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Celebrating Easter

GA222: Tuesday, June 21 daily recap

 The Way Forward committee recommends administrative commission. The Way Forward committee has recommended the creation of an administrative commission with the power to determine the structure and function of General Assembly agencies – a commission that, if the assembly approves its creation, would have the ability to change the landscape of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) at the top levels.Screen Shot 2016-06-22 at 12.39.26 AM

Apology? The assembly’s Social Justice committee voted to approve a statement of regret ­­– instead of issuing an apology to the LGBTQ/Q community, as an overture from the Presbytery of New York City had requested. TI0A5008

Middle East committee. Faced with tough choices on June 21, the Middle East Committee of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) tried to steer a middle course between taking a hard line on the anti-Israel boycott, divestment and sanctions movement and turning a blind eye to violations of Palestinians’ human rights.

Eric Flamm, left, and Ed Kraus — both of Portland and both members of the Jewish advocacy group J Street — were among the many non-Presbyterians who took keen interest in matters before the Middle East Issues Committee during its meeting June 20 and 21.

Racial justice. On June 20, the Social Justice committee of the 2016 General Assembly poured energy into addressing matters of racial justice and cultural proficiency.

Buddy Monahan, elected member of ACREC (right.) huddles with committee chair Patricia Tull, vice chair Bobby Musengwa and committee assistant Emily Anderson regarding the disposition of recommendations regarding churchwide conversations around the Doctrine of Discovery.

Refugees. After considering the breadth of the refugee crisis around the world – with half the population of Syria living as refugees – the assembly’s Immigration and Environmental Issues committee unanimously approved an overture on refugee resettlement.  Syrian_Camp

Child protection. The General Assembly Procedures committee considered child protection amid a survivor’s story.

Associate stated clerk Kris Valerius addresses the committee on item 03-14

General Assembly Procedures. The committee recommended Beth Hessel as the next associated stated clerk and selected a future location for the assembly.

Greg Coulter and Beth Hessel enjoy a moment together after the committee unanimously recommended her election to associate stated clerk of the General Assembly.

Two Foothills overtures defeated. The Social Justice Committee turned back proposals from Foothills Presbytery that would have limited how often policies could be considered.IMG_0312

Mission coordination. The Mission Coordination committee recommended approval of an oveture that addresses the worsening plight of the African-American male.

Committee 10 stands to sing the doxology following the recommendation of the approval of 10-03

Peacemaking. The assembly’s Peacemaking and International Issues committee discussed Just War theory, peacemaking and nonviolence on June 21 – trying to find wording for peacemaking affirmations that both affirms peacemaking and supports those who serve in the military.

Abbi Heimach

IPMN lunch. Palestinian novelist, speaking at Israel Palestine Mission Network event, thanks Presbyterians, calling them allies in the BDS movement.Screen Shot 2016-06-21 at 10.14.35 AM

 

 

 

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