GA08083

Committee recommends leaving per capita intact

by Dee H. Wade

SAN JOSE, June 24, 2008 — The Assembly Committee on General Assembly Procedures dealt with per capita giving from various perspectives during two days of discussion at the 218th General Assembly. After dealing with overtures that would have altered or ended this funding stream of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the committee’s decision was to leave the per capita system intact. The full General Assembly will be asked to follow the committee’s recommendations later this week.

Supporters of per capita being used to strengthen relationships with councils of churches prevailed, with a small but well-spoken set of committee members who desired to alter, in one way or another, the current practice. Ecumenism, some noted, is “not what we Presbyterians do; it’s part of who we are.” It’s “part of our structure” said the Rev. Elizabeth Kanerva, “to recognize that we are not the body of Christ by ourselves, but rather one part of it, and we need these other churches to connect us to other parts.”

The committee also dealt with Item 03-20, calling for the creation of a Presbyterian Office for the Prevention and Healing of Minister of the Word and Sacrament Misconduct and Abuse.

After listening to heart-rending stories from victims and others affected by such abuse and manipulation, an alternate resolution replaced the original overture. It calls for the denomination, particularly among its presbyteries and synods, to gather, strengthen and develop resources to deal with this problem if, when and as it arises. Publicizing the church’s response to this grave issue would also be undertaken with renewed focus.

The vote on the resolution was unanimous.

In other actions, the committee recommended approval of Item 03-16, dealing with the Committee on the General Assembly and the General Assembly Council budget proposals. It responded to a Commissioner’s resolution (Item 03-21) by calling for per capita funds to help presbyteries pay for legal expenses due to churches leaving the denomination.