The previous issue of sPanz explored potential hot topics at this year’s General Assembly. Amanda Wells reports on the outcomes of GA06, held at St Kentigern College, Auckland, between 28 September and 2 October.
General Assembly agreed that those involved in a sexual relationship outside of faithful marriage cannot be trained, licensed, ordained or inducted, confirming the decision of the 2004 Assembly.
Rev Dr Kerry Enright in his role as Assembly Executive Secretary presented the motion to the Assembly, with many media and spectators present in the public gallery. As is the tradition of the Presbyterian Church, open and robust debate followed the motion. Strong feelings were expressed on either side by commissioners, and some people indicated their uncertainty about the preferred direction. After voting by ballot, it was announced that the motion had been carried by 230 votes to 124 (65 percent in favour).
At the request of the Moderator, the Right Rev Pamela Tankersley, news of the decision was met with silence, as commissioners were encouraged to hold it in God’s hands. In her closing prayer, Pamela asked that the Church keep in mind that this issue is not about winning or losing, but about finding God’s way. She remembered those whose lives will be deeply affected by this decision and prayed that “we will be able to deal with each other in love, even when we disagree”.
There has been substantial media coverage of the decision, both on Friday 29 September and subsequently. Parishes not in favour of the rule have been expressing their dissent by writing letters to the editor of newspapers and speaking to reporters. In the statement provided by Assembly Office in response to reporters seeking comment on parish dissent, Pamela points out that the Church has clear processes to be followed when someone comes forward to be trained, licensed, ordained, and inducted, and this rule is now part of that process. It is not retrospective nor does it establish a new ground for discipline.
“There are people and parishes who disagree with the decision and are expressing their disappointment. People are welcome to express views about the rule,” she says.
Kerry made these comments in response to reporters’ questions during October: “If people object to a decision, we have a process for dealing with that:
“If someone within a presbytery appeals a presbytery decision, an Assembly commission would ordinarily be set up to consider it. Presbyteries are accountable to the Assembly.”
The proposal to establish the Centre for Christian Leadership, which involves moving away from a residential model and instituting internships for students, while ensuring as much interaction as possible among students, was accepted. Knox College, Dunedin, will be retained as the principal base for the centre, which will train and equip elders and other leaders as well as ordinands. The Rev Dr Graham Redding has been appointed director, effective from 1 February 2007. The centre will also have a dean of studies based in Auckland.
Assembly decided to:.
require parishes to regularly review, with their minister, the adequacy of their financial package.
After an attempt to introduce amendments after commissioners had received their Assembly papers, much debate occurred at GA06. Eventually the matter was referred back to the task group and it was made clear that further consultation and adequate time for consideration of changes were vital.
The result of nine years’ work, the new Book of Order was approved by general acclamation. It has been adopted ad interim and will be referred to presbyteries under the Barrier Act before facing final approval at General Assembly 2008.
Many other issues were canvassed at GA06 and many decisions were made. To see a day-by-day account with stories on every major development,