I was surprised to be reminded in my devotions of this quote from Prince Caspian in the Narnia series by C.S. Lewis (my italics) with reflections on the ruins of Castle Cair Paravel: “Fill this place, Lord, with Your glory! Let what happens here in our day be as great as what happened in the past. But don’t let us build monuments to the past. If the foundations were sound, we have hope to build again. We want to work, we must not die. Let your tender mercies come to us that we might live again. The place may have a powerful significance, but it is God’s purposes that must be made visible and tangible. When we say, ‘I’m in charge of these ruins,’ it must mean we are guardians of a vision, not curators for the department of ancient monuments.”
From reading USA Today my impatience to see things happen now was tempered by the quote from Jane O’Reilly, American feminist and humorist: “We must remember the past, define the future, and challenge the present — wherever and however we can. It will take the rest of our lives even to begin. But then, what else have we to do?”
These quotes provided the lens through which I observed the 219th General Assembly at its business meeting Thursday morning, July 8. With much recent discussion in New England about the future of synods, rather than move to abolish synods by 2012, by a vote of 566-104 a Commission was established to work with Middle Governing Bodies (presbyteries and synods) that seek to move beyond form and functions as they seek healthier relationships to further the mission of the church. Rather than a committee to study these issues, the Assembly recognized that in the midst of rapid change and mounting frustration fueled by diminishing resources, response to requests for assistance required a timely response, rather than waiting to bring proposals to GA in 2012. This new commission would have the authority to act on behalf on the Assembly, at the initiative of synods and presbyteries, with a 2/3 vote of the commission. One commissioner spoke of the necessity for empowering the commission, as we are on the verge of doing radical new things in obedience to Christ’s charge to grow the church deep and wide.
We moved right along after lunch to consider once again the issue of ordination standards. As you may remember from our conversations in 2008 when Boston Presbytery adopted an overture seeking to re-focus ordination examinations on vows in the Book of Order, rather than sexual issues, this is a volatile issue. Even though the so-called “fidelity and chastity” clause is a fairly recent addition, proposals to alter it seem to invoke cries of lowering standards for ordination. So there was both a majority and a minority report for consideration. Concerns were raised about how such action might affect ecumenical partnerships, and many of our non-Euro religious communities who reject LBGT ordination. For many of our YAADS, the potential for ordaining LBGT ministers, elders, and deacons is not an issue. Many commissioners felt a pastoral letter for further study was the way to go, while others cried out at the injustice of the long delay in correcting this so-called two levels of church membership and characterized more study as a mere stall tactic. Some argued that with Presbyteries challenged to study and vote on the new form of government and the approval of he Belhar Confession, this was more than they could handle these next two years. It was by a 50 vote margin that after long and extensive debate, the Assembly approved sending to the presbyteries for their approval an overture focusing ordination examination on calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability. Governing bodies, guided by Scripture and our confession, would also determine candidates’ ability and commitment to fulfilling what is required by our questions of ordination. The overture does more than just remove language – it adds language that is just and constitutional. We look forward to continued civil, faithful conversation as Boston Presbytery considers this change to our Book of Order.
Minister Commissioner Burns Stanfield offered a Commissioners’ Resolution challenging our church to be a counter voice to usurious practices and prayerfully consider moving funds from financial institutions who exploit consumers and into community banks that practice responsible consumer lending practices. The Social Justice Committee unanimously endorsed the resolution, added it to the consent agenda which was approved by the full assembly.
Our work during the evening session did not provide much help for Boston Presbytery and states were same gender marriage is legal. The report of the Special Committee to Study Issues of Civil Union was adopted with minor revisions by a vote of 439-208. Both the majority report and a minority report written by three members of the GA Civil Union and Marriage Issues Committee will be circulated to the larger church for study. A parliamentary maneuver to allow the study process to answer the specific overture requests for guidance meant that these significant issues where never taken up by the Assembly. This means that all attempts to define marriage as between two people, and seek clarity on pastoral integrity for pastors in states where gay marriage is legal were not addressed. Frustrating.
It was a busy day; fatigue and unanswered questions left me tossing and turning, but I look forward to keeping the conversation on these issues alive in Boston Presbytery. The work of this day will probably keep our Presbytery busy for at least 3 meetings. So say tuned for the full report and recommendations of our Commissioners.
Keep the faith, and let the faith keep you. shalom wayne
