This incredible assembly has come to a close. But as our moderator Cynthia Bolbach noted, it is not the end, but the beginning of our work.
We have charted a new course for this denomination and God's work in the world. Commissioners now face the task of sharing the good news of this work and how it can make our congregations more vibrant, active and vital members of the body of Christ.
As I've often noted in my correspondence to you throughout this week, this has been an assembly filled with strong emotions, passion for our convictions and a will to work in unity. The best way I can share with you the powerful experience that this has been for me is through the words of our closing hymn, "The Summons," in our closing worship:
Lord, your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.
In your company I'll go where your love and footsteps show.
Thus I'll move and live and grow in you and you in me.
May the peace of God be in you and with you and me.
Shalom!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Friday, July 9, 2010
The wave of change is upon us
I realize that I owe you a fuller report about what occurred at the assembly over the last two days, but I have to confess that I hit a wall of mental fatigue after Thursday's significant action.
What I didn't express with my post Thursday was the tremendous wave of change that this General Assembly has unleashed on the body of Christ. Not only did we recommend to presbyteries a revision of the ordination standard to remove exclusive language over sexuality and to send to presbyteries both reports on civil union and marriage, we approved a new form of government proposal and took substantial steps to allow middle governing bodies to make changes in their form and function as they find necessary to improve their effectiveness at doing and facilitating ministry.
Whew!
What I didn't express with my post Thursday was the tremendous wave of change that this General Assembly has unleashed on the body of Christ. Not only did we recommend to presbyteries a revision of the ordination standard to remove exclusive language over sexuality and to send to presbyteries both reports on civil union and marriage, we approved a new form of government proposal and took substantial steps to allow middle governing bodies to make changes in their form and function as they find necessary to improve their effectiveness at doing and facilitating ministry.
Whew!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Ready or not? Divided or united?
On maybe the most controversial issue facing the denomination, the General Assembly was both divided and united.
The body voted by a two-thirds majority late Thursday night to make the minority report part of the majority report of the Special Committee to Study Issues of Civil Union and Christian Marriage, then decided by a narrow majority of only 24 votes to answer all other questions put before it, including a recommendation to approve a new definition of marriage, with that action (an action which means no specific action one way or another). The reports now go to sessions and presbyteries for their study.
These decisions demonstrate two things: The church is united in its desire to continue to study, discuss and wrestle with the issue of civil union and Christian marriage, but divided in its readiness to make a substantive change in that understanding.
The body voted by a two-thirds majority late Thursday night to make the minority report part of the majority report of the Special Committee to Study Issues of Civil Union and Christian Marriage, then decided by a narrow majority of only 24 votes to answer all other questions put before it, including a recommendation to approve a new definition of marriage, with that action (an action which means no specific action one way or another). The reports now go to sessions and presbyteries for their study.
These decisions demonstrate two things: The church is united in its desire to continue to study, discuss and wrestle with the issue of civil union and Christian marriage, but divided in its readiness to make a substantive change in that understanding.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
New tools for the body of Christ
The assembly took dramatic action Wednesday on two significant issues. First we approved the addition of the Confession of Belhar to the Book of Confessions. Then that night we voted to accept by a two-thirds margin the report from the task force on a new Form of Government. Both proposals now go to the presbyteries for their approval or disapproval.
The Confession of Belhar is one that grew out of the reconciliation process in South Africa following the end of apartheid. It addresses specifically the issue of racial discrimination, but more broadly speaks to discrimination of any sort. Its core message is one of unity. A deeper reading of it within the context of our divisions over social, political and theological perspectives demonstrates to me that the confession will have resonance beyond the issue of discrimination.
The Confession of Belhar is one that grew out of the reconciliation process in South Africa following the end of apartheid. It addresses specifically the issue of racial discrimination, but more broadly speaks to discrimination of any sort. Its core message is one of unity. A deeper reading of it within the context of our divisions over social, political and theological perspectives demonstrates to me that the confession will have resonance beyond the issue of discrimination.
Diversity in unity: We are one body
I have just come from a stirring ecumenical service at Westminster Presbyteryian Church in the heart of Minneapolis. It was a service that not only celebrated our diversity as believers and human beings, but reminded us that even with our diversity we live in the unity of the community of God.
