeling fear a little something to keep them from leaving the church. She said that she does not think that our Church should live in fear. Now a man is talking about how many people have left the denomination, but "so be it."

3:11 PM The elderly female commissioner is discussing the "elephant in the room." Some in her small group feel that homosexuality is a sin and must stop. Others in her small group do not feel that way. She believes that this is what this overture is addressing.

3:11 PM Still debating.

3:09 PM One of the commissioners pointed out this paragraph in the ACC's response: ""Although it is not clear from the rationale, the intent of this overture may be to restore in substance, if not in precise wording, the prohibition from ordination and/or installation for those sexually active outside heterosexual marriage. The phrase “repentance of sin” is reminiscent of the phrase, “repent of any self-acknowledged practice the confessions call sin” that was removed from the Book of Order by action of the assembly and presbyteries in 2010–2011. The Advisory Committee on the Constitution advises the 220th General Assembly (2012) that the insertion of the phrase “repentance of sin” will not have the effect of restoring the recently removed prohibition. Whether a candidate’s manner of life demonstrates the Christian gospel in the church and the world ultimately remains a matter for the council responsible for the ordination and/or installation to determine, under the provisions of G-2.0104b.

3:03 PM A commissioner is sharing his discomfort on the possible inclusion of this wording.

3:00 PM A motion to disapprove 07-05 is being voted on. The motion to disapprove is lost 22-27-4. A motion has been made to approve 07-05.

2:59 PM

The Presbytery of San Jose overtures the 220th General Assembly (2012) to direct the Stated Clerk to send the following proposed amendment to the presbyteries for their affirmative or negative vote:

Shall G-2.0104a of the Book of Order be amended as follows: [Text to be added is shown as italic.]

“a. To those called to exercise special functions in the church—deacons, ruling elders, and teaching elders—God gives suitable gifts for their various duties. In addition to possessing the necessary gifts and abilities, those who undertake particular ministries should be persons of strong faith, dedicated discipleship, and love of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel in the church and in the world. This includes repentance of sin and diligent use of the means of grace. They must have the approval of God’s people and the concurring judgment of a council of the church.”

2:59 PM
2:53 PM ""Although it is not clear from the rationale, the intent of this overture may be to restore in substance, if not in precise wording, the prohibition from ordination and/or installation for those sexually active outside heterosexual marriage. The phrase “repentance of sin” is reminiscent of the phrase, “repent of any self-acknowledged practice the confessions call sin” that was removed from the Book of Order by action of the assembly and presbyteries in 2010–2011. The Advisory Committee on the Constitution advises the 220th General Assembly (2012) that the insertion of the phrase “repentance of sin” will not have the effect of restoring the recently removed prohibition. Whether a candidate’s manner of life demonstrates the Christian gospel in the church and the world ultimately remains a matter for the council responsible for the ordination and/or installation to determine, under the provisions of G-2.0104b.

2:51 PM 07-05 is being discussed. This replaces some language some of the language that was found in G6-0106b

2:48 PM Disapproval of 07-12 passes.

2:44 PM I love this. One of the older conservative women is worried that this amendment might prohibit women from speaking in church. She has strong opposition that gives people permission to do things that had been dealt with in the past.

2:43 PM A motion has been made to disapprove 07-12.

2:42 PM RECOMMENDATION

The Presbytery of Wyoming overtures the 220th General Assembly (2012) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to direct the Stated Clerk to send the following proposed amendment to the presbyteries for their affirmative or negative vote:

Shall G-2.0104b be amended as follows: (Text to be deleted is shown with strike-through; text to be added or inserted is shown as italic.)

“Standards for ordained service reflect the church’s desire to submit joyfully and obediently to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life.(F-1.02) The council responsible for ordination and/or installation (G.2.0402; G.2.0607; G.3.03060) shall examine each candidate’s calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability for the responsibilities of ordered ministry. The examination shall include, but not be limited to~~, a~~ the candidate’s willingness to lead a life in obedience to Scripture whereby his or her faith and obedience are nourished and regulated (Confession of 1967, 9.27), and the determination of the candidate’s ability and commitment to fulfill all requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W-4.4003). Councils shall be ~~guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual candidates~~ held to the same standards as the candidates as a basis for their decision to ordain and/or install an officer of the church.”

2:41 PM Item 07-12 is being considered. An overture advocate is speaking to the committee.

2:38 PM A motion to approve 07-01 did not pass. A motion to disapprove is now being voted upon.

2:25 PM 07-01 is now under consideration.

2:23 PM Passed 53-0-0.

2:12 PM A motion has been made to approve 07-07 with amendments. They are lengthy, and so won't be included here.

1:59 PM Item 07-07 is before the committee. This concerns ordination exams.

RECOMMENDATION

The Presbytery of the Cascades overtures the 220th General Assembly (2012) to do the following:

1. Reexamine the viability of testing as a way of discerning a candidate’s suitability for ministry.

2. Reevaluate and reassess the process by which the exams are written, administered, and graded.

RATIONALE

It has been forty-four years since the standard ordination exams were established for candidates for the Ministry of Word and Sacrament (teaching elder). Times have changed and we as a society have discovered that people today learn and process knowledge in different ways, especially those persons with learning disabilities as well as those who come to us from whom English is a second language. Many of our candidates are failing to pass the exams on the first, second, or even third attempts.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION

Item 07-07, Recommendation 02, 2013: $17,660; 2014: $10,260 (per capita - OGA)
(FI also applies to OGA Comment)

COMMENT

COMMENT ACREC ADVICE AND COUNSEL

The Advocacy Committee for Racial Ethnic Concerns advises that the 220th General Assembly approveItem 07-07 as amended:

Insert new Recommendations 3 and 4 to read as follows:

“[3. Assess the exams’ assumed cultural neutrality and revise exams as needed to address disparities in pass rates.

“[4. Work with councils to develop effective, alternative methods of examination, and to encourage their use to grow the pastoral leadership pool for immigrant communities in need.]”

1:58 PM Motion passes 53-0-0.

1:57 PM Item 07-23:

The Presbyteries’ Cooperative Committee on Examinations for Candidates (PCCEC) recommends that the 220th General Assembly (2012) establish the following process for determining PCCEC membership and to include the “Guiding Principles” of the PCCEC (see Appendix A) in the Manual of the General Assembly’s Guidelines and Policies:

MEMBERS: The Presbyteries’ Cooperative Committee on Examinations for Candidates (PCCEC) will be composed of no fewer than twelve members and no more than twenty-four members who are ruling or teaching elders in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Any changes to this membership range will require a two-thirds majority vote of the PCCEC before submission to commissioners at a General Assembly for action on behalf of the presbyteries.

• Every two years, the PCCEC will review the number of members required to complete its work and will set a specific number of members within the range approved by the presbyteries by action of commissioners to the General Assembly.

• No more than half and no less than one-third of the members will be elected by the General Assembly to four-year terms on a staggered schedule. These members will be eligible to be reelected for an additional term. Candidates for these positions are nominated through the General Assembly Nominating Committee with consideration being given to areas of needed expertise, to gender and racial ethnic representation, to an approximate balance of ruling and teaching elders, and to various subcultures within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) with regard to the overall composition of the PCCEC.

• Remaining members of the PCCEC will be elected from among and by examination readers designated by the presbyteries. To facilitate representation from across the church, the PCCEC will group presbyteries into regions. The reader representatives will be nominated from and voted on by readers from their respective regional groupings of presbyteries following procedures determined by the PCCEC. These members will be elected and serve on a staggered schedule in four-year terms, and will be eligible to be reelected for an additional term.

National MLP Celebration Worship Service

2012-07-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

Katie Ricks
Worship Preacher

Tuesday July 3, 2012, 7:00 p.m.
Omni William Penn Hotel (530 William Penn Place, Pittsburgh, PA), Grand Ball Room

All are really welcome to come just as you are. Come experience Sanctuary, Celebration and Community in worship of the God who creates, loves and embraces all. Rev. Katie Ricks, Church of the Reconciliation, Chapel Hill, NC is the preacher. The passage of 10-A cleared the way for Katie's approval for ordination. Join other open-hearted Christians in welcoming and affirming worship that celebrates all persons as God's children and recognizes the gifts of LGBT persons and their families in the life, ministry and witness of the Church. Together we're building a Church and world that reflects God's heart.

The Annual MLP Membership Meeting follows worship.

