Long Day,…couldn’t sleep, decided to pass this along at this late hour.Much of this you may well already have, so I’ll share this withoutcomment.
Actions taken, to disapprove:1.) overture to create flexible (non graphic) Korean -speaking prez/synod.; 2.)proposal to redifine marriage.
Actions taken, to approve1.): a G.A. Commission to consider possible reconfiguration of synods or presbyteries, but only on the initiation of G.A. actions, or upon request of particular synods or presbyteries;2.) establishment of formal dialogue with Seventh Day Adventist Church;3.) invitation to Evangelical Presbyterian Church to engage in a bilateral dialogue concerning vrious aspects of the complicated relationship between PC(USA) and EPC;4.) approval and recommendation to presbyteries a revised BoO ordination statement to replace G-6.0106b which says ” The governing body responsible for ordination…shall examine each candidate’s calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability for…the office. The exam shall include…a determination of the candidate’s ability and commitment to fulfill all requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and installation. Governing bodies shall be guided by scripture and the confessions in applying standards…” (A minority report was defeated.)The report of this committee went on to say, “The integrity of the church demands that those who will serve in ordained service meet high standards – always seeking to live according to the life and teaching of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”;5.) a resolution regarding a call to “stand with immigrant Presbyterians in their hour of need…” (reference to immigration laws like the one in Arizona);6.) report of Special Committee to study issues of civil union and marriage (approved with minority report attached).
A comment I overheard: ” It takes courage to stand up to one’s enemies. It takes more courage to stand up to one’s friends.”
A prayer: “Today we have heard many voices speaking of the need for us to come together as one. Many overtures and ideas have been presented, and advocated on the basis of being the way for us to finally find that unity within the denomination. Perhaps all will fail. Perhaps all should fail…even while, amazingly, we still stay together,… if then we finally realize that only God can bring us together and keep us together. We are only One, in Christ. Lord, we believe. help us in our unbelief. Amen.
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Actions of the day:
