Five Things to Celebrate the Day the Marriage Amendment Passed

Written by Allison 

I have written elsewhere that I am an "obnoxious optimist".

So, it should come as no surprise that the day after the motion on the Marriage Amendment was approved and a portion of our church is mourning (and while I mourn with those who mourn), I choose to celebrate as well.

First ... 

The gal on the left is Eva, one of Beaver-Butler Presbytery's commissioners, a ruling elder.

The fellow on the right is our Young Adult Advisory Delegate (YAAD), whose name is Josh.

At the end of the evening, Josh carried Eva's heavy laptop bag back to the hotel for her. And it's not the first time he's done it.

I celebrate that the Presbyterian Church is raising and nurturing a young man like Josh.

Second ... 

These are mandalas--an interactive way of praying through coloring.

(Yes, their history is not originally Christian but we in the Church are pretty good at adopting, baptizing, and re-purposing the traditions of others. You know, like Christmas and Easter.)

Coloring a mandala is one of my favorite ways to pray. And I know that I was not the only one who was praying yesterday. I have no doubt that the Assembly has been filled with prayer, soaked in prayer, blanketed in prayer.

I celebrate that the Presbyterian Church is serious about prayer ... even when what I prayed for doesn't happen. (It's about what God wants, not what I want anyway, right?)

Third ...

At the end of the day, this song overflowed from the speakers and 248 red beach balls were batted around from commissioner to commissioner, celebrating the birth of 248 new worshiping communities since the previous General Assembly (2012) when the 10 year goal of 1001 was originally set.

For those who are most concerned about the gospel being shared to the ends of the earth, here is good news for you! I celebrate that the Presbyterian Church is committed to creating new communities of faith where the gospel of Jesus Christ is being shared.

Fourth ...

I celebrate that THIS is still the first chapter of our Book of Order in the Presbyterian Church. 

"The good news of the Gospel is that the triune God--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit--creates, reforms, sustains, rules, and transforms all things and all people." 

"God has put all things under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and has made Christ Head of the Church, which is his body. The Church's life and mission are a joyful participation in Christ's ongoing life and mission are a joyful participation in Christ's ongoing life and work." 

Fifth ... 

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

I celebrate that even though the Presbyterian Church doesn't always do what I want it to do, Christ has still regarded my helpless estate and shed his own blood for my soul. No vote of the General Assembly can change this, for which I am deeply grateful.  

Still "abounding in hope,"
Allison

A Letter to Congregations of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

PC(USA) leaders issue pastoral letter to the church onAssembly’s marriage actions

JUNE 19, 2014

To congregations of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.):

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Earlier today the 221st General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) approved a recommendation from its Civil Union and Marriage Issues Committee allowing for pastoral discretion to perform “any such marriage they believe the Holy Spirit calls then to perform,” where legal by state law.

They also approved a recommendation to change language in the Book of Order to indicate that “marriage involves a unique commitment between two people, traditionally a man and a woman.”

Both decisions came with much thought, discussion and prayer, and clearly the entire body that is the PC(USA) will be interpreting these actions for some time.

Please know that the same triune God in whom we place our hope, faith and trust in is still in control, and that the Assembly’s action today is the result of deep discernment to hear God’s voice and discern God’s will.

We concur with the feelings expressed by Teaching Elder Commissioner Jeffrey Bridgeman, moderator of the Civil Union and Marriage Issues Committee, during his presentation to the Assembly.

“The apostle Paul tells us that ours is, in fact, ‘the ministry of reconciliation’ as ‘ambassadors of Christ,’ and he died for us so that we might be reconciled, that we might become reconcilers,” Bridgeman said.

In this season of both happiness and sadness over the Assembly’s decisions, we call on you to remember the overflowing grace and love God gifts us with, and to take seriously our charge to bestow the same grace and love on one another.

In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord,

Ruling Elder Heath K. Rada
Moderator, 221st General Assembly

The Reverend Gradye Parsons
Stated Clerk of the General Assembly

Ruling Elder Linda Bryant Valentine
Executive Director, Presbyterian Mission Agency

A Note from Mauri

Written by Mauri

The moment everyone was waiting for is now behind us.

What I expected occurred. The GA endorsed gay marriage today. 

Even though I expected this, I am surprised at how heavy my heart is. I believe the GA has created a constitutional crisis for the denomination. Only time will tell what the implications will be in the months ahead. But I am not very optimistic. I will truly be seeking after God in the weeks ahead, seeking discernment about where to go from here.

Thoughts from Eva

Written by Eva  

I confess that today it has been difficult to see Jesus in the people of General Assembly, but I know that Jesus is here still ... one just has to look harder. 

