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This page is archived from the
217th GA, 2006 |
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Home page archive 1
April through May, 2006 |
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For
postings from June 1 through 16 >> |
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More hints about Learning to
Live with Les Dealing with your computer's security
settings may help. [5-31-06] |
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A backgrounder on the
abortion issue, and the three overtures dealing with it, is provided by
Presbyterian News Service. [5-31-06] |
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Are you looking for the committee that will deal with an
issue of particular interest to you?
[5-29-06] The Presbyterian News Service a few weeks
ago posted this general description of where some of the major issues will
be considered. Check
out the list, with links to the committee pages >> |
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The General Assembly Committees [Updated 5-29-06]
We have now created a separate page for each of the GA
committees, with a list of its members, leadership, and proposed docket.
On each page you will also find any information or analysis we have posted
relating to the work of the committee -- or links to it on other pages.
Click here for the list of all
the committees, with a link to the page for each of them. We have
added information and analysis to those committee pages for which we have
material.
We welcome your comments, questions, or additional
information on any of the committees.
Just send a note,
to be shared here. Please mention which committee you're referring to, and identify
yourself. |
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Two resources on divestment and
Israel/Palestine |
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"SO THEY WHO RUN MAY READ . . ."
"Write the vision; make it plain upon tablets, so
he may run who reads it." (Hab. 2:2)
What Presbyterians Need To Know About the
2004 GA Divestment Action
[5-26-06]
Some members of the Presbytery of
Philadelphia set out (in the words of one of them) to "present, as
dispassionately as possible, the plain historic facts about Palestine/Israel
-- and Presbyterian involvement in the Middle East -- which lay behind the
PCUSA action to divest."
Read it here >>
>>This
statement is also available in easy-to-print PDF format<< |
World Council of Churches issues statement on
Israel/Palestine:
"The time is ripe to do what is right"
[5-26-06]The
World Council of Churches Executive Committee, meeting in Geneva, 16-19 May,
2006, issued a sober call to the nations and the
churches for actions to bring some kind of peace to Israel and Palestine
before the situation becomes far worse.
More >> |
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On immigration concerns: Is cultural diversity a punishment for sin
... or a gift of God? [5-26-06]
Theologian Dr. Choan-Seng (C.S.) Song argues from the story
of the Tower of Babel that diversity is a divine gift.
He concludes his brief essay:
Cultural pluralism is a challenge to the arrogance of
any one human community. But more than that, our diversity is a God-given
means by which human communities correct and enrich one another. God
created cultural diversity, for our good.
For
the full article >> |
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General Assembly backgrounder: the Mission Work Plan
[5-25-06] The General Assembly Council has recast
the church's goals, objectives to support local mission, by
de-emphasizing programmatic work at the national level of the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.) in order to better support mission and ministry by
congregations and presbyteries.
Budgets and staff realignments were determined in April, with $9.15
million and 75 staff positions trimmed from the General Assembly mission
program. The Mission Work Plan and 2007-2008 mission budgets must be
approved by the upcoming 217th General Assembly, where they will be
considered by Assembly Committee 8 – Mission Coordination and Budgets.
More in a report from Presbyterian News
Service >>
The full report -- 19 pages long -- is available in PDF format |
Rita Nakashima Brock on "Saving Paradise"
[Judy Strausz-Clement,
Voices of Sophia, 5-24-06]Dr. Rita Nakashima Brock,
who will be speaking at the Voices of Sophia GA breakfast on
Monday, June 19, at 7:00 am,
will be drawing on material from her forthcoming book (with Rebecca
Parker), Saving Paradise. She has provided an excerpt from the book to VOS, which they share with
us here.
The passage begins:
For the first thousand years of Christian
art, Jesus Christ was not depicted dead. Why not? Initially, we didn't
believe it could be true. Surely, the art historians who reported this
fact were wrong. The crucified Christ was too important to Western
Christianity. How could it be that images of Jesus' death were absent from
first millennium churches?
More of the
passage >>
More about
the VOS breakfast >> |
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We've received this kind note in response to our
discussions of overtures coming to the Assembly:
The explanations have been helpful to my
inquiring into what some of the overtures are intended to do. Thanks for
such a good web site.
Dave Custis
(who describes himself as "a concerned elder ... in Florida)
[5-24-06] |
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Are you going to GA?
Have you learned to love Les yet?
[by Doug King -- 5-23-06]
We have heard a few mutterings of distress over the past
couple weeks, from people who have been frustrated by "Les," the on-line
system for accessing all the documents related to the business of the coming
General Assembly – overtures, committee reports, and much more.