Worship Bulletin
MLP Worshop Service

Worship Service Photographs

National MLP Education Luncheon Today

2012-07-03T08:30:00.000-07:00

Tuesday July 3, 2012, Noon
The Westin Convention Center Hotel (1000 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222), Allegheny 1

Marriage Matters: Pastoral Care for All Couples & Families. All are invited for a panel conversation on same-sex marriage and pastoral care. 42% of Americans live in the 21 states that recognize various forms of legal same-sex relationships. 1/3 of our nation's population has marriage equality. The panel will include Presbyterian ministers from marriage equality states. Join us for these vital faith conversations about love, marriage and pastoral care for all couples and families. Together we're building a Church and world that reflects God's heart.

You are welcome to attend the luncheon without tickets. We will provide tables with water.

NATIONAL EDUCATIONAL LUNCHEON
220th General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (USA)
The Westin, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
July 3, 2012

Welcome & Invocation
Dr. Patrick Evans

Introduction
Marriage Matters: Pastoral Care
for All Couples & Families
Dr. Michael Adee

Panel

Rev. Heidi Peterson
Pastor, Central Presbyterian Church
Kansas City, Missouri

Rev. David Ensign
Pastor, Clarendon Presbyterian Church
Clarendon, Virginia

Rev. Will McGarvey
Pastor, Community Presbyterian Church
Pittsburg, California

Eric Thomas
Student, Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary
at the International Theological Center, Atlanta, Georgia

Benediction
Beth Van Sickle

Photographs of the Educational Luncheon

MLP General Assembly Legislative Summary, July 2

2012-07-02T19:57:00.000-07:00

The Church Orders & Ministry Committee passed Overture 07-17, On Honoring Christ in Our Relationships with One Another from the Presbytery of Sacramento with amendments. Please view the live blog for more details.

The Civil Union & Marriage Committee conducted open hearings, heard from Overture Advocates and started a discernment process about the legislation. Please view the live blog for more details.

The Confessions of the Church Committee passed Overture 18-03, Report of the General Assembly Special Committee on the Heidelberg Catechism to the 220th General Assembly (2012). The Belhar Confession will be considered tomorrow.

MLP Board Member Madeline Jervis provided the following report from the Mid-Councils Review Committee.

It was an orientation and learning session throughout the day. In the afternoon they were learning about the missional purpose of non-geographic presbyteries. Members of the commission thought that non-geographic presbyteries would break us out of our old patterns. We believe these should be for missional purposes only. It is unfortunate that recent political developments have caused people to forget about our missional purpose.

Overture advocates from Stockton and Santa Barbara are calling for flexible boundaries for union congregations and presbyeries to hold on to their freedom of conscience so that when there is a conflict between the standards of the relevant denominations, the church leaders can make “wise and godly” decisions about which standard they will apply.

There was strong resistance to dissolving the synod structure.

Overture Advocate Speeches in Civil Union & Marriage Committee

2012-07-02T14:55:00.001-07:00

Overture Advocates supporting marriage equality overtures spoke before the Civil Unions & Marriage Committee on July 2, 2012 at the 220th General Assembly. Here are the speeches in favor of amending the definition of marriage in W-4.9000 and in favor of an authoritative interpretation of W-4.9000.

Speeches in Favor of Amendments Changing the Definition of Marriage in W-4.9000 and an Authoritative Interpretation (AI) of W-4.9000

Listen to Overture Advocate speeches

Amend Overtures

Speeches in Favor of an Authoritative Interpretation (AI) of W-4.9000
AI Overtures

July 2: Civil Union & Marriage Committee

2012-07-02T06:40:00.000-07:00

All times are Eastern

9:05 PM

Some words from Scripture and then the committee closes until tomorrow morning at 9:30 AM.

8:39 PM

What are the impressions I am left with from today? Reports back from the table discussions.

Spokespersons:
--"Our conversation we tried to recognize the difference of Biblical interpretation, the pain on both sides and tremendous pain across the whole church. If we change the definition of marriage in the same year as 10-A, we will have more difficulty in our church and in our ecumenical relationships. Is there a third way that would require the whole church to be involved in a serious study on this issue. Sometimes it takes a while for people to seriously study the issue. Trying to make a decision for the whole church in the next couple of days is too soon. Can we give the church some space to have an experience like we're having here."
--"This is a very emotional issue and we're being asked for a reasoned response. We are not sure that the church is ready. We still need conversations."
--"If you don't change LGBT people are hurt. If you do change, churches will leave. We're facing down dire consequences. The second is how the Bible interprets marriage. It is hard to take a 1,000 year old document and try to discern what was meant in that document. How do you make a decision with so little information. How do you create a balance between hard emotions and feelings. People on either side will be offended by the results of what is decided here. There is lots of emotion involved on both sides. It is hard to look at the facts and make a clear decision without emotion."
--"This is a huge weight on each of us. We want to thank our leadership for helping us be prayerful. I wish that both sides (tears) would be open and be willing to pray and talk to each other. Perhaps we could stay together. I don't think any of us have heard anything that is new. We are far from a consensus but we all love Jesus Christ."
--"There was a lot of scripture they were throwing out to us out of context. We were concerned about the predictions about who stays and who leaves. We do this for the will of God, not for the preservation of the denomination. Some of us felt hurt with what we have gone through."
--"We were struck by how two groups could take the same scripture and read entirely different things and then also talking totally past each other. They were not speaking the same language. Some were strong in scripture and some were strong in personal stories. There was a sense that we should not be making decisions on the basis of emotional crisis or fear of breaking up. We need to listen to our mission partners...we should not make that irrelevant. We are trying to discern the truth and people have things to say to us. We thought that this is a very, very big decision. Our entire table was convinced that an AI would be very damaging to the church. It is 300 voices making a decision for the entire denomination. We need more discussion, more intentional gatherings where people of different sides can actually have conversation. We feel that we are rushing that that we need to take some time with this. There needs to be consensus and this is tied to the confessions. To make a confessional change should have consensus."
--"We heard a lot of people who were trying to be faithful. We heard a lot of fear on all sides. We heard a lot of pain in many voices who spoke to us today. We talked about Jesus and what he had to say in different ways. Some people think about Jesus' words about marriage and some more broadly including Jesus' statements about inclusivity. Everyone is a child of God and we hope everyone would be part of our church."
--"After listening to what everyone has said, we've come to consensus to what the problems are. The two sides are so far apart. We have covenant agreements here but people on the outside don't have them. We're the disciples in the Upper Room waiting for answers. We're in a waiting period. We're waiting for God to speak to us. We also heard the pain. The pain of the LGBT people. When we interpret Scripture from different ways, how can we handle this issue. We need to do it in a way that is pleasing to God."
--"We need to remember that if we pass an Amend or AI, no one will be forced to do something against their own personal conviction."
--"Remember that God is God and God is in control. They are made through the power of the Holy Spirit. We've heard a lot of rhetoric tonight. There are a lot of churches waiting for a decision. Revelation says that if we add anything to the word of God, we will be condemned."
--"It is ok for us as Presbyterians to be in conflict with this. It is really difficult for all of us. None of us asked to be on this committee. Conflict is not a bad thing at all."
--"We need to pray (tears)."

7:48 PM

Commissioners are going to be talking at their tables for 30 minutes and then sharing their insights with the whole group. What are the impressions I am left with from today? Each table will share three impressions with the group.

7:40 PM

There is an additional Overture Advocate presentation supporting oppositional overtures to "balance out the presentations." Marriage is between "one man and one woman."

7:26 PM

Commissioners are gathering for the evening session.

5:10 PM

ACC answers constitutional questions for commissioners. Live blogging will resume at 7:30 p.m.

5:00 PM

The impact of overtures on mission partners discussed. If the PCUSA embraces same gender marriage, it will further strain relationships with mission partners.

Grady Parsons discussing how many churches would leave if the definition of marriage is changed. "No objective data. Some people say none. Some say significant impact in certain Presbyteries."

Commissioner asks how much data do we have about how many people who don't come to church because of homophobia. Grady Parsons said that there is no internal data but there are some external studies.

4:13 PM

GAMC/ACSWP/ACWC resources are being presented to commissioners. These agencies have no advocacy positions. Commissioners will have an opportunity to ask their own questions.

The Advocacy Committee for Woman's Concerns advocated for the passage of pro-LGBT overtures. A commissioner wants someone to speak to an alternative view. Leadership is considering how to do that.

