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17-June-1998 
GA98072 
 
Board of Pensions and Presbyterian Publishing Corporation - 
Looking After Our Future 
 
                         by Joanne Hines 
 
CHARLOTTE, N.C.--Numbers and percentages took on new dimensions with the 
presentations brought to the Assembly Committee on Pensions, Benefits and 
Presbyterian Publishing Corporation. 
     Informative and colorful presentations by the Board of Pensions (BOP) 
gave the committee the background and rationale for its recommendations for 
the approval of an experience apportionment of 11 percent increase in 
retirement and survivor's pension benefits. The reasons were compelling as 
the committee voted to bring the recommendation to the floor of the 
Assembly. Also approved was a Disability Experience Apportionment of 4%. 
Both will begin July, 1998 if approved. 
     Overture 98-9 from the Presbytery of Missouri Union concerning the 
maximum benefit for disabled pastors was amended by the committee to "urge 
the Board of Pensions to change the Benefits Plan as it related to the 
total annual amount of the disability benefit."       
     Overture (98-73), submitted by the Presbytery of Donegal which would 
have required that all employees of the General Assembly, synods and 
presbyteries, all institutions accountable to the General Assembly and all 
ministers on the roll of presbytery be members of the benefits plan of the 
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), was recommended for disapproval by the 
committee.   
     Concern for equalizing pension benefits for ministers serving smaller 
churches was affirmed with the approval of a study of those benefits and an 
interpretation of options to encourage ministers to serve smaller churches. 
Relief of conscience an issue 
     It was moved to recommend a continuation of the dialogue on the relief 
of conscience issue, to clarify whether the dues stream process is or is 
not protecting those monies from funding abortions. Because several 
commissioners felt that there had not been enough information given to 
local pastors and sessions about this option, a comment was added to the 
response that the Board of Pensions continue to communicate to all sessions 
and pastors the specific description of the relief of conscience program, 
including details on how to enroll in it.  
     The minutes of the Board of Pensions were approved with the comment of 
the committee that they were the best set of minutes they had ever seen.  A 
round of applause was afforded George Adams,  the clerk of the BOP for his 
ability to make the minutes not only impeccable, but interesting. 
Presbyterian Publishers important to the church 
     The presentation by the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation (PPC) was 
also informative and compelling.  Citing the independence of the Publishing 
Company from the GAC as a very positive element, representatives from the 
publishing entities affirmed that the editorial autonomy of the PPC is a 
sacred treasure because they are able to provide a selection of books and 
materials for the whole spectrum of the church. Because they are 
independent, they do not have to "reflect the party line of those in a 
position of power."  Controlling costs are an ongoing concern.  The PPC has 
been pleased that they are appealing to a world wide reformed audience 
which is reflected in their distribution. 
     Westminster/John Knox Publishing House also reported on the exciting 
publications which they are offering.  Trying to stay ahead of the needs of 
the church is challenging. They try to anticipate curriculum needs for the 
new catechism, have published an Hispanic hymnal, a Korean language hymnal 
and are engaged in ecumenical efforts with the United Methodist Church for 
new resources.  A sample of a supplement to the Presbyterian Hymnal from 
Geneva Press which will contain contemporary hymns and songs will be 
unveiled at the closing worship service.  In addition new software for the 
Book of Order and Book of Confessions is soon to be released.  Moderator 
Kim said that the technology which is coming from the publishing groups is 
impressive and will prove to be extremely helpful in bringing the church 
into the 21st Century. 
     An Expanded Staff Leadership Team is on board to anticipate materials 
needed for up and coming issues for the church.  The team has proved very 
productive and positive. 
     The committee was ably staffed by moderator elder Charles Kim and vice 
moderator elder Joan Runyeon.   
Most recommendations approved 
     The committee report was early on the agenda of the General Assembly 
docket.  The Assembly voted to concur with most of the recommendations of 
the committee which included increasing the ceiling on mental health 
coverage and examining the reestablishment of parity for treatment of 
mental and physical illnesses.   
     The Experience Apportionment (11%) and the Disability Experience 
Apportionment (4%)received affirmative votes with gratitude expressed from 
the Assembly commissioners.  Who must belong to the Pension Plan? 
     In response to the recommendation of the committee to disapprove the 
overture from the Presbytery of Donegal the Assembly reactivated the 
Overture by voting to refer it to the Board of Pensions for study and 
report to the 211th General Assembly next year.   

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