News archive
General Assembly calls on the United States to cease combat in Afghanistan
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s 219th General Assembly (2010) has called for the United States to end direct combat operations in Afghanistan, the denomination’s first such statement since the war began in 2001.
The action, approved by the Assembly by a show-of-hands vote Friday, also asks the U.S. government to increase humanitarian and economic development assistance to Afghanistan. In addition, it calls for the United States to work with the Afghan people to facilitate peacemaking through consensus-building, open communication, economic incentives and diplomacy.
Posted at July 9, 2010 10:25 p.m. in ga219 , peacemaking
Assembly approves benefits for same-gender households
The 219th General Assembly (2010) today urged the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Board of Pensions (BOP) to extend equal spousal and dependent benefits to same-gender domestic partners as it does to married plan members.
Posted at July 9, 2010 9:09 p.m. in board of pensions , ga219
Quantum mechanics in the Bible? It’s in there, says speaker
The disciplines of science and theology do not dwell in opposing realms, according to William P. Brown, whose latest publication brings together conversations between the theist and the evolutionist.
Brown, who spoke at Thursday’s Science and Faith luncheon sponsored by the Presbyterian Association on Science, Technology and the Christian Faith, is professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary.
Posted at July 9, 2010 9:05 p.m. in ga219 , science
God is the source of all living water, preacher reminds worshipers
More than 20 energy-filled singers of the Kenyan Fellowship Choir in brightly-colored native dress marched in to open Friday’s worship service at the 219th General Assembly.
The culturally and theologically blended attendees filled the auditorium amidst the water-as-life-themed decorations.
Posted at July 9, 2010 8:59 p.m. in ga219
Youth of all backgrounds offer enthusiastic help to travelers
Posted at July 9, 2010 8:51 p.m. in cola , ga219
Post-Assembly summaries are available
Presbyterian individuals and congregations will have several options available to them to learn about the actions of the 219th General Assembly in the days following the July 10 adjournment of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) national gathering.
Assembly in Brief – a 16-page bulletin insert-sized summary of the Assembly in words and pictures produced by the Office of the General Assembly and the Presbyterian News Service – will be available the week after the Assembly. Call (800) 524-2612 and ask for #OGA-10-030. Price is $8 for a bundle of 25 copies.
Posted at July 9, 2010 3:46 p.m. in ga219
Attorney helps spell out law regarding church property issues
Too often, church property disputes are complicated and heart-wrenching. How do civil courts determine where the line gets drawn regarding land and building division and ownership? Who receives the title or trust for the property? What is a just compensation when one party decides to leave or abandon their religious denomination?
Posted at July 9, 2010 3:34 p.m. in church property , ga219
Author Eugene Peterson shares words, wisdom and wit
Presbyterian writers, both aspiring and published, were served up a feast at the 219th General Assembly (2010) by the author who memorably encouraged Christian readers to add to their repertoire the essential command to “eat this book.”
Posted at July 9, 2010 3:15 p.m. in ga219 , presbyterian writers guild
Scoutmaster offered refugee boys an alternative to gang life
As scoutmaster to two Minneapolis Boy Scout troops, Dave Moore has mentored 203 Eagle Scouts over 45 years as a scout leader.
Posted at July 9, 2010 3:09 p.m. in boy scouts , ga219
Women must not forget how oppression works
“Is [women’s ordination] still an issue?” was the question asked of the National Association of Presbyterian Clergywomen (NAPC) gathered Thursday afternoon. The Rev. Peg Chemberlin, president of the National Council of Churches, addressed the group, asking questions and inviting conversation about women’s journeys.
Posted at July 9, 2010 1:39 a.m. in ga219 , ordination