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8 SUMMER 2018
PRESBYTERIAN
Connection
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
presbyterian.ca
Continued from page 7
Pándy-Szekeres; Justice Ministries Associate Secretary, Stephen Allen; and Ministry and Church Vocation Associate Secretary, the Rev. Susan Schaffer.
David was appointed as the Super- visor of Missions with the Reformed Church in Sub-Carpathian Ukraine in 2000, overseeing missionaries serv- ing communities in Ukraine. Stephen has served 20 years in Justice Min- istries, including management of the church’s healing and reconciliation program since 2006. Susan served 21 years in Ministry and Church Vo- cations, contributing to policy devel- opment, promoting clergy health and wellbeing, and leading guidance con- ferences for potential new ministers.
Life and Mission
Agency Report
The Life and Mission Agency report told a dynamic story of the denomi- nation’s witness and stewardship of the ministry and resources entrusted to it. It articulated aspects of the lived theology of The Presbyterian Church in Canada as it seeks to be faithful. It reflected stories of faith, transfor- mation, reconciliation, liberation and changed lives. There are stories of hope and stories of pain, stories of the church providing comfort and speaking against the powers of cha- os, despair and injustice. There are
stories of creativity and renewal, sto- ries of development and healing, and stories of courage.
Justice and Advocacy Issues
The Assembly approved recommen- dations to have the moderator write the Government of Canada on a num- ber of issues, including advocating to decriminalize therapeutic abortion in Nicaragua, affirming humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya and par-
passed to urge the Government of Canada to exclude products made in Jewish settlements in the West Bank from the benefits of the Canada-Isra- el Free Trade Agreement.
Additionally, the Assembly will write the Canadian government about the ethical implications of new genetic technologies; strengthening protec- tions for victims of forced labour, in- cluding human trafficking; reducing the processing times for refugee ap-
in Canada is on the rise, Assembly affirmed the need for safe or super- vised drug injection sites, expressed support for community initiatives that address the opioid crisis and will ad- vocate the Government of Canada to improve access and funding for ad- diction treatment and strengthen reg- ulations for the marketing of drugs.
The Assembly adopted a crea- tion care levy to recognize the eco- logical costs of the meetings and the church’s contribution to climate change. All income from the levy will support the Canadian Foodgrains Bank’s Climate Fund.
Sexuality
Discussions on sexuality dominated this year’s Assembly. Commission- ers grappled with several over tures about the nature of the inclusion of members of the LGBTQI com- munity in the church. LGBTQI is an acronym that stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, and Intersex. It is used to refer to people whose sex- ual orientation is not heterosexual and/or whose gender identity does not conform either to binary male/ female categories or the “assigned” gender at bir th.
Commissioners were asked to em- brace a spirit of listening during table group discussions. Two questions were put before the Assembly: What
Linda MacKinnon, president of the At- lantic Mission Society. The AMS publi- cation, The Message, marks its 125th anniversary this year.
Voting on recommendations using the standard “Yellow Cards.”
is your most fervent hope about the current deliberation on human sexual- ity in the PCC? What else do you need to know in order to make the decisions now in front of the General Assembly concerning human sexuality?
There was passionate discussion during the table groups. Some peo- ple found the exercise to be power- ful, unifying and hopeful, while oth- ers spoke of worry and concern for peace and unity, as well as division and differences between them.
“Everyone wants this church to survive,” the moderator reminded the Assembly. “That’s why we’re here... I hope this exercise enabled us to lis- ten and understand, and that those with differing opinions felt heard.”
By the end of the session, com- missioners voted to have modera- tors from the past 12 years further review the issue and propose a way ahead, taking into consideration the overtures and additional motions. The special committee is expected to report at next year’s Assembly.
To look at all the General Assembly 2018 photos, watch the event recordings and read the summaries, visit presbyterian.ca/ga2018
The Rev. Dale Henry, convenor of the International Affairs Committee.
Janet Brewer, president of the Women’s Missionary Society. The WMS report highlighted the National Presbyterian Women’s Gathering, an event that brought together over 500 people for a time filled with worship, renewal and fellowship. The next event will be held in Vancouver from March 29–30, 2019.
To learn more about the overtures before the PCC regarding sexuality, visit presbyterian.ca/sexuality
ticipating in the Mali peacekeeping mission, as well as expressing con- cern about weaknesses in Canada’s laws with the Arms Trade Treaty.
The government will be encour- aged to make a public investigation into allegations of Saudi Arabia’s use of Canadian-made vehicles against civilians and that Canada adopt and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. A motion was
plications and increasing the number of refugees that can be sponsored; and requesting a timetable to move Canada toward the target of 0.7 per cent of gross national income going to overseas development assistance. Churches are also encouraged to write the Members of Parliament in their communities about these issues.
Recognizing that death due to fen- tanyl and other opioid-class drugs
The Young Adult Representatives shared their reflections and experience, acknowledging a number of challenges and, at times, feeling that Assembly wasn’t a safe space to share minority opinions. Ultimately, the YARs concluded their report saying they leave Assembly with hope.
Sue Senior and the Rev. Dr. Bob Faris of the Rainbow Communion Listening Committee.
The Rev. Peter Bush, Moderator of the 2017 General Assembly, preaching dur- ing opening worship.
The Rev. Germaine Lovelace from First Presbyterian Church, Kenora, Ont., leading in morning worship on Wednesday, June 6.