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.



Item 04-03 proposes creation of a non-geographical synod that would promote a particular theological and missional identity. The synod would be governed by special provisions regarding the theological and behavioral standards of ministers (essentially allowing the synod to maintain its own ordination standards), the reception and dismissal of congregations and whole presbyteries, the use of quasi-confessional statements, and veto power over further amendment of these provisions that would have been added to the Book of Order, our constitution.

This item, and item 04-04, which calls for creation of presbyteries along similar lines, both clearly are in conflict with our polity and the unity of the church by letting theological conservatives within the denomination coalesce in like-minded clusters. The committee, in significant majorities, voted to recommend disapproval by the full assembly of both overtures. As our committee moderator noted, we are often not in unanimity but we are in unity. But it is a clear sign of the deep divisions within the denomination over theological differences that persist.

For me, my service on this committee was a tremendous experience and opportunity to see the church at work in a manner that was respectful of all points of view and that honestly tried to discern God's will and do God's work. It also was an opportunity to meet, get to know and work with dozens of fellow Presbyterians from around the country. The Holy Spirit was truly present and active.

On Wednesday, we come together as the full body in plenary, when we will hear committee reports and no doubt further debate and then decide dozens of issues before the church.