Glimpses can be seen in a short phrase added to a resolution reminding us of our traditional definition of marriage. 

Jesus was there when members of our Beaver-Butler contingent signed papers of dissent for an action taken which did not show Jesus and his fulfillment of "all" Scripture. 

Our Lord was present when the speaker during our time of worship encourages us to "feed the monster of hope." 

We would all do well to hold onto a saying of the Amish: "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is the PRESENT--it is a gift from God."

Regardless of the tears we might shed, today--in the "present"--Jesus is here to dry those tears, and give us the ability to continue to see him here at #ga221. 

A Commissioner's Perspective on Today's Events

Written by Mark

(Originally published HERE earlier today, June 19, 2014.)

The debate on the marriage issue is underway. 

10-07    A motion to appoint a 2 year task force to study the issues of marriage was disapproved.

10-01    Concerning the church’s role in legal marriage services of Christian covenant was disapproved.

10-03    On issuing an authoritative interpretation to affirm pastoral discretion

10-04   On performing Christian marriage ceremonies was approved 61% - 39%.

This was the vote that disappointed and concerns me the most. By passing this authoritative interpretation, less than 600 commissioners took away the voices of the 1.7 million Presbyterians who would like a voice regarding this very controversial and divisive issue. In addition, Roberts Rules of Order were ignored by those who have been entrusted to protect the Constitution of the PCUSA. The Authoritative Commission on the Constitution, the Stated Clerk and the Moderator - even when brought to their attention. We have just created “local option” for pastors. 

10-06    Rescinds the authoritative interpretation of 1991 concerning teaching elders performing marriages for same gender couples and sessions permitting such ceremonies in their facilities. This was passed 76% - 24%.

10-02     Amends the PCUSA Book of Order to change the language regarding marriage to “marriage involves a unique commitment between two people, traditionally between a man and a woman, to love and support each other for the rest of their lives. The sacrificial love that unites the couple sustains them as faithful and responsible members of the church and the wider community.” This will now replace W-4.9000 in the Book of Order and become the entirety of the new section on marriage. Passed 71% - 29%.

10-05    Add this language to W-4.9000 of the Book of Order: “For the purpose of God’s mission, presbyteries and sessions may define marriage as a civil contract between two persons within the boundary of the state law.”        Passed 75% - 25%

10-NB    Directs the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board and the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly to  establish a way to bring reconciliation to the church that would involve visiting each presbytery and serving as a resource for each presbytery’s discussion of these actions in congregations and the presbytery at-large and present voices of reconciliation for the unity of the church.

While 2/3 of the commissioners are rejoicing, 1/3 of us are grieving for our denomination that has departed us and scriptural authority.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV) 

YOU CAN CONTINUE TO FOLLOW MARK'S POSTS ON HIS BLOG: The Plumb Line. 

Watch It Live!

Watch the plenary sessions LIVE on the General Assembly website!

(Seriously, this is the good stuff.)

An Update from Mauri

(Written by Mauri) 

Well, we completed our committee work yesterday. 

And I must admit, it was a tiring and grueling process. I am surprised at how well I am holding up. This afternoon we head back to plenary to start discussing the committee reports.

To be quite honest, I have been quite discouraged about what I have heard coming out of the other committees. I really needed to see Jesus in a fresh way today. And He answered my prayer. 

I went to the PFR/Fellowship of Presbyterians breakfast this morning and was refreshed as we had a time of awesome worship and heard an encouraging message from Dr. Mark Labberton, president of Fuller Theological Seminary. He used the book of Daniel as his reference point, reminding us that we are living today in an "exilic" setting and that we are constantly fighting against idolatrous temptations in our culture. Our focus needs to be on the reality that we worship the true God alone and are a part of His Kingdom, wherever He has us serving.

I needed this to prepare myself for the final days of GA. Christ alone is my strength and in Him I will rest. Continue to pray for us and the PCUSA.

I Saw Jesus

Written by Eva

I expected to find Jesus in the words, actions, and attitudes of the people at GA, and more and more I am finding that to be the case.

Jesus is especially apparent in our YAADs.

There is our own Josh, who keeps well-informed, doesn't hesitate to speak out, and volunteers to haul my bulky laptop to the meeting hall. There is Raylynn, who articulated her opinions so well in the committee meetings and who broke down in tears when she was unable to complete those meetings because of illness. Then there is Peter, the quiet ones who takes in everything, rarely speaks, but when he does, is right on track.

Future commissioners extraordinaire!

When Polity Becomes a Weapon

I have a confession to make.

I have a love/hate relationship with Robert and his Rules of Order.

