› From Lament to Hope: 224th General Assembly (GA)
Biennial Meeting of Presbyterian Church
he 224th General Assembly – a biennial meeting of Presbyterians representing Presbyteries and Synods throughout the country and its territories, has just concluded a week of work, worship, and fellowship – the first ever to be conducted in virtual space. In a format tightened up by the necessity of meeting online (and all the planning, communication and technology involved) the core businesses of the church were conducted as needed and significant work accomplished. Among the highlights (most of which are summarized one a 1-pager that you are welcome to download here) are:
Election of Co-moderators
The election of co-moderators to lead the 224th General Assembly was among the required, some might say “routine” pieces of business to be conducted. The outcome, however, accomplished through a single ballot, was historic. Elona Street, a synod executive of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, will serve as the first Native American co-moderator ever of a PC(USA) General Assembly; she is from the Delaware Nanticoke tribe. Co-moderating alongside her is Gregory Bentley, Pastor of the Fellowship Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. To read more about this historic passing of the baton, click here.
Racial Injustice and Support for Native American Churches
A key motion urging that the church take a stand on racial injustice was offered by Commissioner Megan Acedo, from the Presbytery of Philadelphia. Presbyterian Peace Fellowship, the Presbyterian Health Education and Welfare Association, and the assembly Committee on Business Referrals worked jointly on this motion, resulting in the following resolution entitled “Responding to the Sin of Racism and a Call to Action” which passed by an overwhelming majority:
• PC(USA) churches and presbyteries would approve anti-racism policies
• PC(USA) agencies are to review business items to be referred to the 225th General Assembly to ensure coverage under social witness policy
An eight minute and 46 second silent vigil would be held before the end of the assembly, to acknowledge the time George Floyd was pinned at the neck by a Minneapolis police officer.
To read the concise but thorough reporting of the Presbyterian News Agency throughout the week, click here.
Commissioners’ Reflections
On Friday, the Presbytery of Philadelphia posted the following words of thanks and a link to reflections offered by the Commissioners representing our presbytery at the GA, among them long-serving SPC member and Elder, Eck Gerner and former SPC-er Pam McShane: “We give thanks for our commissioners who have been faithfully navigating a virtual assembly, representing our Presbytery with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love.” Amen!
To read these posts and listen to the series of interviews and reflections that are part of the Presbytery of Philadelphia’s podcast series, click here.
Interested in the details? To read any of the specific overtures and recommendations and follow its progress, click here.