We were first welcomed by former Vice President Walter Mondale, a Westminster member. We heard music sung in Spanish, Korean and African. We heard various parts of worship led by ministers from a wide variety of denominations and nationalities, black and white, Protestant and Catholic, Pakistani and Iraqi, Rwandan and Korean.
The Rev. Peg Chamberlin, a minister in the Moravian Church, executive director of the Minnesota Council of Churches and the current president of the National Council of Churches, focused on this message of unity in diversity during her sermon. She reminded us that, as Ephesians says, "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all."
We were first welcomed by former Vice President Walter Mondale, a Westminster member. We heard music sung in Spanish, Korean and African. We heard various parts of worship led by ministers from a wide variety of denominations and nationalities, black and white, Protestant and Catholic, Pakistani and Iraqi, Rwandan and Korean.
The Rev. Peg Chamberlin, a minister in the Moravian Church, executive director of the Minnesota Council of Churches and the current president of the National Council of Churches, focused on this message of unity in diversity during her sermon. She reminded us that, as Ephesians says, "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all."
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The hard work of committees ends
Our work as committees came to an end today, some earlier than others. In my committee on Middle Governing Body Issues, today was supposed to be a simpler one, but there's always an overture that throws the agenda out of whack. That overture was one dealing with multiple recommendations regarding a special study committee on the church in Puerto Rico, specifically the Synod of Boriquén and its three presbyteries.
The study committee's report attempted to outline all the problems within the synod, which involves a power struggle within the synod leadership and with the leadership of the Presbytery of San Juan. Our committee recommended that the study committee be extended another two years and reconstituted as a subcommittee of the administrative commission on middle governing bodies that was recommended for approval Monday. This would give greater oversight and continued study of the delicate nature of relations within the Puerto Rican synod. But it also would empower the commission to dissolve the synod and its presbyteries should the parties not be able to adequately resolve their differences.
It was a difficult and delicate negotiation, complicated by the constitutional deficiencies in some of the original recommendations which had to be amended to be perfected, and because of our efforts to be fair to the Puerto Rican churches and to fellow Puerto Rican members of our committee.
The big issues, though, involved overtures with the potential to threaten the unity of the denomination over theological differences.
The study committee's report attempted to outline all the problems within the synod, which involves a power struggle within the synod leadership and with the leadership of the Presbytery of San Juan. Our committee recommended that the study committee be extended another two years and reconstituted as a subcommittee of the administrative commission on middle governing bodies that was recommended for approval Monday. This would give greater oversight and continued study of the delicate nature of relations within the Puerto Rican synod. But it also would empower the commission to dissolve the synod and its presbyteries should the parties not be able to adequately resolve their differences.
It was a difficult and delicate negotiation, complicated by the constitutional deficiencies in some of the original recommendations which had to be amended to be perfected, and because of our efforts to be fair to the Puerto Rican churches and to fellow Puerto Rican members of our committee.
The big issues, though, involved overtures with the potential to threaten the unity of the denomination over theological differences.
Monday, July 5, 2010
We have a decision
After a couple additional amendments, and voting against a couple of others, the committee on Middle Governing Body Issues finally voted Monday night to approve to recommend an amended item 04-06 to GA on a vote of 38 for, 4 against and 3 abstentions. That's the item that would create a commission of GA that would work at the initiative of synods and presbyteries to help them create more nimble and effective bodies for ministry.
This is a significant step. The amended item now will go before the full assembly. I am already making preparations to speak in favor of passage during plenary, which begins Wednesday afternoon. I believe this could become one of the most significant actions of this General Assembly.
This is a significant step. The amended item now will go before the full assembly. I am already making preparations to speak in favor of passage during plenary, which begins Wednesday afternoon. I believe this could become one of the most significant actions of this General Assembly.
A step toward a nimble denomination
Finally a post on my activities on the day they occurred!
If you thought the committee I was assigned to at General Assembly – Middle Governing Body Issues – would deal with mundane issues, you'd be in for a surprise. This committee is dealing with crucial questions about the future vibrancy of the denomination.
