I remember fifteen years ago when I was a TSAD at the General Assembly in Orlando, FL. At that time I was involved in the stimulating discussions with other Presbyterians, I enjoyed the Presbyterian camaraderie, and I was astounded by the Presbyterian process. I was amazed that six hundred people, plus, could voice their opinions, sometimes at odds with each other, decently and in order. It was a true witness of an earthly organization exhibiting the grace of God to the world.
My experience at the 2008 General Assembly was not the same. I was disappointed. I was not disappointed because of the decisions made, nor because I didn’t reconnect with as many friends and colleagues as hoped. I was not disappointed for lack of stimulating dialogue, but because when I tried to enter the General Assembly Hall to witness our great process in action, I was stopped at the entrance.
Why was I stopped? I was not a commissioner, being new to the San Francisco Presbytery. I was not a volunteer, having a new congregation my availability for GA involvement was limited. Why was I stopped from entering that great event? I was stopped because I didn’t pay the twenty dollars to get an observer badge, my only option, according to the marshall at the entrance.  I was able to watch a closed circuit television in another part of the facility, but for the first time I was barred from witnessing Presbyterians in action in person.
I hope that this is not how people are treated in our church or other churches of the Presbyterian name when strangers want to enter. I hope that we are not a closed organization that only allows people to enter after they have paid their dues, be it financial dues, or a commitment to be political representative, or someone who is doing an acceptable ministry. I hope our church, as well as all other Presbyterian churches, will let everyone and anyone enter God’s church and welcome them, even embrace them, as a beloved creature of a redeeming God.
If I learned nothing else at this General Assembly in San Jose, I learned that I need to make sure there are no barriers at my church. I need to make sure anyone who wishes to enter can. I hope no one will suffer the disappointment I did. I hope we can be a denomination that invites others to join us, not one that bars people from entering until they pay their dues.
Hoping for an embracing reception at the next GA meeting,
Rev. Dr. Randall C. McGrady-Beach
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
