Speakers for the main motion included Trina Zelle, a minister from Grand Canyon Presbytery and author of the original resolution, as well as two former General Assembly moderators — Rick Ufford-Chase and John Fife. Much of the discussion surrounding the resolution concerned those who are most affected by the new laws in Arizona, as well as those who would be affected by these proposed economic measures. Fife assured commissioners that the main motion was brought by the Hispanic congregations, pastors, and elders in Arizona and New Mexico. Fife urged its passage saying, “Racism must be confronted with action immediately, not after study and collaboration.”
A substitute motion was offered that would have removed any mention of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) avoiding doing business in states with such laws, but that was defeated by a vote of 390 – 288.
Jon Ashley, from de Cristo Presbytery, presented the minority report and suggested that rather than boycott and leave, the appropriate response is engagement in a system that is currently broken, working for its transformation.
Zelle reminded commissioners that for many Presbyterians the immigration crisis is not an option to be studied, but a daily reality to be endured. “What is being communicated when we choose to accommodate injustice rather than confront it?” she asked.
“Our work will always be to stand with those who are most marginalized,” said Ufford-Chase. He noted the PC(USA)’s historic concern for those who stand on the margins of society.
Commissioner Al Sandalow of Central Washington brought up a practical question in the midst of the discussion. “If this passes, and Pennsylvania passes a similar law, will we have to move the next General Assembly?” The next General Assembly, in 2012, is scheduled to be held in Pittsburgh.
GUEST FROM BELARUS
The Rev. Siarhei Hardum, ecumenical visitor from the Orthodox Church of Belarus, brought greetings to the Assembly and received a warm welcome, including a few outbursts of applause.
This was his first time exposure to Presbyterians since there is no Presbyterian Church in Belarus; he offered a few impressions. The first, said the Rev. Hardum, was his sense of kindness, love, and hospitality in his time spent with the assembly.
Another thing that struck him about the assembly proceedings was the discussion about moral issues. “Christian morality is as old as Christianity itself and doesn’t need to be invented now. Those attempts look for me like attempts to create a new religion, a sort of modern paganism,” he continued to smatterings of applause.
