All parliamentary wrangling is done - redefining marriage is rejected by the GA

I'm still somewhat stunned by the General Assembly upholding the traditional definition of marriage. The GA spent all afternoon and the early evening discussing whether or not to redefine marriage as between two persons instead of between a man and a woman. The decision was to maintain the status quo in regard to marriage. What surprised me was that two minority reports which would have maintained the traditional definition of marriage, were defeated. My assumption was that the effort to redefine would pass. But this assembly chose to seek unity instead of another issue that would divide us as a denomination. Someone mentioned to me this evening that this was a "do nothing" assembly, but I think it is an assembly that really took seriously the admonition to live in the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. The decision to maintain the traditional definition of marriage plus the decision on divestment leads me to the conclusion that this is a Unifying Assembly.

General Assembly votes NOT to redefine marriage

The final vote of the General Assembly was 338 to 308 NOT to send an amendment to the 173 presbyteries for their vote. The assembly was stunned with the outcome of this vote.

General Assembly Decides to decide on Marriage

On an afternoon, fraught with emotion and raw feelings, the General Assembly refused to delay a decision on the definition of marriage by a vote of 346 to 323. A minority report that would have delayed a decision on marriage for four years while a new study of marriage was circulated int he denomination was voted down by 51% to 49%.

General Assembly Takes up debate on Marriage

The GA has entered into a period of discussion/debate on the issue of marriage and our Presbyterian understanding of it. They will need our prayers as they determine how God is leading us to speak to our church.

General Assembly refuses to call Israel and Apartheid

71% of Assembly agreed not to recognize Israeli law and policies as apartheid against Palestinian people.

General Assembly turns back more attempts to divest

The General Assembly has refused to reconsider the issue of divestment in spite of repeated attempts to persuade the assembly otherwise. My observation is that the assembly is growing more and more impatient with Middle East issues and is ready to move on to the remaining TEN reports yet ahead of them.

General Assembly Approves investment NOT DIvestment

The contentious issue of divestment was addressed by the General Assembly. The atmosphere was electric and twitter comments were piling up at the rate of 30 per minute. The debate was passionate and heartfelt by all. It struck me that everyone speaking wants peace in the Middle East. The difference is in the strategy to achieve peace. In a stunning vote, the GA voted 333 to 331 to approve the Minority report submitted by our New Covenant Commissioner Blake Brinegar as the main motion to be debated. Then that main motion, favoring investment and rejecting divestment passed by a vote of 55% to 45%. The GA will resume debate on other overtures tomorrow, but for today, this is an affirmation of the intent of the overture presented by New Covenant and an expression of support for both the people of Israel and Palestine.

Middle East Committee seeks peaceful solution in Iran

The General Assembly approved a resolution by a vote of 531 to 127 to seek a peaceful and diplomatic solution in Iran. This is the text of the resolution: “1. Acknowledge the church’s support of a peaceful, diplomatic means to resolve the tensions developing as a result of Iran’s nuclear program between the United States Iran[, European Union nations, Iran’s Arab neighbors, and Israel, and affirm that the provisions of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Act should apply to all nations in the region without double standards. “2. Call for the direct, unconditional negotiations between the United States and Iran with the goal of finding and implementing a peaceful resolution [and affirm the longer term goal of reestablishing diplomatic relations. “3. Oppose preemptive military action by any nation against Iran [and by Iran against any nation. “4. Call for a renewed effort at all levels—people-to-people, interfaith groups, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and government—to help the United States and Iran eliminate the tensions that have existed between our two nations and to unite the people of the United States and Iran in efforts for their common good.” “5. Encourage members, councils, and appropriate offices of the General Assembly Mission Council/Presbyterian Mission Agency to support measures both to prevent war and to open channels for citizen diplomacy, cultural exchange, and rebuilding long-valued relationships with the church in Iran in a new context. “6. Direct the Stated Clerk to communicate this resolution to the church, and to the President of the United States, the Secretary of State of the United States, every member of Congress, [the government of Iran,]the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the president of the United Nations General Assembly, and all missions to the United Nations.”

GA Creates small modifications in the Book of Order

The General Assembly voted on a variety of proposed small amendments to the Book of Order. Nothing of huge controversy. The approved amendments will be sent to the presbyteries for their vote.

