Unofficial Record of Actions Taken - 32nd General Assembly, Pittsbugh, TN, 2004
Disclaimer: Please note that this narrative is provided for your convenience in following the business conducted on the floor of the General Assembly. They are not the official record or minutes of the Assembly and should not be misconstrued to be such.
Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday
JOURNAL
MINUTES, THIRTY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Second Session - Wednesday Morning
June 16, 2004
32-10 Assembly Reconvenes
The Assembly reconvened at 8:00 AM on June 16, 2004 with the singing of “May Jesus Christ Be Praised” and prayer by the Moderator.
32-11 Partial Report of the Stated Clerk
TE L. Roy Taylor, Stated Clerk, presented his report (Handbook, pp.201ff). The Stated Clerk reviewed the statistical portions of his reports. He recognized the churches who were added to or lost from the denominational since the last Assembly (Handbook, p. 204).
The Stated Clerk reported on the Presbytery’s Voting on BCO Amendments sent down for Advice and Consent (Handbook, p.251ff.). Item 1, having received the concurrence of the necessary number of presbyteries, was adopted.
The Assembly ratified the recommendation of the Clerk in referring three communications (Handbook, p. 85ff).
32-12 Partial Report of the Standing Judicial Commission
The Clerk yielded to RE John White, Chairman of the SJC, who led the Assembly in prayer and presented amendments to SJC Manual (Handbook, p. 2049). The Moderator ruled that Recommendations 1-2 were adopted by a clear 2/3 majority of commissioners present, which was also a clear majority of commissioners registered.
32-13 Partial Report of Review of Presbytery Records Committee
RE Tom Bingham presented the following proposed amendment to RAO, which was referred to CCB.
That the language of RAO 14-2.e.5 be amended as follows (proposed additions in bold print):
“Minutes of presbytery relating to examinations must list all specific requirements and trials for licensure and/or ordination which have been accomplished, including that each candidate being examined for ordination was required to “state the specific instances in which he may differ with the Confession of Faith and Catechisms in an of their statements and/or propositions”(BCO 21-4). This does not mean that a separate vote on each item must be recorded. Presbytery minutes shall record ministers’ and ministerial candidates’ stated differences with our Standards that the presbytery approves as doctrinal exceptions in the following manner. Each Presbytery shall record whether:
a. the candidate stated that he had no differences; or
b. the court judged the difference(s) stated to be merely semantic (in which case the stated difference(s) need not be recorded); or
c. the court granted an exception, in that it judged the stated difference as neither hostile to the system of doctrine nor striking at the vitals of religion (in which case the stated difference itself must be recorded).
32-14 Appointment of Committee on Thanks
The Moderator appointed the following men to serve as the Committee on Thanks: TE Henry Lewis Smith (Convenor) and RE Melton L. Duncan.
32-15 Personal Resolution #2
The Assembly received and referred the following Personal Resolution to Bills and Overtures:
TO THE GLORY OF GOD. AMEN.
Whereas, we live in a time when men and women increasingly understand Truth to be variable, relative, and dependent upon social and cultural context; and
Whereas, one manifestation of this understanding of Truth is a burgeoning cultural and political movement that seeks to redefine marriage, so as to include within its meaning homosexual unions; and
Whereas, attempts to redefine marriage so as to include homosexual unions have triggered much social and political debate, leading to misunderstanding, confusion, and doubt even within the Body of Christ; and
Whereas, the Honorable James M. Talent, a member of Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church (PCA) within the bounds of Missouri Presbytery and a member of the United States Senate, in June, 2003, wrote to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America:
I am writing as a member of the PCA to request the opinion of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America on the subject of the Federal Marriage Amendment (H.J. Res. 56).[1]
And
Whereas, the Church, as a Spiritual Commonwealth, is “to handle, or conclude nothing, but that which is ecclesiastical; and [is] not to intermeddle with civil affairs which concern the commonwealth” (WCF 31.4)[2], but is commanded by our King to “stand in the gate of the Lord’s house and to proclaim there this word” (Jeremiah 7:2), “warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom” (Colossians 1:28), and to “preach the word,” always being ready to “reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (II Timothy 4:2);
Therefore, the Presbyterian Church in America declares to the Church, the Nation, and the World that :
God is truth
His truth is firmly rooted and grounded in His immutable Nature and Being; it is not a construction of men; it is not variable, nor relative, nor dependent upon social or cultural context.
He has made His truth known to human beings in the Holy Scriptures.