We have spent most of the day wrestling with the question of how to create ways for our middle governing bodes (presbyteries and synods) to be more nimble, more flexible in the fast changing world we live in so they are better able at equipping congregations to do God's work. And we are close to recommending to the full assembly that it approve an overture to create a commission with the authority of General Assembly that "will consult with sessions, presbyteries, synods, and the wider church on the mission and function of middle governing bodies" and "develop models that reflect the roles of middle governing bodies in our polity and the changing context of our witness in the United States and their relationships with other governing bodies."
If you thought the committee I was assigned to at General Assembly – Middle Governing Body Issues – would deal with mundane issues, you'd be in for a surprise. This committee is dealing with crucial questions about the future vibrancy of the denomination.
We have spent most of the day wrestling with the question of how to create ways for our middle governing bodes (presbyteries and synods) to be more nimble, more flexible in the fast changing world we live in so they are better able at equipping congregations to do God's work. And we are close to recommending to the full assembly that it approve an overture to create a commission with the authority of General Assembly that "will consult with sessions, presbyteries, synods, and the wider church on the mission and function of middle governing bodies" and "develop models that reflect the roles of middle governing bodies in our polity and the changing context of our witness in the United States and their relationships with other governing bodies."
Committee work begins
We got our introduction to the committee on Middle Governing Body Issues on Sunday, July 4, but the first day wasn't about the work of the committee but about getting to know one another so we can work together as the body of Christ. We opened with worship in prayer and in song. Then we spent at least an hour first breaking into groups by what we would do for dinner that night if we had these choices: fast food, specialty restaurants, seafood or cooking at home, then on a personal scavenger hunt with clues about who our fellow committee members are and placing a name next to that interesting fact about that person.
So I got to meet the two people who were born in China (Sam Stone and Miriam Pride), the two people who were candidates for moderator (Julia Leeth and James Belle), and got to know a little more about the two people who sit on either side of me (Ron Bowie who was a city planner and city manager, and Frank Moody who is a retired Army colonel), plus many others (there are 49 members on this committee).
Then we spent time in orientation about our work. As our moderator, Chicago Presbytery executive Cliff Lyda told us, none of us may feel properly trained or prepared for the work we are about to do, but we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit and trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to lead us.
The real work begins Monday, when will consider overtures to eliminate synods, allow different synod and presbytery combinations, and whether to study our whole middle governing body structure. So it will be an interesting committee to sit on because so much of what we will consider affects the form and function of these bodies.
So I got to meet the two people who were born in China (Sam Stone and Miriam Pride), the two people who were candidates for moderator (Julia Leeth and James Belle), and got to know a little more about the two people who sit on either side of me (Ron Bowie who was a city planner and city manager, and Frank Moody who is a retired Army colonel), plus many others (there are 49 members on this committee).
Then we spent time in orientation about our work. As our moderator, Chicago Presbytery executive Cliff Lyda told us, none of us may feel properly trained or prepared for the work we are about to do, but we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit and trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to lead us.
The real work begins Monday, when will consider overtures to eliminate synods, allow different synod and presbytery combinations, and whether to study our whole middle governing body structure. So it will be an interesting committee to sit on because so much of what we will consider affects the form and function of these bodies.
A time of worship, work and BOOM!
Sunday we started the day with worship at the convention center with 7,000 to 8,000 people in a celebration that showcased Minnesota's (and the denomination's) rich culture. We celebrated a baptism (a first for a General Assembly) and the Lord's Supper. And we heard from the moderator of the 218th General Assembly, Bruce Reyes-Chow, whose term ended Saturday night. He wondered how God might move “the mountain” of the denomination, and whether members are ready to embrace that movement. “We say to a generation of people every day, by the ways that we engage in church and community, ‘I don’t care [about your needs or yearnings],’ ” Reyes-Chow said. “‘I sort of like this mountain I’m living on.’” He challenged the congregation to celebrate the ways that “God is going to surprise us.” His candor about the denomination’s future both engaged and worried the congregation.
The middle part of the day got commissioners started in their committee work. For most committees, it was a time to get to know one another, do some procedural business such as set agendas, then dismiss early.
