wfn.org | New GAC Chair Prescribes Major Surgery for Presbyterian Church

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1-October-1996 
 
 
96396        New GAC Chair Prescribes Major Surgery  
                     for Presbyterian Church 
 
                      by Jerry L. Van Marter 
 
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--Major surgery is required to cure what ails the 
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) "or the church will die," new General Assembly 
Council (GAC) chair Youngil Cho of Raleigh, N.C., told the Council here 
Sept. 24 as it gathered for two days of orientation prior to its fall 
meeting. 
 
     With the Council expanded from 71 to 97 -- a majority of them new 
members -- Cho personally orchestrated a marathon orientation session that 
included informational presentations by nearly two dozen denominational 
leaders.  And he spoke frankly about what he believes is needed to reverse 
trends that show membership, financial support and trust all declining 
within the denomination. 
 
     Cho said the PC(USA) needs to be "streamlined as in the corporate 
environment," where there is decision making "from the boardroom to the 
assembly line."  Cho said of the GAC, "We create programs without assessing 
the needs of congregations -- we need to do something for nurturing 
families and local congregations." 
 
     He proposed five concrete steps: 
 
     *    a radical restructuring of the General Assembly mission 
          enterprise 
     *    a reduction of the national staff by two-thirds 
     *    the elimination of synods 
     *    a reduction in the number of General Assembly-level entities 
     *    the transfer of most functions of the GAC to the presbyteries. 
 
     Of the impact of his proposals on church employees throughout the 
church, Cho said, "Many times God sacrificed people to save his people.  I 
believe we can sacrifice a few people to save this denomination." 
 
     Despite his dire warnings, Cho insisted "the church has hope.  The 
PC(USA) is in the hands of God." 

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