Among the truths that God has declared to human beings is the truth that marriage is ordained by Him, from the time of the creation of human beings, and that it is defined by Him to be the lifelong union of one man and one woman (Genesis 1-3; Matthew 19:5-6).
God’s ordinance concerning marriage is binding upon all human beings in all places and at all times; it cannot be altered by legislative, judicial or cultural action. It is possible to deviate from God’s ordinance, but it is not possible to change it.
God has ordained civil authorities “under Him, and over the people, for His own glory and the public good” (WCF XXIII.1), to the end that good (as defined by Him) may be encouraged and defended and evil (as defined by Him) may be suppressed and punished.
God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap (Galatians 6:7); God will hold those whom He has placed in authority accountable for their actions, and He has declared:
Woe to those who call evil good
And good evil,
Who put darkness for light
And light for darkness,
Who put bitter for sweet
And sweet for bitter!
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
And shrewd in their own sight!
--- Isaiah 5:20
Be it now therefore resolved that the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly will communicate the content of this resolution to Senator James M. Talent in response to his request, as well as to the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, every other Senator and every other Congressman in order to inform them of the unambiguous teaching of the Word of God on these matters.
IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. AMEN.
32-16 CoC on InterChurch Relations
TE Howard Griffith, Chairman, led the Assembly in prayer and introduced TE William Barker, Chairman of the InterChurch Relations Committee, who introduced the following fraternal delegates who addressed the Assembly: Rev. Robert Broline (Orthodox Presbyterian Church), Dr. Robert Cara (Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church) and Dr. Jerry O’Neil (Reformed Presbyterian Church, North America). TE Barker then introduced Visiting Brother Dr. Andrew McGown (The Church of Scotland).
TE Griffith led the Assembly in prayer and presented the report (Handbook, p. 909ff). Recommendations 1-6 were adopted.
NOTE: TE Theo van Blerk, Westminster Presbytery, should be added to the roll of CoC present.
32-17Informational Report of Administrative Committee
Dr. Roy Taylor reported on the work of the Strategic Planning Committee. He yielded to RE Frank Brock, who further reported on the work of the Strategic Planning Committee.
32-18Informational Report of Christian Education and Publications Committee
TE Jack Jagoditsch, Chairman, led in prayer and introduced RE Steve Fox, Chairman of the Permanent Committee. He reported on the work of CEP, yielding to TE Rick Tyson (Chairman of Training Subcommittee) and TE Dave Matthews (Chairman of Resources Subcommittee) who also reported.
(NOTE: The Moderator ruled that in the interest of time the Assembly would forego the formality of CoC Chairman introductions for the Informational Reports).
32-19Informational Report of Covenant College
Dr. Niel Nielson, President of Covenant College presented the report.
The Assembly paused to sing “All For Jesus”.
32-20Informational Report of Covenant Theological Seminary
Dr. Bryan Chapell, President, presented the report and yielded to TE Ric Cannada (Chancellor of RTS) and Dr. Samuel Logan (President, Westminster Theological Seminary) who spoke of their work together.
32-21Informational Report of Mission to the World
TE Paul Kooistra, Coordinator, presented the report.
32-22Informational Report of Mission to North America
TE Jim Bland, Coordinator, presented the report which included the 2004 WIC Love Gift video.
The Assembly paused to sing “From All That Dwell Below the Skies”.
32-23Informational Report of the PCA Foundation
RE Randall Stair, Coordinator, presented the report which included the new promotional video.
32-24Informational Report of PCA Retirement and Benefits
William Kuh, President, presented the report.
32-25Informational Report of Reformed University Ministries
TE Rod Mays, Coordinator, presented the report which included reports from Howard Brown, Jennifer Hamilton and David Jones.
32-26Informational Report of Ridge Haven
TE Mo up de Graaff, Coordinator, presented the report which included a video and prayer.
32-27Recess
The Assembly recessed at 11:53 AM with the singing of Psalm 23 and prayer by TE Tony Giles to reconvene for business at 1:30 PM.
Third Session - Wednesday Afternoon
June 16, 2004
32-28Assembly Reconvenes
The Assenbly reconvened at 1:30 PM with the singing of “Praise My Soul the King of Heaven”.
32-29Report of the Standing Judicial Commission
RE John White, Chairman, led the Assembly in prayer and presented the report (Handbook, p. 2001ff). Amendments to SJC Manual were adopted previously (see Journal, 32-12) He informed the Assembly that the officers for the next year are Chairman RE John White, Vice chairman TE Charles McGowan, Secretary Dewey Roberts and Assistant Secretary Dominic Aquila.
