wfn.org | [PCUSANEWS] Task force exempted from open-meetings policy

[PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ecunet.org>]

Note #7774 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

Task force exempted from open-meetings policy
GA03085

Task force exempted from open-meetings policy

Commissioners also vote to commend 'Hope in the Lord Jesus Christ'

by Jane Hines

DENVER,  May 28 - In a close vote after a spirited debate, commissioners to
the 215th General Assembly voted Wednesday to grant the Theological Task
Force on Peace,  Unity, and Purity of the PC(USA) an exemption from the
Assembly's open-meetings policy.

	Fifty-six percent of commissioners voted to concur with the
recommendation of the Committee on Theological Issues and Institutions after
strong opinions were expressed for and against it. The vote was 276-219.

	The statement approved by the Assembly says: "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
solely for the purpose of exchanging views on sensitive  theological issues 
by two-thirds vote of the members of the task force present in a duly called
and constituted meeting."  

	The action came in response to Overture 03-26, from San Gabriel
Presbytery.

	The Assembly also approved the theology committee's response to
Overture 03-20, from San Diego Presbytery, a resolution affirming "Hope in
the Lord Jesus Christ," a statement on Christ and salvation crafted by the
PC(USA)'s Office of Theology and Worship, and directing the stated clerk to
commend the statement to presbyteries and congregations for study.

	The Assembly approved the committee's decisions to refer the document
on "Developing Baptismal Materials Regarding Child Abuse" to the Sacramental
Task Force of the Office of Theology and Worship, and to recognize Louisville
Presbyterian Theological Seminary for 150 years of service to the church.

	The commissioners also approved recommendations on distribution of
the new Presbyterian catechisms and the French Confession of 1559; endorsed a
document on "Celebration of the Lord's Supper in Presbyteries, Conference
Centers and Events and at Theological Institutions;" the elections of new
trustees of PC(USA) theological centers; the call of Theodore J. "Ted"
Wardlaw as President of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary; and a
covenant between the Assembly and the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico.

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