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Space to play with ideas


From PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ecunet.org>
Date 26 May 2003 22:58:13 -0400

Note #7716 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

26-May-2003
GA03026

Space to play with ideas

Theological Task Force wants exemption from open-meetings policy

by Jane Hines

DENVER, May 26  The Committee on Theological Issues and Institutions is
reviewing the open-meeting policy set out in the Manual of the General
Assembly.

The committee is expected to vote Tuesday on Overture 03-26, from San Gabriel
Presbytery, which asks that a provision be added to the policy, as follows:
The General Assembly Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity, and Purity of
the PC(USA) shall be exempt from this open-meeting policy in order to go into
closed session for discussion of theological issues.	

	Supporters and foes of the measure got their chance to comment in a
hearing Monday morning. Bill Lancaster, chair of the Assemblys Advisory
Committee on the News, which formulated the open-meeting policy, spoke
against the exemption, saying, The best way to foster trust is through open,
honest exchange of thoughts.  

	Paul Hooker, executive of St. Augustine Presbytery in Florida, said
he has found that retreats and closed meetings can be helpful in resolving
conflicts in churches.

	Gary Demarest, co-chair of the Theological Task Force, spoke in favor
of the overture in his report on the work of the task force, making clear
that he was speaking only for himself. He printed up a list of reasons for
distribution to the committee. It was announced that the document was for
committee members eyes only.

	Demarest said he didnt like to disagree with former Moderator Marj
Carpenter, who had spoken against the overture, but said he believes the task
force can be more effective if members are provided a space to play with
ideas. 

	The committee will also hear from the overture advocate and from
advisory bodies before voting on the measure.
  

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