I've been reviewing my twitter feed from this week of General Assembly in Derry/Londonderry in order to reflect on the last week. A few things stand out...
First the contribution of the SPUD delegates (SPUD is the name of the PCI Youth Assembly) was once again superb. As with every other year they made reasoned, well thought out and sometimes passionate speeches on a range of issues before the assembly. In one particular instance a heartfelt contribution from two SPUD delegates on the subject of mental health resulted in an immediate invitation to further discussions with the Board of Social Witness.
One SPUD delegate reminded any in the assembly who might be frustrated at the slow progress of Presbyterian decision making that those who want to walk fast, walk alone but those who want to walk far, walk together. To me it seemed that our church, represented at the Assembly wants to walk far and do it together.
Secondly, the theme of the Assembly - 'a place of transformation' really seemed to resonate with many people there. The participants in the celebratory Wednesday night rally demonstrated what it meant in the UK city of culture to be transformers of culture in various areas of life. One of the delegates from the Church of Ireland commented that he left the evening wanting to transform the world. It was a wonderfully inspirational and challenging evening which finished by asking all of us to work out where our place of transformation is.
As for the debates, there were serious debates on doctrinal issues like baptism, denominational issues to do with the administrative, mission and ministry structures within our church and ethical issues like human sexuality. I personally thought the level of debate this year was very good. People were thoughtful in their speeches and gracious in their disagreement (two former moderators standing with their arms around each other's shoulders while they disagreed was a highlight)!
The delegation from the Church of Scotland were received warmly as family and were heard courteously and respectfully as they gave their view of events in that denomination. At the same time they would have heard the concerns of our church about their recent decisions; concerns expressed (I think) in genuine love as well as with a concern for the witness of the gospel in Scotland.
The issue of human sexuality was raised in a number of places but, other than in relation to the Church of Scotland, attracted relatively little debate. One particular committee is tasked with bringing together a variety of reports on this subject from over the last 30plus years into a coherent representation of our church's position today. The same committee is looking at the implications of the debate in wider society for our leadership, including the implications of the recent redefinition of marriage carried through Parliament.
Not everything goes smoothly at Assemblies and the plans to restructure the boards and committees of our denomination have been put on hold rather than being implemented this year. This will cause frustration for some and anxiety for others who are waiting for the outcome of this review to be able to confirm whether they have a role in the newly arranged structures. We need to pray that in holding back on this decision we are doing our best to make sure that our structures help us to 'walk far together'.
This blog has been slightly more detailed than in previous years. That reflects the quality of debate and the seriousness of the issues tackled. But the General Assembly is not all serious all the time. One speaker was confused about how he could have spent so much time in the Millennium Forum and still not found Han Solo. Another expressed 'alarm' that every time he stood up to speak the fire alarms in the building seemed to go off. But if the mood on Wednesday night is anything to go by, I leave this year's assembly behind with an even greater assurance that I belong to a church whose passion is to transform relationships, culture and people by the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I am thankful to my Presbyterian brothers and sisters. I am thankful to the churches and the people of Derry for hosting a truly memorable Assembly (and for providing cracking weather)! But most of all I am thankful to God for allowing me the privilege of serving in some small way in these exciting and challenging days.
Now have a look at this link and ask yourself. Where is MY place of transformation? https://vimeo.com/67804281
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