The Top Five Action Items:
The 2016 General Assembly is now adjourned. What was accomplished?
The easy election of a new Stated Clerk: The clear, first
ballot election of our new Stated Clerk J. Herbert Nelson is an important
leadership change. J. Herbert has served as the director of our denomination’s
Washington office. Thus he brings a wealth of experience working with the
national offices of our church to his new position as our Stated Clerk.
The Way Forward: Those of us carefully following the
conversation leading up to the General Assembly were impressed by the list of
overtures being brought by Foothills Presbytery all concerned with the internal
structure and decision-making process of the General Assembly. I thank the
leaders at Foothills Presbytery for pushing this important conversation
although their overtures were not approved. Nonetheless, in true Presbyterian
fashion, the General Assembly created a Way Forward Commission to study the
structure and function our General Assembly. Please pay attention to the work
of this team over the next two years.
Support for Palestine: Although profoundly complex and
deeply divisive, the General Assembly spoke again into the Israel Palestine
issue. The report that was adopted is important. Please see my blog article on
it. Our Church needs, in my mind, to focus on supporting, encouraging and
creating partnerships with Christians in Palestine.
The almost apology: The carefully worded statement from the
General Assembly expressing sorrow, but not apologizing, for the way our Church
has treated LBGT persons is important. See my blog article which includes that
actual statement.
Directory for Worship: The easy approval of the proposed new
Directory for Worship is vital. This is a constitutional issue on which our
Presbytery will have the opportunity to vote. Please study the proposed new
Directory for Worship.
