One of the joys at this Assembly is the presence of a choir from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are here because the local Presbytery is the Sheppards and Lapsley Presbytery honoring two pioneer missionaries to the Congo. (After leaving the Congo William Sheppard became the first installed pastor of the Church I served in Louisville). Because of this connection this Presbytery has developed a partnership relationship with the Presbyterian Church in the Congo. The choir has been part of several services of worship, and is pictured here performing in the convention center entry at the dinner recess.

I have discovered that the Assembly is a very political gathering, and that organizations on each side of various issues gather commissioners for “briefings” which are really strategy sessions on how to achieve desired goals. I attended the Covenant Network briefing at noon and the Witherspoon briefing at dinner. All of the organizations dedicated to justice and inclusiveness agreed that given conversations with commissioners and votes already taken that it would be impossible to get this assembly to change the constitution to eliminate the fidelity (between a married man and woman) or chastity language from the constitution. Instead we were advised to work hard to support the Peace Unity and Purity task force in its entirety, especially preserving a new authoritative interpretation that gives more latitude to sessions and Presbyteries in their decisions on Ordination and Installation. (Recommendation 5) This strategy was successful.

We have miles to go and many more committees to deal with tomorrow, and the Assembly could be in session until midnight or beyond. The adjournment deadline of noon on Thursday is absolute, so all business scheduled except what is docketed for Thursday must be completed before recess on Wednesday.

Issues still to be dealt with include efforts to allow Churches to leave the denomination and take their property with them; issues relating to Israel and Palestine and using our vast stock holdings as leverage to negotiate with transnational corporations that are contributing to the conflict (and making millions); and preserving our traditional Presbyterian position in favor of reproductive freedom.