GA rejects non-geographic presbyteries

By a vote of75% the GA rejected a recommendation to approve the creation of non-geographic presbyteries. GA also referred to a new Task Force which will consider the matter of Synods

Something I've never seen before

The GA was asked to spend 20 minutes discussing the resignation of the Vice-Moderator. The motion lost by ONE vote. 323 to 322. The GA was called to prayer by a commissioner and then they elected a new Vice Moderator. Frankly, I don't know what to make of the vote not to spend 20 minutes discussing the reasons behind the Vice-Moderator's resignation. Even the YAAD's were pretty evenly divided on the issue. We elected Tom Trinidad, a Teaching Elder from Colorado Springs and pastor of Faith Presbyterian Church, as our new Vice-Moderator. We need to be praying for our church.

GA Vice-Moderator Resigns

This the text of the letter of resignation of the recently elected Vice-Moderator of THE General Assembly. The assbly was shocked by this sudden change due the the controversy surrounding the vice-Moderator's officiating a same gender marriage in April. Below is the text of her resignation In his letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul wrote: 1 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, 2 make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. 5 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus…. It has been quite a journey over these last few days since being confirmed as your Vice Moderator. The amount of conversation in person and comments online indicate that my confirmation has obviously touched a nerve. And so I appreciate a moment to respond. I am a pastor. That is who God has called me to be. As I reflect on what’s happening now, I think I am embodying the reality of a growing number of pastors who find ourselves caught. We are caught between being pastors – being with couples in those sacred moments when they make their vows to one another . . . and having a polity that restricts us from living out our pastoral calling – especially in states where it is legal for everyone to be married. The tension over all of this is real, and clearly the energy and passion about this issue runs deep – and isn’t going away. I am surprised and saddened by the pervasive poisonous activity that has increased toward the overall tenor of our General Assembly and toward the Office of the Moderator. Individuals and groups with no personal relationship with me and have made no attempt to have one-on-one conversations with me or the Moderator are blogging and tweeting unhelpful and, frankly, divisive comments. I am also saddened by the amount of energy and time that others have taken on, in the midst of their important work here, to defend what the majority has already decided, or to feel the need to protect me. Because I have great appreciation and affection for this church and our process, I am deeply concerned that some within our community here plan to use parliamentary order, among other things, in a way that will serve as a stumbling block to us – keeping us from tending to the vital business that is before us as the General Assembly. I do not want this situation to get in the way. And it is obvious that it is. And so I am resigning as your Vice Moderator. It is my choice and my decision, and it comes from that same pastoral core that led me to be present for two women in their sacred moment in DC. I am incredibly grateful to this Moderator who has already demonstrated the unity of Spirit in the bond of peace and who continues to affirm, support, and love me as a sister in Christ. So, bottom line: I care too much about this church and about this assembly to let this situation continue. We have important work to do here, and so let us get to what it is God called us here to do. May the peace of Christ be with us all.

The MIddle East Committee Rejects Apartheid as Degining Israel

The Middle East Committee rejected Overture 15-01, which would have labeled the nation of Israel as an Apartheid state. I was relieved that they rejected the pejorative language of the overture but it may do little to salvage the sense of betrayal which will run rampant through the Jewish community if the GA approves the recommendation of the committee to approve divestment from Caterpillar, Motorola Solution and Hewlitt Packard. There are so many "facts" floating around that it is difficult to distinguish between fact and someone's perspective. I'm deeply concerned that I could lose relationships with Jewish leaders that I cherish and rely on and I can't say that I would blame them for not wanting to talk to me as a Presbyterian. The sad thing is that this is totally a symbolic gesture that has not real impact or cost for Presbyterians. If passed it will salve some consciences but it will not advance peace in the Middle East. We heard last night that the total of investments which could be divested is $3,000 in the Board of Pensions and $1.5 million in the Foundation. Even if GA divests, the fund managers could only be told, "If you sell the shares we own, you cannot buy more. There is no mandate to sell unless the shares can be sold without a loss. So, one might wonder why all the time, energy and effort is being expended on divestment,if it is purely a symbolic act? My sense is that it is the first step in the De-legitimization of Israel as a nation state, known as Boycott, Divest and Sanction (BDS) BDS is an attempt to demonize Israel and drive a wedge between Presbyterians and one of their interfaith partners the Jews. Frankly, some of the comments in support of divestment border on anti-Semitic and give preference to one narrative in the region over the other - ie Israel is the only reason that there is conflict. Both Palestinians and Isaraelis have suffered from senseless violence and the unnecessary encroachment on property. Israelis have a right to security. Palestinians have a right to self-determination. Neither has the right to perpetrate violence on the other. Our best and most effective role is as a peacemaker drawing the primary players to the table to reach a resolution. When we side with one over the other, we become part of the problem.