In the evening, we all road buses to Nicollet Island for a picnic and the Red, White and BOOM! Fourth of July fireworks over the Mississippi at the Riverfront district.
The middle part of the day got commissioners started in their committee work. For most committees, it was a time to get to know one another, do some procedural business such as set agendas, then dismiss early.
In the evening, we all road buses to Nicollet Island for a picnic and the Red, White and BOOM! Fourth of July fireworks over the Mississippi at the Riverfront district.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Election of a moderator
It is early Sunday morning as I compile these thoughts about our day Saturday.
After some minor procedural questions, the first real order of business for this General Assembly was the election of a moderator Saturday evening. Maybe it says something about who we want to be as a denomination that of the six candidates, one is Latina, one is Korean-American, one is African-American; three are women and three are men; only one is a white male. We heard wonderful testimony from these candidates, one of which will not only moderate this General Assembly, but lead the denomination for the next two years. Here are the candidates and some of what they said.
After some minor procedural questions, the first real order of business for this General Assembly was the election of a moderator Saturday evening. Maybe it says something about who we want to be as a denomination that of the six candidates, one is Latina, one is Korean-American, one is African-American; three are women and three are men; only one is a white male. We heard wonderful testimony from these candidates, one of which will not only moderate this General Assembly, but lead the denomination for the next two years. Here are the candidates and some of what they said.
Our first gathering as an assembly
The 219th General Assembly opened on Saturday afternoon with the pouring together of water the commissioners carried to Minneapolis from around the country, symbolizing the theme "Out of the believer's heart shall flow rivers of living water." In this water contains the hopes and dreams for this church, this festival. We are to be as living water not only for ourselves but for the next generation.
The theme of water is one that was reflected in the Scripture, music and prayers to open the assembly. We got an introduction to our host state, and learned that the name Minnesota comes from the Dakota word "minisota," which means the sky reflected in the water.
The Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, moderator of the 218th General Assembly, instructed us in our call that we are a church that is trying to figure out what God is doing with us, and that we are called to discern the mind of Christ and the will of God together. Then we were formally commissioned for this assembly.
The theme of water is one that was reflected in the Scripture, music and prayers to open the assembly. We got an introduction to our host state, and learned that the name Minnesota comes from the Dakota word "minisota," which means the sky reflected in the water.
The Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, moderator of the 218th General Assembly, instructed us in our call that we are a church that is trying to figure out what God is doing with us, and that we are called to discern the mind of Christ and the will of God together. Then we were formally commissioned for this assembly.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Let the conversations begin
GA commissioners had the opportunity Saturday morning to talk about several significant issues facing the church during the Riverside Conversations. The six topics were:
◗ Equipping the Church for Ministry with God's Diverse Family
◗ Reports from the Stated Clerk and Executive Director of the General Assembly Mission Council
◗ Confessional Statements
◗ The proposed new Form of Government
◗ The Middle East Study Committee Report
◗ The Special Committee on Civil Unions and Christian Marriage Task Force Report
We were able to attend two sessions and I sat in on the conversations about the proposed new Form of Government, which is important to our future as a vibrant denomination, and the Special Committee on Civil Unions and Christian Marriage Task Force Report, which is of particular interest to my congregation.
Here's what I heard and some thoughts.
◗ Equipping the Church for Ministry with God's Diverse Family
◗ Reports from the Stated Clerk and Executive Director of the General Assembly Mission Council
◗ Confessional Statements
◗ The proposed new Form of Government
◗ The Middle East Study Committee Report
◗ The Special Committee on Civil Unions and Christian Marriage Task Force Report
We were able to attend two sessions and I sat in on the conversations about the proposed new Form of Government, which is important to our future as a vibrant denomination, and the Special Committee on Civil Unions and Christian Marriage Task Force Report, which is of particular interest to my congregation.
Here's what I heard and some thoughts.
Friday, July 2, 2010
The journey begins
Friday was a day of travel to General Assembly. A couple of metaphors came to mind as I was flying from to Minneapolis after a stopover in St. Louis.