3:15 PM
Overture Advocates
Speaking on the Amend and AI Overtures

--Scott Clark, Redwoods "Pass both the AI and Amendment. The amendment is needed to fully recognize all people. I am here to recognize the harm that the current policy does to LGBT couples. As marriage became legal in a number of states, a number of pastors have to turn away couples and their families from the church. This is cruel and contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In recent court decisions, judicial council members have spoken out against how LGBT persons are treated. Take time to read the dissents in recent marriage cases. Please stop this cycle of harm. I urge you to pass an amend overture."
--David Kingsley, Hudson River, "Family is not about sex. It is about relationship. It is about having a companion or spouse. Gay people are told that committed relationships are sinful. They are told that they will never have a romantic bond with someone. Within the traditional interpretation of scripture, gay people are told that they cannot have a committed relationship. Good teachings are not destructive to human creation. These policies have caused much pain and suffering. It is not good for anyone to be alone."
--Myra Kazanjian, Utica. "Today in our society we recognize the civil unions of same gender couples. Some faithful Christians are uncomfortable calling these relationships marriage. They are like marriage in every sense of the word except they involve same gender couples. These couples provide the same benefits. They provide for the birth and nurture of children. Marriage provides economic security for the couples. Why can't we call these relationships marriage? We believe in the Holy Spirit...that the Holy Spirit is constantly moving us to new understandings. Is the problem the judgement of others? Is it that some of us have no personal experience with loving same gender couples? Yes this will upset some of us. But real people are being hurt now, particularly LGBT youth. What is the message we are sending to the children of these same-gender couples? These kids are growing up and it would make a difference to them to know the church supported them. To do anything else denies one group the opportunity of fully worshiping with us."
--Andrew Stehlik, New York City, Reformed theology about marriage.
--Lara Marsh, East Iowa, "What defines Christianity for you? Generous, loving. Barna Research shows that Christianity is defined as anti-homosexual. Many young adults have left the church because of the way the church treats LGBT persons. This is not a liberal vs. conservative issue. There are many Republicans that support marriage equality. These overtures allow all of us to exercise freedom. These overtures emphasize trust for local elders and sessions. They do not force anyone to do anything. We are tired of fighting and being known of what we are against. Stop waging war, start washing feet."
--Ray Bagnuolo, New York City. "Please send forward our recommendations for a passage of an AI and Amend. So all marriages can be considered equal. This is about knowing who we are, sisters and brothers in the body of Christ. We know about justice and courage. We know how to move beyond the fear that traps others. Do this again with these overtures."
--Tony Beyer, Heartland. "Our God is complex. It is in the conflict that our church remains relevant. Many of the contemporary concepts that we deal with do not exist in the Bible. Same gender loving couples do not really exist in the Bible. Our most important values come from the values of Christ. He teaches us radical inclusivity. Love your neighbor as yourself. Emotion is good. It means that the church is doing its job. Send both the Amend and AI to the floor. Our church needs this conflict. Fear of loosing members is no reason to hold back on this. When torn between judgement and grace, let us side on the side of grace. Let's err on the side of love."

2:30 PM

Overture Advocates
Speaking to the AI Overtures

--Blue screen of death here. Sorry for the technical difficulties
--Judy Whitford, East Iowa. "Our constitution gives us the power to issue AI. Things are different now. A number of states have extended marriage to same gender couples. If trends continue civil marriage available for 40% of Americans. We need to change to meet pastoral concerns. The AI does not seek to redefine marriage but provide pastoral care to couples. The PJC has changed significantly on the issue of marriage. Even opposing overtures recognize the ambiguity we have with the Book of Worship. An authoritative interpretation is needed to clarify. Discerning the will of God is important. Law suites drain resources."
--Earl Arnold, Cayuga-Syracuse "Story about the harm of not having an authoritative interpretation. Couple approaching the pastor was denied marriage. It was an agonizing decision for the pastor. The Presbyteries that we represent that prior AI's do not reflect the hour. The proposed AI's will address the times. Pastors will need not bar congregants. No one will be forced to do anything. It will prevent court cases.
-Betty Iwan, Genesee Valley: "Pastoral care for Ralph and Van. Our congregation has tried to love Ralph and Van the same as anyone. Ralph and Van would like to be wed now that New York State has same gender marriage. We're sad that our church and pastors are unable to marry Ralph and Van. The Directory of Worship, "The worship of God in the Christian community is the foundation and context for pastoral care." Out of sheer joy and love for Ralph and Van...we'd like to have a service of Christian marriage."
--John Harris, New York Presbytery. "It impacts the use of Church property. How will sessions allow others to use their property? Historic partners want to lease, rent sanctuaries for same gender marriages. Many churches need this kind of funding. We need an AI that makes it explicit that a church may use church property."
--Sharon Wright, Boston: "Historical and Biblical interpretations. Our fore-bearers reinterpreted marriage. Scripture reveals no standard definition of marriage. Many ancient practices that assured survival are no longer used. The Bible is silent about same gender marriage. People have changed as they discern God's voice over time. God refuses to live in a box."
--Jeananne Stine, Baltimore. "Jesus challenged overly strict interpretation of scripture. Presbyterian same gender couples seek to include marriages as their shared life together. We do not see these couples as the other. Some in the church continue to see these couples as the other. Paul addressed a similar situation in Galatians.God sits in the mercy seat. Reinterpreting marriage has been at the heart of protestantism from the beginning. Luther allowed clergy to marry. We must allow pastors freedom of conscience. We must not bind the conscience of pastors. We must not bind conscience of pastors that interpret scripture differently. We humbly ask for an AI."
--Author Fullerton, Albany Presbytery. "Marriage is different from 100 years ago. The institution has changed while the name as remained the same. As good faith belief leads us to new understandings, the AI will allow pastoral freedom. For some of us the gender of the couple is not the main point. The AI allows pastoral discretion even if you disagree. We want an AI that blesses pastoral discretion. We are called as Christians to act out of faith, not out of fear. The only question is can we trust enough to allow pastors to exercise that discretion. We are called to be with those on the martians. See, celebrate love and commitment."

2:00 PM

Overture Advocates
Speaking to Overtures 7, 12, and 13

--John Tony, Mississippi Presbytery. "The confessions are the strings that ground us in Scripture. Marriage is between a man and a women. The Bible says that marriage is between a man and a woman. From the beginning of creation God made them a man and a woman. Marriage comes from God. Marriage is not a social construct. Jesus says that God is the author of marriage. God made the male and female, not two persons. God's design also established the right number for marriage, two. Our consciences are bound to the Word of God as interpreted to us in the confessions. The Westminster Confession says that marriage is between a man and a woman. As a pastor I find myself under the authority of the great Shepard. As a chuch we need to help all people to remember that our call is to follow God with all of our lives. Changing the confessions would mean that we cut the strings to our tradition.
--Ben Laughlon, Cherokee Presbytery. "Our confessions claim the truth of the Gospels. The Bible and our Confessions are clear about what marriage is all about. Our faith and our practice needs to be aligned. There is an inseparable connection between faith and practice. The Directory of Worship naturally flows out of our confessions. This language is rooted in our confessions and anchored in Scripture. Unless the church decides to change its confessions, these changes should not be made. I urge the committee not to pass an AI or an Amend overture changing the definition of marriage. It will cut the string to our faith anchored in Scripture and the confessions. Does God require the church to disregard the commandments that God has made? Some argue that this is about equal rights. Our denomination lost 80,000 members last year after 10-A. In my own congregation there are people looking at this GA. Changing our definition of marriage does not show love, but helps people to continue in sin. Jesus has issued the authoritative interpretation of marriage."
--Marc Mason, Foothills Presbytery: "The church defines what the church believes. Overture 13-13 speaks with a simple voice: we cling to Scripture and the confessions. In our Presbytery we have studied the majority and minority report on marriage from the 219th GA. We have voted as a Presbytery to support 13-13. It will strengthen our relationship with international relations."
--Cody Watson, New Harmony Presbytery: "A large number of international partners are breaking off relationships with the American church because of our work changing marriage."
--Kate Keep, Charlston-Atlantic Presbytery: "We used four major translations in the Bible. Do not be deceived. Fornicators, homosexuals, extortioners will not inherit the Kingdom of God. We are all inclined to sin. We need to help each other overcome our weaknesses. Many churches will leave if this passes. Many churches will be forced to recognize that the PCUSA has turned its back on the written Word of God."

1:45 PM

The committee is reviewing the agenda and getting ready for Overture Advocates. Commissioners are walking through legal decisions made by the PCUSA on same-sex marriage.

11:00 AM

Live blogging will resume at 2:00 PM for the Overture Advocate speeches.