We don’t pretend to have mastered Les, but we have
discovered a few things that might help you in your distress:
1. Can’t find Les at all?
2. Can’t print documents for yourself?
3. Need other help?
4. Going crazy trying to print documents for yourself,
or to save them on your computer?
For
some answers to these questions, or at least some
sympathy >> |
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Presbyterian News Service provides ...
a backgrounder on the PUP Report
Recommendations on
ordination standards provoke intense debate
[5-23-06] |
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Presbyterian News Service provides ...
a backgrounder on ordination
standards
Debate on G-6.0106b complicated by Theological Task
Force report [5-23-06] |
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Unrestricted Accusations
Overture (Item 05-20) would help limit broadcast accusations
while protecting the rights of those with genuine complaints
[5-23-06] |
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Michael Adee of More Light
Presbyterians comments on a recent interview with former Moderator Rev. Jack
Rogers [5-23-06]
He begins:
"Presbyterian leader has written that homosexuality is not a sin and
should not be a bar to ordination," writes Richmond (VA)
Times-Dispatch staff writer Alberta Lindsey. Lindsey's interview with
the former PCUSA Moderator, the Rev. Jack Rogers. Her article gets
to the heart of the matter that faces our beloved Presbyterian Church
(USA) next month in Birmingham.
His full comments >> |
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GA will consider "Resolution in Support of Ongoing
Partnership Work with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and the Campaign
for Fair Food" [Witherspoon, Doug King - 5-23-06]
The resolution, presented by the
Advocacy Committee for Racial and Ethnic Concerns, traces the theological
foundation for the Presbyterian Church's ongoing efforts for justice for
farmworkers, some of the efforts of the past, and then reaffirms the use of
consumer action (e.g. boycotts, public protest) in the struggle for
economic justice, acknowledges that such action may be called for in the
ongoing Campaign for Fair Food, authorizes the General Assembly Council to
approve Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) participation in such consumer actions
if it is taken in accord with existing Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) criteria
and in concert with our partners in the Alliance for Fair Food, and calls
for continuing promotion of this resolution through preaching, education,
and participation in the Campaign for Fair Food by all settings of the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) through periodic mailings to congregations and
the use of resources available on
www.pcusa.org/fairfood.
The full text of
the resolution >> |
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Remembering Justice Delayed
[Witherspoon, Doug King - 5-23-06]
As we approach the gathering of the 217th
General Assembly in Birmingham, Lynne Reade, of Fremont, California, reminds
us of the place of that city in the struggle against racism. She asks, "Will
any of this Southern discrimination and church history be recognized
officially and lamented by our denomination at the 217th General
Assembly?"
Her letter >> |
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Commissioners listed by committees
[5-19-06]
The Presbyterian News Service has just announced the list
of commissioners and advisory delegates arranged by their committee
assignments. We are posting that list, with the leadership of each
committee, for your convenience. |
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Immigration before the GA
[5-17-06]
Parrish W. Jones, of the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship,
comments on two overtures coming to the Assembly that deal with the
currently hot-button issue of immigration.
The article >> |
Presbytery of New York City calls for
support for the rights of the people of Haiti
[5-16-06]The resolution (among
other things) calls upon the U.S. government "to adopt
a Haiti policy that is friendly toward the political empowerment of the vast
majority of Haitian citizens, who are poor, often disenfranchised, and
systematically excluded from participation in political life ..."
The text of the overture
>> |
That All May Freely Serve invites people to join in one
day of fasting and prayer each week until GA
[5-16-06]
Several folks from That All May Freely Serve, Presbyterian
Welcome and Hudson River Presbytery have covenanted together to observe a
fast on one day during each of the next four weeks before General Assembly.
We've selected Tuesday May 23, 30, and June 6 and 13 as fast days to pray
for our church and for an out pouring of the Holy Spirit upon the 217th
General Assembly. We invite all to join with us, observing the fasting time
in a manner appropriate to you and in keeping with any health
considerations.
If you would like to let us know you will be joining us,
just send an email to
Pray4GA@tamfs.org
from Lisa Larges, TAMFS |
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Reproductive options will again be an
issue at the 217th General Assembly
Click here for
links to resources reflecting the PC(USA) positions on this important
questions, from Presbyterians Affirming Reproductive Options |
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MLP offers legislative
recommendations [5-14-06]
More Light Presbyterians has issued a brief
statement of their recommendations for action on the various overtures
dealing with ordination -- and the Theological Task Force report -- which
will be considered by the 217th General Assembly. |
Considering some of the many
"other" issues coming to the
Assembly
[5-11-06]
Gene TeSelle, Witherspoon Society Issues
Analyst, offers brief analysis of overtures and reports that will be
presented to the Assembly, dealing with
This article has also been published in
the Spring 2006 issue of Network News, the Witherspoon newsletter,
which is being sent to all commissioners and advisory delegates. It is
also available online in PDF format.
