Committee work

If you would like to read more about the upcoming General Assembly meeting, check out this link: http://www.pcusa.org/ga219/

Electing a moderator

General Assembly begins with one of the most exciting moments of the Assembly - the electing of a moderator. I used to think there was a pattern of male/female and clergy/elder that was typically followed, or at least impacted the voting. I'm not sure that is true anymore. In fact, when I read about the candidates, I ams truck by how diverse they are. As I read about the candidates, it occurred to me that the Presbyterian Church in its demographics. Perhaps we do not see it in the pews in many of our churches, but the moderatorial candidates certainly reflect a different looking church than the one I remember from my childhood. I will have a chance to hear the candidates speak at a lunch Saturday afternoon and then again before the vote that evening at the first gathering of all the commissioners. I am excited to hear their visions for who we are as the Presbyterian Church.

If you want to read about the candidates, follow this link: http://www.pcusa.org/ga219/business/modelect.htm I'd love to hear your impressions of the different candidates.

Peace,

Richard

Single issues and community

Much of the mail I have received in preparation for serving as a commissioner to General Assembly is from groups or people who are very interested in one issue. Typically, the group provides information and their suggestion as to what General Assembly should do (usually it means to vote for or against something). As I read this mail and contemplate how I might vote on an issue, I find myself wondering what will happen to the group who does not get enough votes for their issue. I suspect it means that they will be very upset, and if history repeats itself, will threaten to leave the denomination or actually leave. I find myself wondering how I can vote on an issue and still remain in community with people on both sides of the issue. Not an easy task. In fact, it seems to me that the church mirrors the secular world of politics (or vice versa) these days -- a world where we decide if a person is for us or against us based solely on one issue. I cannot fathom how that approach allows us to be in community with one another. Surely, being bound together in Christ is stronger than disagreement on one issue!

Peace,

Richard

My blog has shifted from Lenten reflections to General Assembly reflections. I will be adding thoughts about my preparation for the General Assembly, and then I will add daily comments while at General Assembly.