PORTLAND, Ore. – “Hope does not disappoint.”
This was the message that Heath Rada, moderator of the 221st General Assembly, gave to commissioners at the opening plenary session of the 222nd General Assembly on June 18.
Rada said that what he has heard from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) during his past two years as moderator is “hope does not disappoint” and “God is the source of that hope today.” Drawn from Romans 5:5, this theme of hope ran throughout his report to the assembly.
Denominational support. “Our church is hungry for renewal, faith formation and proclamation,” Rada said, especially in churches in need of support. For example, Rada lifted up smaller churches, many of which are rural, that comprise 80 percent of PC(USA) congregations. Similarly, racial-ethnic congregations are facing “inequity, threats and challenges” and are “asking to join together with one voice.” Recognizing the headway made – and struggles faced – by LGBT brothers and sisters, Rada said, “We must never think at this stage of our existence that we have gotten to a final place.” He went on to say that the church needs to continue loving and caring.
Next steps. Rada urged the assembly to consider the challenges and opportunities ahead of them. One example: noting the financial privilege of many Presbyterians, he noted that with wealth comes responsibility and challenging ethical considerations. Another factor Rada raised was creation justice, saying “We need to look carefully at what that means” and consider “all aspects of our creation by showing compassion.”
Diversity. Diversity of the church needs continued strengthening, Rada stressed. He said he’d heard it asked: Given my particular views, is there still a place for me in the PC(USA)? “We must find ways to make the diversity among us become our strength and not our weakness,” he said. One strength of the PC(USA), Rada noted, is “we welcome everyone around the communion table.”
Education. “No denomination has directed more into education than the PC(USA),” he said, highlighting overseas education (especially that of women) and faith development curriculum. “The heritage of educational advocacy must not languish,” he said, “but find new directions.”
In closing, Rada told the commissioners: “May the God who has kept us safe this far joyfully lead us forward”
A few other highlights from this plenary session included:
- All were invited to sing Carolyn Winfrey Gillette’s recent hymn for Orlando, “To a Place of Celebration” in remembrance of the victims of the massacre on June 12.
- The Committee on Local Arrangements (COLA) welcomed the assembly and was recognized for their efforts in coordinating GA.
- Commissioners were reminded of general discussion procedures such as how to request an interpreter and how to use the color-coded paddles.
- Electronic voting was reviewed and tested.
- Gradye Parsons, stated clerk, gave thanks to the volunteers serving the assembly.
- Earline Williams, deputy director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency, gave an overview of financial implications of decisions the assembly may make. She noted that approved assembly actions for 2016 will draw from the reserves, while actions for 2017 and 2018 will result in an increase per capita.
- By voice vote, commissioners approved previously referred business items (item 01-02), the 2016 final business list (item 01-05) and the recommendation of the Business Referrals committee (committee 1) to suspend a standing rule in order to receive specific items of late business (item 01-06).
- Parsons announced that $20, 320 was collected during the morning worship offering for mission.
- Parsons announced that the deadline for new business will be 1:30 p.m. PDT on Sunday, June 19.