(I suppose this is a particularly scandalous confession seeing as how I am the Moderator of Beaver-Butler Presbytery. Perhaps impeachment proceedings will have begun before I begin the drive home on Saturday. ;-)

I LOVE that we have a tool that ensures those in the minority have a voice in any and every discussion.

I HATE that, like any good gift of God, it can be used improperly.

In my committee meeting yesterday, I believe I saw polity used intentionally as a weapon by a very knowledgeable person to prevent the possibility of passing a specific overture.

This was INCREDIBLY frustrating. I admit the overture as written would NEVER have passed (I don't know that I would have voted for it then) but the committee was denied the chance to reshape it through amendments. It is my belief that, had we been given the chance, there was a real possibility that we could have crafted something that people could have gathered around. (Instead, the original overture did its best to shove people into the farthest corners of the room; not a smart way to get something passed, if you ask me.)

This was also incredibly frustrating because, from the moment I stepped foot into the COBO Center, I have heard the refrain that all voices are welcome at the table. (You can read about my hopes because of this kind of welcome HERE.)

"Highlights" from The Plumb Line

Written by Mark Plumb

(originally published HERE)

“Highlights”

Good news:

    An overture to celebrate “Evolution Sunday” was defeated

        47-2 in committee.

    The mid-east committee recommended rejection of making a
        distinction between modern and ancient Israel.

    Committee votes to disassociate from the inflammatory 

        publication “Zionism Unsettled”, which has been         

        criticized as being racist and anti-Israel.

Bad news:

    A committee has opened the door for PCUSA pastors to 

        perform same-sex marriages.

    The same committee also approved an overture that would change the

        description of a Christian marriage in the Constitution from being 

        “between “one man and one woman” to between “two persons”. 

    (The good news for us is that language was included in the overture that 

        states that “nothing herein shall compel a teaching elder to perform nor 

        compel  a session to authorize the use of church property for a 

        marriage service that the teaching elder or session believes is 

        contrary to the teaching elder’s or the session’s discernment of the 

        Holy Spirit and their understanding of the Word of God.”)

    The middle east committee voted to divest of investments in Hewlit-

        Packard, Motorola and Caterpillar.

    The Church Polity and Ordered Ministry committee is also recommending 

        that the assembly reject efforts to clarify what is meant in the 

        denomination’s Book of Order by “Essential tenets of the Reformed 

        faith.”

These issues will now go before the entire General Assembly for a confirmation vote. Please continue to pray that the bad news will turn into good news during the plenary sessions.

I saw Jesus

She sits huddled between two other people, gently whispering.

Frequently she points to her laptop screen, highlighting a few lines of text as she whispers.

She gestures with her hands and pauses frequently to ponder the best way to phrase things.

She is the interpreter for some of the Spanish-speaking commissioners in my committee. I can't tell you her name, though I have thanked her for her ministry to my brother and sister in Christ. She laughed gently and accepted my compliment with a smile.

In her gentle whispers and patient face, I see Jesus, just by looking at my neighbors. What a gift she is to us, the church, providing access to and participation in our discussions for those who do not speak English as a first language.

EP Advisory Vote?

We encountered our first bit of confusing business not too long into our first full day of plenary.

There was a motion (and a second) from the floor of the Assembly to give Executive Presbyters an ADVISORY vote.

What does this mean? In addition to polling the standard advisory votes (Young Adult Advisory Delegates, Missionary Advisory Delegates, and Theological Student Advisory Delegates), prior to every vote, we would now ALSO vote Executive Presbyters/General Presbyters/Transitional Presbyters/Whatever else they may be called right now.

Lickety-split before you know it, the motion passed by a show of hands. And, judging from the buzz I heard from commissioners and advisory delegates, there were those who doubted that the voice vote was clear enough for a definitive answer to the motion.

Someone called for a "division of the house," which would require the number of votes on each side to be counted. Because we were in the midst of #technopalypse (when none of the technology we planned to use was working and it would have required a paper ballot), the Moderator, using his discretion, put off the "division of the house" until Wednesday when the plenary is in session again and all the bugs have been worked out of the system.

Based on the conversations we are having, now that we've had some time to think about it, I strongly suspect that this motion will fail when the votes are counted. Reasons tossed around include: we already have sufficient advisory votes; we don't have enough "clickers" for the EPs to use to vote; they're not always there when business is in session; not every Presbytery has an EP and not every Stated Clerk is in attendance to fill that role.

This was probably the case of a newbie Moderator who did his best to move things along--he seems eager to do right by the Assembly and God. And, in the end, the vote will probably end up coming out "right" (ie the will of the majority of the Assembly) even if it didn't start that way. We'll see for certain on Wednesday.

That's Jesus, I tell ya!

UPDATE: The vote fails, the motion garnering only 48% of the votes.