Committee 15 recommends redefinining marriage

Committee 15 on Civil Union and Marriage voted to make three major recommendations to the GA. I rejected the overture redefining marriage by Authoritative Interpretation, which would have bypassed an approval process by the 173 presbyteries. It also approve a two year study on marriage and issues surrounding marriage. Finally, it recommends to the GA that we re-define marriage as being between two persons rather than between a man and a woman. It remains for the GA to determine what action to take on each of these recommendations The vote on each was fairly close so there is no telling how the plenary might vote on these matters. Continue to be in prayer for the commissioners as they seek the will of God.

Middle East Comittee votes to boycott

The Middle East Committee voted 37 to 6 to recommend boycotting Ahava and Hadiklaim (date) products, which are made in Israel occupied territories.

More from the Middle East Committee

The Middle East Committee adopted Overture 15-10 from Philadelphia which endorses positive and peaceful investment in Israel/Palestine. the committee included a comment that clarifies that even though the original overture was anti- divestment, the committee supports divestment. The committee voted 36 to 8 for the amended overture. I'm also hearing that there may be a Minority Report, which could be the original 15-10 from Philadelphia Presbytery which opposes divestment. If there is a minority report the GA will need to decide whether to support divestment or not.

Middle East Committee Recommends

After struggling with the complex issues surrounding the issue of divestment, the Middle East Committee determined to recommend divestment on a vote of 36 to 11 Some of what was revealed was that the vast majority of funds invested in Caterpillar, Motorola and Hewlitt Packard is not really available for for a strict method of divestment. Clearly the committee wrestled with how to honor both Palestinians and Jews. The committeewhat added a comment which specificies how divestment will be be carried out. The committee also added a statement "lifting up" positive investment in Israel and Palestine.

Middle East Committee

All day the committee has discussed, reflected, prayed and debates what to do about Divestment. The good thing is that they are VERY serious in wanting to consider all aspects of the issues. The troubling thing is that the professional staff attending the committee meeting and acting as Resource people are uniformly pro-divestment (from my perspective). The open hearings went well. Probably 60 people testified, all respectfully and with a sense of gravity and passion. Tonight the committee is trying to digest all they have heard and learned. They are honestly wrestling with the issues of how to honor our partnership with both Palestinian and Israeli partners. They are debating the recommendation by MRTI to divest. My assumption is that the recommendation on that MRTI recommendation will be the response to the New Covenant overture not to divest

Prayer Presence Keeper

It has been an interesting and settling experience to sit and pray for the Theological Issues and Institutions Committee 17 even while I'm attending the meeting of the Middle East Committee 15. These commissioners. All need our prayers as they seek God's will

Rev Neal Presa is elected Moderator

On the fourth ballot Neal Presa was elected as the Moderator of the 220th GA. Neal is a pastor from New Jersey with a pastoral heart and youthful energy May the Lord be with him during his time as moderator.

Moderator candidate speeches

Listening to 5 minute speeches by the candidates for Moderator. All are good candidates with strengths and blind spots. It should be interesting to see how the commissioners respond

GA has officially convened

GA began with very traditional worship. Moderator Cindy Bolbach preaches an excellent sermon based the story in Mark about the paralytic man being brought to Jesus and lowered through a roof. Cindy pointed out seething I hadn't noticed - those who brought the man to Jesus are not identified as friends. We assume they are. If not, then it suggests that a responsibility of being a disciple is to bring people, maybe even those we don't know and with whom we disagree, to meet Jesus. Part of my reflection is that we are on a time when we need to be bringing each other to meet Jesus. We don't do that effectively by taking hard stances on complex issues we've got to stay in conversation with one another especially being sensitive to those who are struggling with the rapid pace of change

Riverside Conversations

Sitting in conversation on Middle East with about 200 folks. Not exactly an intimate conversation but tables of 8 help. Presentation is by the Middle East Monitoring Group appointed by the last GA

First day at GA

I'm registered, getting rested and ready for all that happens. I signed up to speak to the Middle East Committee in their hearings Now I'm awaiting the arrival of our commissioners. Praying for their safe travel. Mike Cole