10:50 AM

Open hearings continue

--"I'm a gay man. Son of Presbyterian minister. When I became an adult, I could not reconcile my sense of social justice with what you taught me about homosexuality. I was forced to second class status. I am bitter. You gave me so much, but you've treated me badly."
--"I've been a pastor to many gay people. When Jesus quotes Genesis 2 in Mark, he does not give an option for two persons in marriage. Help me resolve this."
--"When we speak of Biblical marriage, the Bible has multiple witnesses for multiple kinds of marriage. Jacob and Rachel and Leah. There were many Biblical forms of marriage that were relevant throughout biblical history. We are called into a new understanding. Let us not pretend that the Bible has only one view of marriage."
--"Such were some of you...it includes a list of idolatry and sexual sins including homosexual behaviors. If I had an urge to lie, you would call me to repent. The same for our sexual behaviors. May we say no to so called same gender marriage."
--"I"m a sinner saved by God's grace. Please reaffirm Christianity's long history of marriage. Call on all of us to repent on the sorry state of marriage in our times."

10:47 AM

Commissioners are deciding if they want to hear more testimony.

10:00 AM

Open Hearings

--"Homosexuality spoken of as the most 'grievous sin.'"
--Speaker from One by One ministry. Ex-gay speaking. "I've been celebrate for my whole life. Homosexuals will not see the kingdom of God. Uphold traditional marriage."
--"Teaching elders need do their job in Vermont where same-sex marriage is legal. I want to be celebrate unions among same sex couples in my congregation."
--"God gave us marriage. It is gift to be received, it is not for us to be tinkered with. God created the male and female and be joined to his wife."
--"Please make pastoral care equal for all members."
--"Justice in human relationships are complex. Is it just to open another deep wound in the PCUSA body. Is it just to drive a wedge between ecumenical partners. Is it just to endanger people around the world. Is it just for a small group to redefine marriage."
--"God intended to have a family with a man and a woman. Social statistics show that when a man and a woman raise a child, it has the best chance of success."
--"I was baptized and confirmed, taught was child of God. Recipent of God's grace. Speak in favor of 13-01, 13-02. Gender does not define marriage. Loving vs. Virginia...persons of different races could not marriage. My generation bitterly divided something clear and right. Everyone has the right to love someone."
--"Genesis is clear about God's design for marriage. There are churches in conflict right now. If you send this to the floor, you send a message to churches...is it going to stop with 10A. More churches are going to leave. As the moderator has said, do not send this to the floor."
--"Important that our church recognizes marriage. Official recognition has benefits on same sex couples. Church recognition leads to stress reduction and stronger relationship. Important for children that marriage equality becomes a reality."
--"I'm against affirmation of same-sex marriage. It is a sin. I can say this because I was once a lesbian. I was wrong. Are we going to affirm sin in the whole denomination. Love your God with all your mind and your heart. I was sexually confused. I am now pursuing sexual wholeness in Jesus Christ."
--"My friends Cliff and Dave have been together 37 years. The recently got married and the Holy Spirit filled the sanctuary. We are all one in Christ. There is neither male nor female. I hope PCUSA respect Christians who love and respect Cliff and Dave. The Holy Spirit was present at the marriage. Who are we to reject that."
--"Sara and Jen were faithful members of our church. When they fell in love, I did the marriage. I could not tell them they were not holy enough to get marriage. I was put on trial and eventually was acquitted. The trial cost 100,000 dollars. How many people could we feed for that money?"
--"If God put two men or two women in the garden, the human race would not exist. A man and a woman are needed to create children."
--"Good news, the Holy Spirit is alive and well. Our church is 1/3 gay and lesbian and they are coming in droves to serve the Lord. I cry and grieve and hurt when two women who have been together for 25 years come to me and I can't marry them. New York has same sex marriage. I am asking you to free my hand so I can be the pastor that I can be."
--"Civil authorities in my state allow marriage. My hands are tied. I'm tired of sending people to the UCC or UU church to get married."
--"Please affirm marriage between and man and a woman. Please read our report about the biblical nature of marriage."
--"We worked hard to oppose Amendment One in North Carolina. This church needs affirm LGBT people and their wholeness. This will be good for our church."
--"My uncle and his partner Andrew have been together for 16 years. My uncle Alan was in accident. Andrew had limited access to Alan's medical records. My uncles live out marriage vows everyday, but they can't get married."
--"Hear in favor of the AI. Micah 6:8. Do justly, love mercy...What does it mean to do justly? Equality is about justice. All beloved children of God should have equality. Two people of the same sex have just as much opportunity to be married as others."
--"For most people under 30 sexual orientation is a non issue. I am the pastor of 6,000 Presbyterians and they can't get this head around this issue. I have churches that have left this denomination that I love. What is going to happen to our churches. This will be the final straw for many congregations."
--"Speaking in favor of the AI. It is the only compromise. People have opposing beliefs about same-sex marriage. We are supposed to love God and our neighbors as ourselves. People may be anxious, but this overture allows teaching elders and sessions to decide what they want to do. We can trust those we have ordained."
--"It should be how God defines marriage. The Bible says that marriage is between a man and a woman. The church should hold to God's definition. God has told us in his world that he does not approve of sexual relations between a homosexuals. Ministers should not perform marriages for homosexuals."

9:50 AM

Open hearings begin at 10:00

9:40 AM

ACC advising commissioners on constitutional issues. An overture that changes marriage from "a man and a woman" to "two person" would require ratification from the Presbyteries.

9:35 AM

Opening prayer. Then commissioners will introduce themselves to one another.

8:51 AM

The Civil Union & Marriage Committee is in a fairly large ballroom with observer seating for close to 200 people. I'm hoping they turn on the air conditioning soon.

8:30 AM

The first commissioner has arrived in the committee room.

July 2: Church Orders & Ministry Committee

2012-07-02T06:29:00.000-07:00

All times are Eastern

9:40 PM Tomorrow's business will possibly be contentious, so please continue to pray! Sleep well.

9:39 PM Leadership team is expressing thanks to committee for their patience and questions today. Closing for the night with prayer.

9:37 PM Comment states, "We further request that this statement be brought before each presbytery at a stated meeting in which the report from the 220th General Assembly is given." Comment is accepted 43-10-1.

9:35 PM Motion carried 39 yes, 14 no, 1 abstaining. Now they need to vote to add a comment to the motion.

9:31 PM Now voting to approve 07-17 (which will include 07-18 & 07-24) as amended.

9:29 PM Now voting to approve the amendment as stated below, which I thought they did before. Approved 35-18-1. ??? The press table is quite confused.

9:27 PM More discussion.

9:21 PM Approved - 39-8-6. The amendment passes, so it will amend the original main motion.

9:19 PM Voting again.

9:18 PM Problem - there are 54 people on the committee, but 55 votes.

9:15 PM ""Therefore, while holding persons in ordered ministry to high standards of covenant fidelity in the exercise of their sexuality, as in all aspects of life, we acknowledge that the PCUSA does not have one interpretation of Scripture in this matter. We commit ourselves to continue reseptful dialogue with those who hold differing convictions, to welcome one another for God's glory, and not to vilify those whose convictions we believe to be in error. We call on al Presbyyterians to join us in this commitment." This was approved 43-7-5. This now becomes the amendment.

9:14 PM Want to learn about polity? Come to GA!

9:13 PM They are now amending the amendment. Once that is done, they will vote on the amendment to the amendment, and then on the amendment.

9:09 PM The committee is taking a five minute break.

9:07 PM The motion is now being perfected. It will change points 3 & 4 in 07-17.

9:03 PM There is a motion to amend by striking out "we decline to take an action that would have the effect of imposing on the whole Presbyterian Church USA, on interpretation of scripture in this matter."

8:54 PM Substitution is defeated 16 yes, 37 no, 1 abstaining. Those who voted to substitute 02 for 17 are permitted to register a minority report.

8:54 PM A no vote means that they do not want the substitution to take place.

8:52 PM No more discussion. Voting now on sustituting 02 for 17, 18, & 24.

8:51 PM Question from an older gentleman: What are the standards referred to in "3. The proposed requirement of an affirmation of a “desire to adhere to these standards of ordained service,” may limit a candidate’s right of freedom of conscience under G-2.0105. A candidate may declare an objection of conscience to one or more provisions of the Constitution, which might include a “standard of ordained service” as envisioned in this overture. It would then be the responsibility of the examining body to determine whether the objection constitutes a departure from an essential of Reformed faith and polity. Requiring an affirmation of a candidate’s desire to adhere to a standard to which he or she has objection raises the desire to adhere itself to the status of a necessary and essential article.

8:49 PM Woman is stating that the church should have the opportunity to live into 10-A, and that the church is tired of the conversation. Thanks be to God for this!

8:47 PM Discussion continues.

8:42 PM Another commissioner is stating that his difficulty is that 07-17 will be "nothing more than a pleasant thought" to the General Assembly. If 07-17 is passed, it is history. He wants to see something more than a statement sent forth because of his biblical views.