Just click
here, then type in "14" in the page space at the bottom of the Adobe
Reader, and you'll find it. |
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An analysis and reflection on the PUP
report Gene TeSelle, Issues Analyst of the
Witherspoon Society and emeritus professor at Vanderbilt Divinity School,
offers an in-depth analysis of the report of the Theological Task Force on
the Peace, Unity, and Purity of the Church. [5-10-06] |
The Board of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians has released a
statement called, ‘A Time For Hope.’
Please read it here.
This announcement has been authorized by the Board of
Covenant Network. [5-9-06] |
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A general calendar
of special events at GA
We offer here a list of events that may be of interest to
Presbyterians with special concern for the peace and justice witness of our
church.
Some of these events are sponsored by official agencies of
the PC(USA), and are listed here with links for further information. Their
listing here implies no endorsement by those agencies of this web site.
Other events are sponsored by one or more of the groups that have
established this JustPresbys web site. Still others are sponsored by
unofficial groups that have no official role in this website; their events
are listed here simply because they may be of interest. [5-4-06]
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We've been asked ... How to register,
order event tickets, and all that
The process is a bit mystifying sometimes, but for the
best guidance we can offer,
click here.
[5-5-06] |
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Candidates for Moderator respond
to Witherspoon questions
[5-2-06]
One of the first acts of the 217th General Assembly will be the election
of a new Moderator. To help our readers weigh this important choice, the
Witherspoon Society has invited each of the four candidates to respond
briefly to five questions that reflect Witherspoon concerns – and, we
believe, the concerns of the wider church. |
Complete list of delete-B overtures
and concurrences
[4-29-06]
This list, provided by More Light Presbyterians, includes all known delete-B
overtures and concurrences, with links to specific MLP articles and a vote
count when available. |
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More Light
announces plans for GA Reception and Dinner
[4-29-06]
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Reception -- 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Celebration Dinner -- 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
For details, and recipients
of the 2006 David Sindt, More Light Church and More Light Chapter Awards
>> |
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Israel / Palestine may be put on "hold" for study
[4-29-06]
GAC approves suggestion of task force on
Israel/Palestine
Group would ‘develop guidance’ on church policy in embattled region
Details
>>
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Breaking down barriers:
Israel/Palestine
[4-29-06]
The issue of divestment will
make the conflicts between Israel and Palestine a major focus of this
General Assembly.
By way of background for
considering this issue, we present a report/reflection by Linda Bergh, of
Syracuse, NY, following her visit to Israel and Palestine. She
discusses the need of both peoples for a homeland in Israel/Palestine; the
effects of the Israeli occupation on the Palestinians; the significance of
the "separation barrier" that is being erected by Israel; and efforts by
both Muslims and Jews to bring some measure of peace to their land. |
Covenant Network publishes booklet on sexuality, the Bible, and the
Church
[4-29-06]The
Covenant Network has just published a 120-page booklet, edited by Ted Smith,
entitled Frequently Asked Questions About Sexuality, the Bible, and the
Church, with 26 brief chapters (3 o 4 pages) by as many scholars,
theologians, and ministers (these can be overlapping designations!). The
contributions are low-key and informative. The booklet should be helpful for
informing and broadening a variety of people.
More information
>>
Their price is $5, or $3 in quantities of 10 or more. They can be paid
for on-line at $5; for the reduced rate, e-mail
rosemaryb@covenantnetwork.org |
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More Light Presbyterians
opposes recommendations of the Theological Task Force on the Peace, Unity
and Purity of the Church [4-29-06]
The Board of MLP has issued a
statement giving their reasons for opposing the recommendation of the
Theological Task Force, primarily because "While we value the call for
discernment in the form of prayer and dialogue, true discernment is not
possible unless all members of the church are free to speak openly about
their lives and faith experience without fear of retribution. It is
unreasonable to expect that LGBT Presbyterians will be in a position to
share their witness while the threat of litigation under G-6.0106b remains."
The full statement >> |
List of top ten issues before the 217th General Assembly
[posted by Doug King, 4-25-06]
Before each General Assembly,
the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly shares what he considers to be the
top ten issues coming to the assembly, based primarily on overtures that
have been submitted and his travels and conversations with Presbyterians
across the denomination. Here is Clifton Kirkpatrick's non-prioritized list
for this year's assembly. |
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Peacemaking Dinner at General Assembly
The Presbyterian Peacemaking 25th
Anniversary Celebration and Dinner will take place on Monday, June 18 from
5:30 p.m. to 6:50 p.m. at the Sheraton Hotel in Birmingham, AL. [4-24-06]
The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program
is pleased to announce that the program at the 217th General Assembly (2006)
dinner will include the Rev. Dr. Mark Lomax as a speaker, music by the Congo
Choir, and a celebration of the 25th anniversary of Peacemaking: The
Believers’ Calling.
