What can I say about the experience of General Assembly? It was an approximate 11-day experience that had for me about 3 months of planning. Yet, it felt like a crash course in on-the-job training. The three days of committee work were emotional and thought provoking, often requiring continuous prayer. I was a member of the Racial Justice committee, and I was inspired by the methods used by the moderator and vice-moderator to maintain order and invite our committee into racially sensitive discussions. Little did I realize that the committee’s work and preparation would enable me to handle the reality of seven days of beloved community from all racial backgrounds and social status gathered in one room.
First, the excitement of a new experience in a new town. Milwaukee is a lovely place to visit just because it is historical and has a river that flows through it instead of around it. I think it was quite a fitting place to be as the church faced the reality of how to move forward through many transitions. We sat and created new policy together and heard apologies even from Rev. Jihyun Oh the Stated Clerk of General Assembly. In my heart, I feel that we found balance.
I was exceedingly impressed by the YAADs through their participation in the assembly as well as the response that they created and published to a statement concerning faith from the Presbyterians for the Kingdom. They were exemplary in their method of discussing conflict and how to really address a difference of opinion. One of the signators of the response is a YAAD from my presbytery (NYC).
The idea that we sat together making decisions that could and would affect the life and spiritual development of others across the US and in some ways impact the world was unequal to any experience. I met new people and made friends. Many of either gathered at the many luncheons, town hall, small eateries at hotels, or food courts and restaurants. We were able to socialize and find relief from the pressure of change, and yet we reconvened each morning to make an attempt to do the work.
Two stellar triumphs for me were adding an anti-racial training to our policy and the agreement to hold the next General Assembly, GA-228 in Puerto Rico.
The hurrah is because I would encourage each presbyter to consider attending a General Assembly, even as an observer; because in this space we can see a bigger picture of the God we serve, the inter-relating parts, and the family love of God’s children. I experienced love from commissioners, observers, YAADs and other advisors, and returned home renewed and refilled.
I am providing pictures of my PNYC delegation with the Co-Moderators, a photo of me with Rev. Cece Armstrong and Rev. McCloud (former EP of PNYC) on the occasion of celebrating his 90th birthday.