8:41 PM Commissioner is stating that 07-17 best represents the views of her small group.

8:38 PM Reconvening. They are going to discuss the merits of 07-17 and of 07-02. Once this has been done they will determine which item on which they will vote.
8:35 PM The committee is taking a brief break while the moderator consults with the parliamentarian.

8:33 PM Several hands are in the air. This is all quite confusing. A committee member is requesting guidance from the committee's moderator.

8:31 PM A commissioner is asking what kind of authority the opinion of the committee will have for the General Assembly, specifically the 07-17 & -7-18 combination.

8:30 PM They don't.

8:25 PM The moderator of the committee is trying to determine whether everyone understands what is happening.

8:21 PM Per Tom Hay, if one motion is approved, the other is automatically declined. If the committee wants to back up and restore the agenda to where it was, the committee moderator can ask the committee if it wants to do so. If the committee says yes, the agenda can be restored. If not, they must proceed from the point at which they are currently. If there are objections in doing so, this must be put to a vote.

8:20 PM Shall the substitute be the substitute for the main motion? If so, what happens to the item which is declined? Will it come up again or does it automatically get disapproved?

8:15 PM The commissioner who first made the substitute motion is suggesting that the Advocate who brought forth the overture offer further explanation about the amendment.

8:14 PM Tom Hay, the Assistant Stated Clerk of the General Assembly is now in the room.

8:10 PM A TSAD is making a motion to remove the substitute motion because it changes the agenda. The process has become so muddled that Marcia Clark Myers has called the OGA for assistance.

08:06 PM If 07-17 were defeated, 07-18 and 07-24 would "go away."

8:04 PM Please forgive the formatting - blogger must not be completely compatible to this version of Mac opperating system.

ADVICE FROM THE ACC

The Advisory Committee on the Constitution advises the 220th General Assembly (2012) that Item 07-17 does not seek constitutional interpretation and is, on its face, a request of the assembly to take certain actions to acknowledge differences among faithful Presbyterians concerning the morality of same-gender relationships. The Advisory Committee on the Constitution offers no advice to the assembly on this matter.

The advisory committee notes that the assembly has a duty to respond to all business before it. Requesting the assembly “to decline to take an action that would have the effect of imposing on the whole Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) one interpretation of Scripture” places the assembly in the position of determining which of its actions might impose such limited interpretative possibilities. If the assembly chooses to respond affirmatively to this request, it will be answered by the actions of the 220th General Assembly (2012).

COMMENT ACSWP ADVICE AND COUNSEL

Items 07-17 and 07-18 from the Presbyteries of Sacramento and Chicago overture the 220th General Assembly (2012) to acknowledge the differences that exist among Christians regarding committed, same-gender relationships; to decline to impose any one scriptural interpretation of such relationships on the whole church; to continue in respectful dialogue, welcoming one another; and to call upon the whole church to join in this commitment.

The Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy (ACSWP) advises that Item 07-17 and 07-18 be disapproved.

8:01 PM Regarding item 07-17, the ACC offers no advice. On this same item, the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy advises that
07-17 be disapproved.

7

:58 PM The ACC advises that 07-02 not be approved for the following reasons:

ADVICE FROM THE ACC

The Advisory Committee on the Constitution advises the 220th General Assembly (2012) that Item 07-02 presents issues that the assembly should consider.

The overture proposes an amendment to G-2.0104b that (1)would add a new second sentence to the paragraph, (2) would insert the phrase “commitment to these standards” in the resulting third sentence, and (3) would strike the current final sentence and replace it with a new sentence. The new second sentence indicates that the “standards for ordained service” are found in the Scriptures and the confessions 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.” The sentence to be added in place of the current final sentence reads: “Only those who affirm a desire to adhere to the standards for ordained service and who make an affirmative answer to the constitutional questions shall be ordained or installed.”

The Advisory Committee on the Constitution advises the General Assembly of the following concerns:

1. Introducing the language of “holy” marriage may confuse the issue by raising questions of whether the marital relationship permitted under the proposed addition is exclusively a “Christian” marriage, and thus whether someone married in a civil ceremony would qualify for ordination or installation. If the assembly is satisfied with the intent of this overture, it may wish to consider using “the covenant of marriage” in place of the proposed “holy marriage.”

2. The insertion of the phrase “commitment to these standards” in the current second (proposed third) sentence of the paragraph is at least partly repetitive, since the next sentence mandates that the examination shall “include … a determination of the candidate’s ability and commitment to fulfill all requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W-4.4003).” Since a candidate must affirm the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as “the unique and authoritative witness to Jesus Christ in the Church Universal and God’s Word to [the candidate],” a commitment to these as standards is implied in the required affirmation.

3. The proposed requirement of an affirmation of a “desire to adhere to these standards of ordained service,” may limit a candidate’s right of freedom of conscience under G-2.0105. A candidate may declare an objection of conscience to one or more provisions of the Constitution, which might include a “standard of ordained service” as envisioned in this overture. It would then be the responsibility of the examining body to determine whether the objection constitutes a departure from an essential of Reformed faith and polity. Requiring an affirmation of a candidate’s desire to adhere to a standard to which he or she has objection raises the desire to adhere itself to the status of a necessary and essential article.

4. The final sentence to be added by the overture is at least partly repetitive of language already present in G-2.0104b. The text of the present statement contains the sentence that the examination shall “include but not be limited to a determination of the candidate’s ability and commitment to fulfill all requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W-4.4003).” The implication of the existing sentence is that a candidate who does not make an affirmative answer to the constitutional questions would not sustain his or her examination. The addition of the new final sentence serves to make explicit what is already implied in the previous sentence; the Advisory Committee on the Constitution advises that the explication is unnecessary and could be deleted without loss of meaning.

5. The approval of this amendment would in substance reverse the decision of the 219th General Assembly (2010) and the subsequent approval of a majority of the presbyteries to remove the specific behavioral standard of “fidelity in marriage between a man and a woman or chastity in singleness” from the Form of Government. The assembly should weigh carefully whether it believes the majority of the church took that action in error before proposing this amendment.

COMMENT ACSWP ADVICE AND COUNSEL

The Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy (ACSWP) advises that Items 07-02, 07-03, 07-06, and 07-16 be disapproved.

07:53 Correction: committee members were asked if anyone had corrections or additions that would improve upon 07-17. There were none. They were then asked if anyone had any corrections or additions to 07-02. There were none.

7:50 PM The motion addressing 07-17 must be voted upon prior to voting on 07-02.

The Presbytery of Stockton overtures the 220th General Assembly (2012) to direct the Stated Clerk to send the following proposed amendment to the presbyteries for their affirmative or negative vote:

Shall G-2.0104b be amended as follows: [Text to be deleted is shown with a strike-through; text to be added or inserted is shown as italic.]

“b. Standards for ordained service reflect the church’s desire to submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life (F-1.02). 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 (The Book of Confessions, 4.108). The council responsible for ordination and/or installation (G.2.0402; G-2.0607; G-3.0306) shall examine each candidate’s commitment to these standards, calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability for the responsibilities of ordered ministry. The examination shall include, but not be limited to, a determination of the candidate’s ability and commitment to fulfill all requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W-4.4003). ~~Councils shall be guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual candidates.~~ Only those who affirm a desire to adhere to the standards for ordained service and who make an affirmative answer to the constitutional questions shall be ordained or installed.”

7:48 PM A substitute motion was made to accept overture 07-02:

On Amending G-2.0104b to Clarify Standards for Ordination—From the Presbytery of Stockton.

7:47 PM A motion was made to accept item 07-17, which reads:

The Presbytery of Sacramento respectfully overtures the 220th General Assembly (2012) to approve the following statement:

“Because

“• Jesus taught that our highest ethical obligation is to ‘… love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself’ (Lk. 10:27); and this is how ‘everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another’ (Jn. 13:35);

“• having experienced Christ’s gracious love for us while we are yet sinners, we are called to ‘welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God’ (Rom. 15:7);

“• we affirm thesolemn commitments expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination, installation, and commissioning, including that we intend to fulfill our ministries ‘in obedience to Jesus Christ, under the authority of Scripture, and … continually guided by our confessions’; that that we will be friends among our colleagues in ministry; that we ‘seek to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, love [our] neighbors, and work for the reconciliation of the world’ (Book of Order, W-4.4003);

“• ‘… wehold that interpretation of the Scripture to be orthodox and genuine which is gleaned from the Scriptures themselves (from the nature of the language in which they were written, likewise according to the circumstances in which they were set down, and expounded in the light of like and unlike passages and of many and clearer passages) and which agree with the rule of faith and love, and contributes much to the glory of God and man’s salvation’ (The Book of Confessions, Second Helvetic Confession, 5.010);

“• the larger Catechism lifts up the duty of holding ‘… a charitable esteem of our neighbors,’ and forbids the sin of ‘… misconstruing intentions, words, and actions’ (The Book of Confessions, 7.254–.255).”