Details >> |
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Candidates for Moderator
The four ministers who have been
endorsed by their presbyteries for Moderator of the 217thGeneral
Assembly have all responded to a set of five questions from the Witherspoon
Society, to give them the opportunity to express their views on some of the
more urgent concerns of our church today. The Presbyterian News
Service has released stories on each of the candidates as they have been
endorsed by their presbyteries.
You may want to look at those
stories to learn a little of their background. [4-21-06] |
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Jack Rogers on Jesus, the Bible and Homosexuality
Kenneth Smith, president of the
Witherspoon Society, reviews Dr. Jack Rogers' latest book, exploring further
his new understanding of the Biblical perspective on sexuality and the
church. [4-21-06] |
Assembly will act on more than 130
overtures
Task force, ordination standards, divestment action top packed agenda
[4-17-06]
Presbyterian News Service reports that a record number of overtures – more
than 130, as of April 17th– have been submitted by the
presbyteries to the 217th General Assembly. The report provides a
quick and handy summary of the main issues being dealt with by the
overtures.
The dominant issues facing the 534 commissioners who will gather in
Birmingham, AL, on June 15 include the report of the Theological Task Force
on Peace, Unity and Purity of the Church (TTF); proposed changes to the
ordination standards of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.); and whether to
continue the denomination's policy of selective phased divestment from
corporations profiting from Israel's occupation of the West Bank.
More >> |
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Conversations with Peacemakers
[4-14-06]
The Presbyterian Peace Fellowship invites you to join
in conversations with outstanding peacemakers, in the Peace Fellowship booth
in the Exhibit Hall, each day of the Assembly from Saturday through Tuesday.
Details
>> |
| GA commissioners
listed [posted here 4-13-06]
Assembly meeting in
Birmingham will include 534 voters plus advisors
The Office of the General Assembly has released the list of 534 voting
commissioners, 173 Youth Advisory Delegates (YADs) and Theological Student
Advisory Delegates (TSADs) for the 217th General Assembly in Birmingham, AL,
June 15-22. The full list
>> |
Douglas Ottati, prof. at Union Seminary/PSCE in Richmond and Witherspoon
writer, will be signing his new book at GA
[posted here 4-13-06]
Doug Ottati, who is a regular contributor of a column of
"theological musings" in the Witherspoon Society’s Network News, has
just published a new book entitled Theology for Liberal Presbyterians and
Other Endangered Species.
He will be signing copies of his book at General
Assembly on Thursday, June 15
11:00-1:00 and 5:00-6:00 at the Cokesbury Bookstore in the Exhibit Hall.
More >>
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| GA committee leaders
named
[posted here 4-12-06]
Fifteen committees will process the
business of the 217th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
in June, according to the Office of the General Assembly (OGA). Committee
leaders for the eight-day Assembly also were named this week by OGA and
Moderator Rick Ufford-Chase. Each committee will have elected commissioners
as moderator and vice-moderator, plus an appointed assistant and a
parliamentarian/recorder.
The full
story >> |
| On the
Events page we have listed (so far!) the events and
programs planned by the Covenant Network and the Witherspoon Society.
We hope you will consider attending some of them! |
| Marilyn White
of the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship
offers a quick survey of the major issues relating to
peace and nonviolence
that will be coming to the Assembly. |
| A letter of
welcome to Commissioners and Advisory Delegates from the Witherspoon
Society Before each General Assembly, the Witherspoon
Society sends a letter of welcome to those who will be attending as
commissioners or advisory delegates, with the hope of offering a little
orientation to the confusing goings-on that they will be encountering, many
for the first time. Even if you're not a commissioner, you may find
some of the information interesting and helpful. |
| More
Light Presbyterians issued a
Call to Justice as Presbyterians approach the 217th
General Assembly. |
| That
All May Freely Serve (TAMFS) last September adopted a response to the
report of the Theological Task Force on the Peace, Unity and Purity of the
Church, under the title, "On Not Being Weary in Well-Doing: Discerning and
Representing the Will of Christ, Who Alone is the Peace, Purity, and Unity
of the Church"
Read the full statement >> |
| Voices
of Sophia offers an
introduction to their organization, and announces the
Voices of Sophia breakfast:
June 19, Monday, 7:00 am.
Speaker: Dr. Rita Nakashima Brock,
feminist theologian and activist.
Founding Co-Director of Faith Voices for the Common Good, Oakland, CA |
From the
Witherspoon Society:
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For postings from
June 1 through 16 >> |
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