32-30 CoC on Christian Education and Publications
TE Jack Jagoditsch, Chairman, led the Assembly in prayer and presented the report (Handbook, p. 507-8). Recommendations 1-2, 4-9 were adopted. Recommendation 3 was deferred to the report of the CoC on Administration. The Chairman led the Assembly in prayer.
32-31 CoC on Covenant Theological Seminary
TE John MacRae, Chairman, led the Assembly in prayer and presented the report (Handbook, p. 1405-7). Recommendations 1-5, 7 were adopted. Recommendation 6 was deferred to the report of the CoC on Administration. The Chairman led the Assembly in prayer.
32-32 CoC on Covenant College
RE Mark Thompson, Chairman, led the Assembly in prayer and presented the report (Handbook, p. 1307-8). Recommendations 1-3, 5-9 were adopted. Recommendation 4 was deferred to the report of the CoC on Administration. TE Wallace Tinsley led the Assembly in prayer
32-33 CoC on MNA
RE Orrin H. Swayze, Chairman, led the Assembly in prayer and presented the report (Handbook, p. 659-68). Recommendations 1-8, 11-15 were adopted. Recommendation 10 was deferred to the report of the CoC on Administration. Recommendation 9 was adopted, the Minority Report having been defeated. In accordance with Recommendation 9 the Assembly was led in a fifteen minute season of prayer.
The Assembly paused to sing “O God, to Us Show Mercy”.
32-34 Partial Report of CCB
On recommendation of CCB, the Assembly referred proposed amendments to RAO 14-2.e.5 (see Journal, 32-13) to Bills and Overtures.
32-35 CoC on PCA Foundation
TE Steve Froehlich, Chairman, led the Assembly in prayer and presented the report (Handbook, p. 1505-6). Recommendations 1, 3-4 were adopted. Recommendation 2 was deferred to the report of the CoC on Administration.
32-36 CoC on Ridge Haven
TE Claude McRoberts III, Chairman, led the Assembly in prayer and presented the report (Handbook, p. 1703-4). Recommendations 1-4, 6-9 were adopted. Recommendation 5 was deferred to the report of the CoC on Administration.
32-37 CoC on Retirement and Benefits Inc.
RE Samuel Duncan, Chairman, led the Assembly in prayer and presented the report (Handbook, p. 1629-30). Recommendations 1-3, 5-12 were adopted. Recommendation 4 was deferred to the report of the CoC on Administration. The Chairman led the Assembly in prayer.
The Assembly paused to sing Psalm 122 from the Trinity Psalter, and took a fifteen minute recess until 3:20 PM.
32-38 Partial Report of Constitutional Business Committee
RE Dan Carrell, Chairman, led the Assembly in prayer and presented the report (Handbook, p. 275-76). After reviewing the report, the Assembly received it as information.
32-39 Report of the Theological Examining Committee
TE Stephen Clark, Secretary, led the Assembly in prayer and presented the report (Handbook, p. 1101-02), which was received as information.
32-40 CoC on MTW
TE Larry Hoop, Chairman, led the Assembly in prayer and presented the report (Handbook, p. 723-4). Recommendations 1-4, 6-7 were adopted. Recommendation 5 was deferred to the report of the CoC on Administration.
The Assembly paused to sing “I Love Thy Kingdom Lord” and “For All the Saints”.
32-41 CoC on Reformed University Ministry
TE Paul Bankson, Chairman, led the Assembly in prayer and presented the report (Handbook, p. 813-4). Recommendations 1-5, 7-9 were adopted. Recommendation 6 was deferred to the report of the CoC on Administration. RE Howard Q. Davis the Assembly in prayer.
32-42Constitutional Inquiry
The following Constitutional Inquiry was received and referred to CCB:
Inasmuch as the officers or trustees of a corporation shall be members of the congregation per BCO 25-7; and,
Since teaching elders are members of the presbytery and not the congregation per BCO 13-2;
Is it unconstitutional for teaching elders to serve as officers or trustees of the corporation? If so, what is the remedy?
A. Enforce the present BCO prohibiting teaching elders from serving as officers or trustees of the corporation, or
B. Amend the BCO to permit teaching elders to serve as officers or trustees of the corporation, or
C. Propose another remedy.
32-43Recess
The Assembly recessed in prayer at 4:15 PM with the singing of Psalm 124 and prayer by TE Mike Ross to reconvene for worship this evening and for business tomorrow morning at 9:30 AM Thursday morning.