The 220th General Assembly (2012) acknowledges that faithful Presbyterians earnestly seeking to follow Jesus Christ hold different views about what the Scriptures teach concerning the morality of committed, same-gender relationships.

Therefore, while holding persons in ordered ministry to high standards of covenant fidelity in the exercise of their sexuality, as in all aspects of life, we decline to take an action that would have the effect of imposing on the whole Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) one interpretation of Scripture in this matter. We commit ourselves to continue respectful dialogue with those who hold differing convictions, to welcome one another for God’s glory, and not to vilify those whose convictions we believe to be in error. We call on all Presbyterians to join us in this commitment.

7:44 PM Item 07-17 is On Honoring Christ in Our Relationships with One Another—From the Presbytery of Sacramento.

7:41 PM The Church Orders and Ministry Committee has reconvened. On the docket for this evening are items 07-17, 07-18, and 07-24.

2:49 PM Live blogging will continue after the committee reconvenes after dinner. Peace to all - and please continue to pray!

2:45 PM Small groups will be discussing the items to be discussed this afternoon and this evening.
2:42 PM The motion is defeated. A 2/3 vote was not obtained. 32 yes, 19 no, 4 abstentions. Commissioners will be counting off by four's and moving into small groups following a short break.

2:41 PM Voting now on the motion made at 2:25 PM.

2:38 PM This committee is currently wallowing in polity. The concern is that the folks who would like to speak to each agenda item might not be able to do so if the schedule is changed.

2:34 PM Discussion continues.

2:25 A motion from the floor will amend the previously adopted agenda. Passing this will require a 2/3 vote. The motion is to modify the agenda by swapping 7-17, 7-18, & 7-24 with tomorrow's business items 07-01, 07-05, & 07-12. Doing so will negate the overtures that will be discussed tomorrow. This will allow the commissioners to discuss opposing overtures after a night's sleep. The docket was originally put together to allow a full discussion within small groups first, and then within the larger committee.

2:23 PM The motion passes 54 yes, 0 no.

2:22 PM: A motion was made to approve the ACC's response.

2:21 PM This question is as follows:Pursuant to G-3.0501c, the Advisory Committee on the Constitution makes the following findings with respect to the questions presented:
With respect to the question presented, the Advisory Committee on the Constitution finds that the question does not require interpretation of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
The Advisory Committee on the Constitution advises the General Assembly that ample and clear notice was provided to the presbyteries concerning the fact that, should both Amendment 10-A (amending then G-6. 0106b) and the Proposed Amendments Part 3 of 3 (the revision of the Form of Government) be approved, the newly approved language of 10-A would replace section G-2.0104b as published in the Proposed Amendments Part 3 of 3. The approved language of Amendment 10-A thus properly appears as the text of G-2.0104b, and as such it, and not the language of former G-6.0106b, is a standard for ordination of persons to the ordered ministries of the church.
Section G-6.01 of the Book of Order affirms that the amendment procedures of the Constitution are “understood as a means to faithfulness.” Thus, the right of presbyteries to overture the General Assembly to amend the Constitution of the church may not lightly be abridged. Even when the General Assembly recommended to the presbyteries a complete revision of the Form of Government, it simultaneously placed before the church a number of other amendments, some to the then-current Form of Government for the affirmative or negative votes of the presbyteries. It did this in the expectation that, should the proposal to revise the entire Form of Government fail, the church still wished to consider amending the then-current Form of Government. In this context, Amendment 10-A, on amending G-6.0106b, was sent down. At the same time, the assembly and the Office of the Stated Clerk were aware that there needed to be a clear statement of the impact on the proposed new Form of Government of the adoption of any amendments, including Amendment 10-A. It provided that statement at the end of each amendment in italicized font. Upon passage of both a proposed amendment and the Form of Government revision as a whole, the Office of the General Assembly acted to revise the new Form of Government in a manner completely in accord with the published impact statements at the end of each amendment entry.
The Advisory Committee on the Constitution notes that the rationale attached to the request presumes that there is a chronological sequence associated with the adoption and efficacy of the amendments proposed for adoption by the General Assembly. In point of fact, this is not accurate. As G-6.04 states, proposed amendments that meet the requirements of G-6.04 a–d “shall become effective one year following the adjournment of the assembly transmitting the proposed amendment.” All amendments approved by a General Assembly and receiving the positive votes of a majority of the presbyteries take effect simultaneously, rather than in chronological sequence. Thus the revisions to the Form of Government and to [then] G-6.0106b/now G-2.0104b took effect at the same time, and under the provisions recommended by the Advisory Committee on the Constitution and approved by the General Assembly.

2:19 PM Now being reviewed is a question: 07-22 Question as to Whether G-2.0104b Has Been Amended—From the Session, First Presbyterian Church, Cleveland, Tennessee.

2:16 PM Members of the committee are confused with why two votes were needed. The parliamentarian is explaining.

2:12 PM In essence, this vote advises the plenary of the General Assembly not to approve the overture recommendation.

2:11 PM The motion passes: 31 yes, 22 no.

2:10 PM Voting now.

2:09 PM A motion is now needed to disapprove the change. Yes, this is confusing.

2:08 PM The vote was 25 yes, to approve, and 27 no, to disapprove the change.

2:04 PM Voting now.

1:56 PM The motion is being discussed.

1:5
3 PM The motion has been moved and seconded to approve this change.

1:48 PM The passing of this recommendation would reverse the change in wording adopted by the 219th General Assembly.

1:46 PM Santa Fe's recommendation reads as follows:

The Presbytery of Santa Fe respectfully overtures the 220th General Assembly (2012) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to direct the Stated Clerk to send the following proposed amendments to the presbyteries for their affirmative or negative votes:

1. That in the Form of Government (newly approved, 2011) the terms “ruling elder” and “teaching elder” used for those in ordered ministries be replaced throughout the with the former terms “elder” and “minister of Word and Sacrament” being substituted.

2. Amend F-3.0202 as follows: [Text to be deleted is shown with a strike-through; text to be added or inserted is shown as italic.]

“This church shall be governed by presbyters, that is, ~~ruling~~ eldersand ~~teaching elders~~ ministers of the Word and Sacrament. ~~Ruling Elders~~ ~~are so named not because they ‘lord it over’ the congregation (Matt. 20:25), but because they~~ Elders are chosen by the congregation to discern and ~~measure~~ guide in its fidelity to the Word of God, and to strengthen and nurture its faith and life. ~~Teaching elders~~ Ministers of the Word and Sacrament shall be committed in all their work to teaching the faith in word and in deed and equipping the people of God for their ministry and witness.”

3. Amend G-2.0301 follows: [Text to be deleted is shown with a strike-through; text to be added or inserted is shown as italic.]

“~~Ruling~~ Elder Defined

“As there were in Old Testament times elders for the government of the people, so the New Testament church provided persons with particular gifts to share in discernment of God’s Spirit and governance of God’s people. Accordingly, congregations should elect persons of wisdom and maturity of faith, having demonstrated skills in leadership and being compassionate in spirit. ~~Ruling elders are so named not because they ‘lord it over’ the congregation (Matt. 20:25), but because they~~ Elders are chosen by the congregation to discern ~~and measure~~ and guide in its fidelity to the Word of God, and to strengthen and nurture its faith and life. ~~Ruling elders, together with teaching elders~~ Elders, together with ministers of the Word and Sacrament, exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a congregation as well as the whole church, including ecumenical relationships. When elected by the congregation, they shall serve faithfully as members of the session. When elected as commissioners to higher councils, ~~ruling~~elders participate and vote with the same authority as ~~teaching elders~~ ministers of the Word and Sacrament, and they are eligible for any office.”

4. Amend G-2.05 and G-2.0501 as follows: [Text to be deleted is shown with a strike-through; text to be added or inserted is shown as italic.]