The Mississippi River, dark and muddy, stretches out across our flight path as we leave this gateway city to the West. Could this be a symbol of the unknown facing commissioners as we arrive in Minneapolis to begin the work of the denomination in our General Assembly? We know the issues we will face, we can even guess at some of the debates that will occur, but we don't know what the outcome will be. The way is still dark and muddy, like the river, this life-giving and life-spreading river that cuts through the middle of our country.
Then, as the plane climbs to 10,000 feet, I'm struck by the features of the landscape. Roadways, running at right angles, bisect the land, most of it farmland. The roads continue in straight lines for miles, but joined by offshoots, other roads, almost always at right angles, the progression orderly and planned. Every now and then there is a road, most look like major thoroughfares from the sky, that cuts diagonally across these right angles. In contrast, there are tendrils of greenery, treelines most likely, that spread out across the land, some in thin, long bands, others in wide swaths. They look like the twists and turns of small creeks, then larger streams all flowing together to form some great river of greenery. Does this describe our denomination? Are some of us like the roadways, moving in order, within some prescribed parameters, but confined in direction to specific turns? Are others like the treelines, moving randomly, finding our way where it's least expected or directed? If this describes us, are they mutually exclusive? Do each not have their purpose? Their own direction? Do we want one without the other?
The Mississippi River, dark and muddy, stretches out across our flight path as we leave this gateway city to the West. Could this be a symbol of the unknown facing commissioners as we arrive in Minneapolis to begin the work of the denomination in our General Assembly? We know the issues we will face, we can even guess at some of the debates that will occur, but we don't know what the outcome will be. The way is still dark and muddy, like the river, this life-giving and life-spreading river that cuts through the middle of our country.
Then, as the plane climbs to 10,000 feet, I'm struck by the features of the landscape. Roadways, running at right angles, bisect the land, most of it farmland. The roads continue in straight lines for miles, but joined by offshoots, other roads, almost always at right angles, the progression orderly and planned. Every now and then there is a road, most look like major thoroughfares from the sky, that cuts diagonally across these right angles. In contrast, there are tendrils of greenery, treelines most likely, that spread out across the land, some in thin, long bands, others in wide swaths. They look like the twists and turns of small creeks, then larger streams all flowing together to form some great river of greenery. Does this describe our denomination? Are some of us like the roadways, moving in order, within some prescribed parameters, but confined in direction to specific turns? Are others like the treelines, moving randomly, finding our way where it's least expected or directed? If this describes us, are they mutually exclusive? Do each not have their purpose? Their own direction? Do we want one without the other?
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
An introduction to my GA experience
Like 711 other elder and clergy commissioners, I have been preparing for a busy week in Minneapolis for the Presbyterian Church (USA)'s 219th General Assembly. It will be a time for our denomination to discern God's will on significant issues facing the church today and as it sets a course for the future. I am one of four commissioners from the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley.
For me, it will also be a homecoming of sorts. I am originally from Minnesota and still have many relatives in the Twin Cities area and the southern part of the state.
It is my hope that by sharing my experience as a commissioner that you will have a greater understanding of what our denomination is doing at GA to chart its future.
And there is much to be done. There are at least 220 overtures (proposed changes to the Book of Order, our denominational constitution) awaiting action by the assembly, along with major reports on the proposed new Form of Government, Middle East peace, and civil unions and marriage. It is a lot to absorb. I'm almost halfway through reading all this material with only 10 days left before the assembly's start. Fortunately, there are 18 committees assigned to review the overtures by topic, and the recommendations that come out of committee will give the assembly a sense of the discernment that already has occurred on each of these overtures.
For me, it will also be a homecoming of sorts. I am originally from Minnesota and still have many relatives in the Twin Cities area and the southern part of the state.
It is my hope that by sharing my experience as a commissioner that you will have a greater understanding of what our denomination is doing at GA to chart its future.
And there is much to be done. There are at least 220 overtures (proposed changes to the Book of Order, our denominational constitution) awaiting action by the assembly, along with major reports on the proposed new Form of Government, Middle East peace, and civil unions and marriage. It is a lot to absorb. I'm almost halfway through reading all this material with only 10 days left before the assembly's start. Fortunately, there are 18 committees assigned to review the overtures by topic, and the recommendations that come out of committee will give the assembly a sense of the discernment that already has occurred on each of these overtures.
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