In all, this has been an extraordinary General Assembly meeting. Well-moderated, well-considered by the commissioners, and for the most part (tote bags excepted) smoothly functioning. Even a 5 p.m. Friday "Soulforce" demonstration at the Assembly (Over what? Two of the three major issues on gay rights were approved.) came off with little fanfare. The anticipated condemnatory headlines about the Presbyterian policy on the Middle East will not materialize, deftly deflected by a smart committee that listened and acted with justice and equanimity to all sides of the issue, and amended the study paper to provide greater balance.
Perhaps the most controversial news of the last full day of business was in the usually sleep-inducing committee report on the Board of Pensions. An overture seeking the extension of pension and medical benefits to same-sex partners generated heated and lengthy debate. In the end, the commissioners approved extending the coverage as a matter of justice and equanimity, despite a possible hike in plan dues of as much as 1% of effective salary, equal to about $500 based on the median pastor's effective salary (although it won't cover ordained persons). A provision for "relief of conscience" to those who object to supporting persons in same-sex relationships was little consolation to conservatives. There are some "weasel words" in the overture which could delay or even prevent its implementation; so this may not be a "done deal" yet.
As noted in a previous post, the real news of the last day was probably accorded little significance by most observers and commissioners, namely the Chernobyl-like near-meltdown of our constitutional core in the consideration of item 05-21. It just goes to show you can't always tell what will be of lasting significance at any Assembly until it happens.
A few highlights, lowlights, and other observations:
- The tote bags did arrive, finally, on Wednesday. They are quite nice, although the "free for all" distribution of them seemed a bit unfair to those who paid extra at registration to obtain one.
- For the first time in memory, there hasn't been a "crying YAD." Perhaps the shift to the designation of "YAAD" has jinxed it. Or maybe the mostly excellent moderation and pacing helped. Or maybe the crying will come with farewell comments tomorrow.
- Moderator Bolbach distinguished herself as one of the most fair, efficient, and competent moderators in memory. Not since John Fife in 1992 has a moderator been so impressive.
- The moderator's witty exchange with ACC member Paul Hooker was a personal favorite. I hope someone recorded the exchange. If I can find it, I'll reproduce it.
- Wonderful contemporary music that welcomed commissioners after meals and during breaks.
- The dining options at the Assembly were first-rate, if a bit pricey.
- Friday night was embarrassing in its low attendance. Abortion issues, which at one time could pack out an assembly, drew only the most hard-core observers. (Perhaps the overture under the Pensions report earlier in the day that would have restricted payment for abortions only when the mother's life was in imminent physical danger tipped the Assembly's hand on the evening's debate -- it was overwhelmingly defeated.)
- The new wireless voting system eventually worked fine, once the technicians and the platform personnel figured out how to instruct the commissioners correctly in their use.
- Committee leadership was reportedly inconsistent. Parliamentarians seemed to take the most flak; it was noted by many that a new generation of parliamentarians may need to be groomed.
- Despite the usual complaints about the ACC "advocating" rather than "advising" committees, committee votes followed ACC advice with rare exception, as did the votes in plenary.
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