“~~Teaching Elders:~~ The Ministry of the Word and Sacrament: Teaching Elder and Pastor

“G-2.0501 ~~Teaching Elder~~ Minister of the Word and Sacrament Defined

“~~Teaching elders (also called ministers of the Word and Sacrament)~~ Ministers of the Word and Sacrament (also called teaching elders and pastors) shall in all things be committed to teaching the faith in word and deed and equipping the saints for the work of ministry (Eph. 4:12). They may serve in a variety of ministries as authorized by the presbytery. When they serve as preachers and teachers of the Word, they shall preach and teach the faith of the church, so that the people are shaped by the pattern of the gospel and strengthened for witness and service. When they serve at font and table, they shall interpret and ‘show forth’ the mysteries of grace ~~and lift~~ in word and action, lifting the people’s vision toward the hope of God’s new creation. When they serve as pastors they shall support the people in the disciplines of the faith amid the struggles of daily life. When they serve as presbyters, they shall participate in the responsibilities of governance, seeking always to discern the mind of Christ and to build up Christ’s body through devotion, debate, and decision.”

1:43 PM The business currently before the committee addresses item 07-04. On Amending the Book of Order Concerning the Titles Used for Those in Ordered Ministries—From the Presbytery of Santa Fe.

1:39 PM The committee is now in session.

11:55 AM The committee is adjourning for lunch. We'll be back at 1:30!

11:48 AM Commissioners are being informed on the various courses of actions available to them in dealing with each overture.
11:42 AM The committee covenant established earlier this morning is being reviewed.

11:36 AM There are not any CR's being considered currently. A commissioner is now asking the difference between an affirming statement and an authoritative interpretation. Affirming statements are simply suggestions and have limited scope and reach. Authoritative interpretations are rules that are voted upon and enacted and can only be removed through a voting process.

11:33 AM The moderator is explaining how a commissioner's resolution works.

11:19 AM This committee is ahead of schedule and so is taking a short break.

11:16 AM David Colby from Twin Cities Presbytery is speaking about mutual forbearance, important values of Scripture and the Confessions, and asking that this committee follow G-20104b.

11:14 Tricia Dykers Koenig is sharing the outcome of the vote on Amendment 10-A. She is addressing Pauls words about the Body of Christ in needing everyone to serve the Church.

11:12 AM Pam Byers is speaking about God's Call, and about each body's choice in calling and approving whomever they choose to call.

11:08 AM Ted Coppock, from West Demoines, Iowa is one of the seven, as is Tricia Dykers Koenig (Western Reserve Presbytery) and Pam Byers (San Francisco Presbytery). Ted is urging the Assembly not to return to G6-0106b.

11:05 AM Seven presbyteries are being represented currently. They are speaking in support of items 17, 18, & 24.

11:03 AM The current woman speaking is encouraging the committee to allow Committees on Preparation for Ministry freedom of conscience and encourages them to vote yes on item 07.

11:00 AM Executive Presbyter from the Presbytery of Stockton is speaking; she used to look at life through the lens of serving a small church, but now she considers the greater body of the Church. She wants to restore ??? - she ran out of time.
10:54 AM Barbara Wheeler is speaking to the committee about freedom of conscience.

10:48 AM We are in a semi-large ballroom. The ceiling and the two side walls are black, and the front and rear walls are dark-gray, as is the carpeting. There are approximately 610 small spotlights in the ceiling. The committee is seated at tables in the front of the room, arranged in a large circle. There are hundreds of seats arranged in rows for observers in the middle of the room. This is a cold atmosphere.

10:44 AM Authority of Scripture is the message now - this person is quoting N.T. Wright. She also mentions "active homosexuals." What is an "active homosexual???"

10:43 AM We're hearing a version of "love the sinner, hate the sin."

10:39 AM The current speaker is supportive of our people. She is citing Scripture contextually, as opposed to literally.

10:34 AM The current speaker and the last are speaking in favor of restoring the language of G6-0106b to the Book of Order. They are using Scripture and the Heidelberg and Westminster Confessions to support their arguments.

10:27 AM Overture Advocates have 2:00 to speak on behalf of each overture. Advocates can be individuals or groups of people. If Advocates so choose, they can combine their time; a group of seven people will be speaking as a group, combining their time and thus having a total of fourteen minutes to speak.

10:24 The people advocating on behalf of the Overtures will speak next to the committee. Overtures come to the General Assembly committees from presbyteries.

10:22 Michael Adee, Executive Director and Field Organizer is speaking now to the committee. He is quoting Peter Gomes.

10:18 The current person testifying is speaking about interpretation of Scripture, sharing that practices have changed through time and that church issues as they pertain to sexuality should also change.

10:17 The committee is back in session. Testimony is addressing Scripture, the Confessions, and personal stories.

10:07 AM The committee is taking a 5-10 minute break while waiting for others to arrive to testify. Those folks are currently testifying before the Marriage Committee.

10:05 AM Each person has 90 seconds to speak. There is a large clock shown on a big screen that allows everyone to s
ee how much time has passed and how much time is left to speak.

0:03 AM Kevin Henderson, Board Member of More Light Presbyterians and soon-to-be seminarian at Austin Seminary is currently testifying

10:02 AM John spoke beautifully from his heart.

10:00 AM Testimony continues. John Stanger from Presbyterian Welcome is up next.

9:53 AM The business to be reviewed and acted upon can be found at this link: https://pc-biz.org/Committee2.aspx.

9:48 AM The committee is in session. A covenant has been established by committee members, and open testimony is taking place. Persons in favor of the amendments and against
are speaking 07 & 03 are speaking to the commissioners.

9:47 AM Sorry - technical difficulties.

Video: Bishop Gene Robinson's Keynote Address at MLP Dinner

2012-07-01T07:24:00.002-07:00

Bishop Gene Robinson, Diocese of New Hampshire, addressed over 300 people at the National MLP Celebration Dinner in Pittsburgh, PA. “So the real question for your church and mine is this,” he said, “If you’re not in trouble for the gospel you preach, is it really the gospel?”

It was not that many years ago when our churches, yours and mine and most others were absolutely certain what God thought of us...Because of your courageous work, there are a lot of confused people out there. That is a huge step forward...

I like to think of it as holy chaos...pretty much what has happened in families all over America. Kids come home and they say, "Mom, dad, I'm gay," and the family is thrown into confusion and then the parents have to decide how deep, how broad, how high is their love for their child. So the gay kid, the Bishop of New Hampshire, came home to dad, the the Archbishop of Canterbury and said, "Dad, I'm gay." And now the Anglican Communion is in confusion trying to decide how deep, how broad, how wide God's love really is.

That is holy confusion and chaos.

Watch Bishop Robinson's Keynote Address

Media Coverage

From the Pittsburgh Gazette:

“This is hard work, but we can do it because it is worthy work and it is Godly work,” Bishop Gene Robinson, 65, of New Hampshire told those attending a dinner hosted by More Light Presbyterians, a pro-gay rights group of the Presbyterian Church (USA), in the Westin Convention Center Hotel, Downtown. “We will live to see the day that the church of Jesus Christ, in whatever form it is, will repent from what it has done to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people the way it has repented for slavery.”...

Robinson, who plans to retire next year, said he finds inspiration from the civil rights movement of the 1960s. He called what is happening now in the Episcopal and Presbyterian churches “holy chaos.” Gay equality work in both denominations has caused a sense of confusion, which he called a step forward from the certainty that most Christians felt when it came to what God and churches thought of homosexuals.

Christian history teaches that standing for the right thing often comes with a price, Robinson said.

“So the real question for your church and mine is this,” he said, “If you’re not in trouble for the gospel you preach, is it really the gospel?”

From Unbound: An Interactive Journal of Christian Social Justice:

On Saturday, More Light Presbyterians – working for the “full participation of LGBT people of faith in the life, ministry, and witness” of the church – gathered for their National Celebration Dinner. I got to sit at a table reserved for members or alumni of BGLASS, Princeton Theological Seminary’s LGBTQQI and allies student organization, and the recipient of this year’s National More Light Chapter Award.

As I sat there, surrounded by friends, I realized that, despite the transitions and mobility so common to our generation, we take our communities with us. BGLASS was always more than an organization for me. It was family. And like family, the people of BGLASS helped me know my own identity and my calling. In 2009-10, I had the privilege of co-moderating BGLASS. That year, we decided we weren’t going to be on the defensive anymore; we were going to celebrate and to advocate.

Those two words, celebration and advocacy, set the tone for the More Light gathering.

Just like the night before, this was a time for sharing stories, honoring allies and LGBTQ leaders, and reviewing the General Assembly opportunities and challenges to equality. More Light particularly honored Michael Adee, founding MLP Executive Director and Organizer, who will soon begin work leading the Global LGBT Faith Project and whose love for people is unmistakable.

Later in the evening, the room became suddenly quiet, expectant, as Gene Robinson, the first openly gay Anglican bishop, took the podium to deliver his keynote address. When he opened by saying that we have done an amazing job, we were all expecting that sentence to end with something like, “of making the church a more inclusive and welcoming place.” Instead, he said, “You have done an amazing job of… creating confusion in the church.” He referred to this confusion as the “holy chaos” of people beginning to question what they once held certain.

