Bruce Jordan, a General Assembly commissioner from Mountain Laurel Presbytery, speaks in Milwaukee in late June. (Photo by Brenton Thompson)
Living by our adage of “once Reformed, always reforming,” the 227th General Assembly has acted to give our churches and presbyteries more food for thought, conversation and action. Their actions fall into three basic groups described below.
Book of Order Amendments – coming soon to your presbytery for your discernment! Presbyterian Life and Witness will soon create a comprehensive list with supporting documentation. What follows is a brief and incomplete preview. Many of the amendments coming to you stem from the report of the Theological Education and Ordination Task Force. This task force was established in 2022 by the 225th General Assembly to explore whether our preparation and ordination practices are adequately serving the Church given our current realities. Other amendments for your consideration involve an addition to F-1.03 and language changes in G-2.06 to clarify the section relates to preparation for ordination as a Minister of Word and Sacrament. Again, your presbytery will be providing more information in the coming months to prepare for your discernment.
Authoritative Interpretations (AIs) – these are clarifying, official, authorized and binding interpretations for sections of the Book of Order. The AIs approved at the General Assembly include these:
- G-1.0104 relative to New Worshipping Communities and their organization, operation and property;
- G-2.10 regarding Commissioned Ruling Elders serving across presbytery lines;
- G-4.0206b regarding presbytery approval on building uses and agreements;
- W-4.0402 regarding appropriate day/time for services of ordination;
- D-4.0205a regarding stays of enforcement;
- Various sections regarding Administrative Review.
Referrals for Study – Several items were also referred to Presbyterian Life and Witness or another group for further study including:
- Administrative Leave for a Minister of Word and Sacrament, specifically, when it might be appropriate outside of allegations of sexual abuse as well as the financial impact on church and presbytery when it is invoked;
- Creating a report entitled Beyond Changing Families: Flourishing Relationships and Belonging;
- Exploration and assessment of decisions made relative to global missions;
- Rationale for and content of a new confession.
Much more happened at General Assembly, but I hope this gives you a small taste of the polity-oriented actions. Look for more information about all the above from your presbytery, the Synod or Presbyterian Life and Witness in the coming months and let me know if/how I can help you discuss and discern!
Grace and peace –
Kristal Smith
Stated Clerk
Synod of the Trinity