A report By Nancy Cross, FPC Elder
and the Rev. Jim Capps
Interim Senior Pastor

The 219th General Assembly of the PC(USA) met in Minneapolis earlier this month. Some of you may have heard stories about what happened. Certainly, whenever the mainline churches are debating sexuality issues, the mainstream media is quite interested. Unfortunately they don’t always understand our process or the nuances of the decisions made.
    
So, from two people who were at the General Assembly (GA) and have followed most of the issues for some time, here is a brief report.
    
Ordination Standards: The GA voted to strike the section of our Book of Order that states that our Ministers of Word and Sacrament, elders, and deacons are to practice “fidelity in the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or chastity in singleness”. Amendments to the Book of Order require ratification by a majority of the presbyteries (the 173 regional governing bodies). This is the fourth time an attempt has been made to delete or change this section of our polity.
    
Same Sex Marriage: The GA received two reports from the Task Force on Marriage and Civil Unions that was formed by the previous GA. Both the majority report and the minority report were referred to the church for study. No changes were made in the definition of marriage. Presumably this topic will be before the church again soon.
    
Benefits for Domestic Partnerships, including Same Sex Relationships: The GA requested that the Board of Pensions (BOP) make benefits available to families of church employees who are in domestic partnerships. Our pastors are required to participate in this program, but other FPC church staff are covered under another program. The GA asked the BOP to provide a “relief of conscience” alternative.
    
New “Form of Government”: The “Form of Government” (FOG) is the first of three sections of our Book of Order. The GA voted to send the much-amended new FOG to the presbyteries for their vote. Many of the problems with the document have been addressed. Its length and complexity will require much more study by presbyters.
    
New Confession—The Belhar: The Belhar Confession, developed in response to the apartheid in South Africa, has been commended to the church by the GA. In order to change the Book of Confessions, the presbyteries will have to concur with a vote of two-thirds.
    
Middle-East Issues: The Task Force on the Middle East presented a report to the GA. This report was also much amended in committee. Many believe the final statement of the GA to be more balanced than some of the alternatives considered.
    
Your pastors and the entire session will be continuing to study these issues, providing leadership in our presbytery, and keeping you informed. Your prayers are coveted.