Chaos is of course not always popular among the “decently and in order” Presbyterians, but this was a night for a new kind of church.

That new church, though, needs to own up to its past before it can move forward. Bishop Robinson was frank: 95% (a statistic he admits to making up) of the hate, discrimination, and homophobia has been caused by religious people. “We,” he said, “taught them to hate.” And so it’s up to religious people to turn the tide.

More Light Presbyterians rallied at the call to take back the Bible. The Bible, Bishop Robinson said, was originally given to African Americans in order to keep them docile and quiet. The problem was that they actually read it! They read a Bible of freedom and dignity, of liberation and covenant. “And we gay people,” he added, “are reading our Bibles too.”

So, friends, welcome to the church of holy chaos, the church of bold love and even bolder grace, the church you might not remember, but the church we were always meant to be.

The change is not complete; there is still much work to be done. But, to borrow an image from Bishop Robinson, we are dancing to the center of the church, where we have known we always belonged.

MLP Congratulates New Moderator of the PCUSA

2012-06-30T20:01:00.001-07:00

Neal Presa and Tara Spuhler McCabe

Pittsurgh, PA: More Light Presbyterians wishes to congratulate Rev. Dr. Neal D. Presa who was elected this evening to serve as the Moderator of the 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Presa will be serving with Vice-Moderator Rev. Tara Spuhler McCabe. Presa serves as pastor of Middlesex Presbyterian Church, Middlesex, NJ. McCabe has served as associate pastor of New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, a welcoming and affirming More Light church in Washington, DC.

Presa and McCabe hold have different experiences and viewpoints on same-sex marriage. Presa explained this difference in a recent press release after it was reported that McCabe had officiated at a same-sex wedding in Washington, DC where same-sex marriage is legal.

Tara and I want to model for the 220th General Assembly and the Presbyterian Church a more excellent way of being united with our differences. Even as she and I have different positions on same-sex marriage and even as I strongly disagree with her alleged actions in question, I choose, by the grace of God, to stand by her and support her, as a friend, as a colleague in ministry, as a brother in Christ. This ought not to be interpreted as my support or agreement of her actions, or condoning it; in fact, quite the opposite. Standing by a friend, colleague, and sister in Christ means I do so out of my serious commitment to seeking that unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, grappling with that very difficult prayer that our Lord Jesus cried out to our heavenly Father in John 17, “that they may be one as we are one.

Presa concluded his statement with this call to the PCUSA:

Let us join our prayers and hearts together as we wrestle together on how we as the Presbyterian Church may serve faithfully and fully in Christ’s name in our complex 21st century world. For underneath the present debates on same-sex marriage lies the heart of the matter: how does the Church relate to the world with the reconciling love of Christ, shaped and formed by the tradition, while seriously engaging the people and places with whom we serve? I look forward to our work together."

As More Light Presbyterians, Moderator Presa and Vice-Moderator McCabe, we look forward to working with you to ensure that all persons know and experience God's love and grace including LGBT persons and their families. We look forward to working with you to help all Presbyterians understand that G-2.0104 benefits the whole Church. We look forward to working with you to ensure that this Assembly recognizes faithful, committed relationships of same gender loving couples and that pastoral care responsibilities include marriage. We look forward to working with you to achieve full participation of LGBT persons and their families in the life, ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA). We will be holding both of you and your families in our thoughts and prayers as you offer leadership to our Church and in the world. Together, we look forward to building a Church that reflects God's heart.

See Also:

McCabe resigns as vice moderator of the 220th GA, PCUSA News Service

National MLP Celebration Reception and Dinner Tonight

2012-06-30T03:37:00.000-07:00

National MLP Celebration Reception
Saturday June 30, 2012, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The Westin Convention Center Hotel (1000 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222), Allegheny 3

National MLP Celebration Dinner
Saturday June 30, 2012, 5:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
The Westin Convention Center Hotel (1000 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222), Allegheny 1 & 2

Bishop Gene Robinson, the first openly gay Bishop in the Episcopalian Church, is our keynote speaker. All are welcome to the National MLP Celebration Dinner, hosted by More Light Presbyterians, a national pro-LGBT equality network of individuals, families, churches and local chapters working for spiritual, ordination and marriage equality in the PC(USA). Included in the program are national awards, legislative priorities for this GA, the Shower of Stoles Project and sharing what is next for MLP in the future. You won't want to miss this festive celebration of faith, hope and love for all persons, couples and families. Together we're building a Church and world that reflects God's heart.

Full Biography of Bishop Gene Robinson (pdf)

You are welcome to attend the dinner without tickets. We will provide tables with water.

NATIONAL CELEBRATION DINNER

220th General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (USA)

The Westin, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

June 30, 2012

Welcome & Invocation

Rev. Dr. Janet Edwards

Greetings from the Co-Moderators

Rev. Heidi Peterson & Trice Gibbons

Introduction of Keynote Speaker

Dr. Michael J. Adee

Keynote Address

Bishop Gene Robinson, Diocese of New Hampshire

Presentation of National 2012 Awards

Beth Van Sickle, Nathan Sobers & Eric Thomas

The Rev. David Sindt Leadership Award

Rev. John S. McCall, Pastor Emeritus

Sixth Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The National More Light Church Award

Rev. Wayne Peck and Jan Leo

Community House Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The National More Light Chapter Award

BGLASS

Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, New Jersey

MLP Legislative Affirmations

Rev. Madeline Jervis & Kevin Henderson

The Rainbow Scarves Witness Project

Jeananne Stine

Benediction

Dr. Patrick Evans

Reception Photographs

Dinner Photographs

"Love Free or Die" Pittsburgh Film Premiere

2012-06-29T04:32:00.000-07:00

Friday, June 29, 9:00 PM
The Westin Convention Center Hotel (1000 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 map), Allegheny 3

We're excited to be hosting the Pittsburgh premiere of the Sundance-award winning new film by Macky Alston, "Love Free or Die," about Bishop Gene Robinson. Bishop Robinson and Macky Alston will be at the premiere. All are welcome to attend. You don't want to miss this amazing film and opportunity to be with both Gene and Macky.

Live Free or Die won the Special Jury Prize for US documentary films at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah. Here is a moving clip from the film where Bishop Robinson speaks at First Presbyterian Church in New York on the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. Before handing out cups of water in the pride parade, Bishop Robinson says, "This cup of water is about justice...To a lot of people across this great nation, what is happening out there this afternoon is a total nightmare. I'm here to tell you that it is no nightmare. It is God's dream coming true before your very eyes."

For more information about the film, visit the Love Free or Die movie website.

Photographs

It's All About Love: Presbyterians Should Not Fear Same-Sex Marriage

2012-06-28T07:23:00.000-07:00

Community House Presbyterian Church

A local Presbyterian pastor, Rev. Wayne Peck, offers a word of hope and encouragement to his colleagues in ministry coming to Pittsburgh for the 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Peck serves as pastor of Community House Presbyterian Church, a welcoming and affirming More Light church in Pittsburgh. Community House Presbyterian Church will receive the 2012 More Light Church Award at the National MLP Dinner on June 30 at the Westin on the opening day of the Assembly.

From the Pittsburgh Gazette:

This weekend, my denomination, the 2.1-million-member Presbyterian Church (USA), will convene in Pittsburgh to discuss policy and the future direction for the church. One of the biggest questions on the table is whether the church will recognize marriage among same-sex couples.

Like parents raising a family, these faith leaders have the responsibility to make a choice that will affect our community for generations.

I know there are those who fear this. I hear my colleagues in ministry saying things like, "If we extend a full welcome to gay and lesbian people and recognize their marriages, our unity will be threatened." Or worse, they feel that the Bible says something that prohibits marriage among same-sex couples.

As I see it, this choice comes down to love. For if love is the everyday miracle of God through which "we taste the kindness of the Lord" (1 Peter 2:3), then marriage is surely the quintessential practice through which loving and committed relationships are sanctified, strengthened and blessed by God.

In love we must strive to be as generous as Jesus was at a wedding in Cana of Galilee where He transformed water into wine. He made it clear there is enough wine to go around for everyone, enough love in God for all of us. So how can we not offer the blessings of marriage to all those who love? Especially to people who are saying yes to each other, yes to God, yes to the promise of a faithful relationship that goes the distance till death they do part.

When a faith community offers the blessings of marriage to those who love each other, we are not just connecting two people. We are creating a connection between that couple with God and with the larger community. These connections are crucial to all couples and families, and it is critical that we don't deny them.