During the first day of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s first General Assembly since a major reorganization of its national offices, several committees spent much of Monday reviewing proposals about the new agency’s structure and leadership—but took little action.
The General Assembly Relationships Committee did conclude work on three items, approving a new introduction to the Manual of the General Assembly (GAR-06); continuing with a fourth round of dialogue with the Episcopal Church in the United States (GAR-09); and beginning a dialogue with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (GAR-10) to establish full communion between the two denominations. The PC(USA) is already in full communion with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Reformed Church in America and the United Church of Christ.
The Committee on Reformed Identity in the United States began work on a proposal commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution (RUS-02) by hearing from advocates, but postponed action on two White Christian nationalism proposals (RUS-01 and RUS-07) until Tuesday because each could affect how the other is considered.
Meanwhile, the Financial Stewardship and Witness Committee recommended GA approve a request from the Mission Responsibility Through Investment (FIN-02) to revise its military and weapons screening criteria to include a review of conduct in addition to the current revenue basis.
The committee also reaffirmed the principles of divestment and the criteria adopted by the 196th General Assembly (1984) with some updates and clarifications (FIN-02).
Committees are meeting virtually June 22-24, and their actions and recommendations will be sent for consideration to the full General Assembly, which gathers in person in Milwaukee from Saturday, June 27, through the following Thursday, July 2.
