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(Photo by Rich Copley)
The 226th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) was one for the books. In addition to electing for the first time a woman and a person of Asian descent to serve as Stated Clerk, two new Co-Moderators were elected who will also moderate the following General Assembly, thanks to changes in standing rules. Some of the Assembly’s actions were decisive, like its support for Latina-a-é communities in the PC(USA). Others were the result of some intense and often dramatic parliamentary procedures. While it had initially passed ENV-02, an overture that sought to entirely divest the Church’s assets from fossil fuel companies, the Assembly reconsidered and later defeated the item. There were numerous other motions to reconsider other items of business during the course of the plenary sessions, which leads me to a comforting conclusion: The Holy Spirit is working among us.
One thing I noticed is that the commissioners and advisory delegates were almost unanimous that the Church should do something about the climate crisis, militarism and many other issues. The contentions were in the approaches: What do we do, and how should we do it? I’m sure the discussions and the sometimes-dizzying procedural moves were frustrating to many, but all of it is evidence of the Spirit’s guidance. It is reflective of a church that is digging deeply and seeking diligently to be faithful. We are not a church that questions whether we should do justice. We know we should, even if we aren’t immediately sure how to do it. Given where we have been in the past, I find that incredibly inspiring — and reassuring! God is not done with us.
The writer of Hebrews says that God rewards “those who seek” God. In Salt Lake City, I witnessed a church that was in fervent search for God, convicted of their call to bend the arc of the moral universe alongside its Creator. Even if much work remains ahead of us, this is the kind of church of which I am proud and excited to be a part!
The Rev. Denise Anderson, director Compassion, Peace & Justice ministries |
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Peruse the General Assembly Top 10 |
Here’s a look back at some of the highlights of the GA’s work in Salt Lake City. (Photo by Rich Copley) |
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Gifts to One Great Hour and PHP make a difference |
Learn how your gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing and the Presbyterian Hunger Program contribute to a more just world and well-being for all God’s people and Creation. |
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Be an educated voter |
The PC(USA) Election Center is a resource for Presbyterians to learn about their elected officials and candidates and to get other helpful information related to voting. (Photo by WOKANDAPIX via Pixabay) |
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Save the planet and save money for your church |
The U.S. Department of Treasury has been reaching out to faith communities to help increase awareness about savings available through the Inflation Reduction Act. (Photo by Nattanan Kanchanaprat via Pixabay) |
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PDA to be part of August event at Ghost Ranch |
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance will offer training on gun violence emergency response and bring a film crew to the James Atwood Institute for Congregational Courage. |
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‘Queering the Bible’ challenges status quo |
Saul’s conversion is “a model for how a person’s life can change when they accept the truth of who they are and surrender the benefits and privileges afforded those belonging to the status quo,” writes Taj M. Smith. |
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Looking forward to the Season of Peace (Sept. 8–Oct.6) |
As the Season of Peace draws closer, sign up for daily reflections to deepen your pursuit of peace while considering the lives of exemplary Presbyterians who worked to bring peace and justice to all. (Photo courtesy of Presbyterian Historical Society) |
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Young adults invited to advocacy conference Oct. 18–20 |
The Jesus & Justice Advocacy Conference for college students, young adults and seminarians will be this fall in Charlotte, North Carolina. It’s a great opportunity to network and engage topics in meaningful ways. |
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Stay informed with OPW Action Alerts |
The Presbyterian Office of Public Witness has issued recent Action Alerts on the Israel/Palestine conflict, Title IX, mining operations and more. |
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Presbyterian Mission Agency, 100 Witherspoon Street, Lousiville, KY |
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