wfn.org | [PCUSANEWS] Vice moderator may play larger role

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Note #8118 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

Vice moderator may play larger role
04078
February 12, 2004

Vice moderator may play larger role

Proposals aim to lighten the load of 2-year moderator

by Alexa Smith

LOUISVILLE - The role of the vice moderator of the General Assembly of the
Presbyterian Church (USA) would be enhanced significantly by rules changes
proposed by the Committee on the General Assembly (COGA).

The COGA recommendations, made during a meeting here Feb. 9-11, were spurred
by the upcoming shift to biennial Assemblies and to two-year terms for
moderator and vice moderator.

After this year's 216th General Assembly in Richmond, VA, the Presbyterian
Church (USA)'s highest governing body won't meet again until June 2006, in
Birmingham, AL.

Many of the proposed amendments to the standing rules are more procedural
than substantive. The most important would make the vice moderator  - now the
holder of a position with few specified duties and little prominence - an
essential helpmate to a moderator facing two years' worth of travel and
duties.

Under the amended rules:

*Candidates for vice moderator would be identified at least 45 days before
the Assembly convenes;

*The newly elected vice moderator would address the commissioners and be
confirmed by the Assembly;

*The vice moderator would be a corresponding member of COGA and of the
General Assembly Council (GAC) but would not have a vote;

*A comprehensive travel plan would be developed for both the moderator and
the vice moderator;

? The vice moderator would assist in planning the annual moderator's
conference.

The proposed changes would require the approval of this summer's Assembly.

The Rev. Cathy Ulrich of Fort Smith, AR, a spokesperson for the work group
that proposed the changes to COGA, said the most important proposals are that
candidates be named before the Assembly begins, and that the vice moderator's
election be subject to confirmation by the commissioners.

"This way, the vice-moderator is the Assembly's vice-moderator ... not just
the moderator's buddy," Ulrich said.

Under the current standing rules, the vice moderator is appointed by the
newly elected moderator, and the appointment need not be approved by the
Assembly.

Ulrich said that change to two-year terms calls for more flexibility and may
require the vice moderator to play "a larger role than in the past."

The Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick, who as the stated clerk is the PC(USA)'s
highest-ranking ecclesial officer, said that, while the changes would not
apply until after this summer's Assembly adjourns, he has notified the three
candidates for moderator about the recommendations.

The moderatorial candidates are Elder Rick Ufford-Chase of  Tucson, AZ, the
Rev. David McKechnie of Houston, TX, and the Rev. K.C. Ptomey of Nashville,
TN.

COGA is also proposing a more balanced workload for the moderator and vice
moderator, recognizing that the travel normally required of a moderator would
be physically punishing if extended to two years. Moderators typically have a
virtually non-stop schedule of visits to churches, presbyteries, synods,
seminaries and international missions.

COGA is recommending that the moderator devote no more than one-half of his
or her time, and the vice moderator no more than one-third, to traveling.

It also urges church officers to strive to balance ministry and
Sabbath-keeping, taking time for rest and for family.

Noting that the two-year terms will require more time away from work and
home, COGA is asking that the stated clerk approach the moderator's and vice
moderator's congregations or employers and ask them to grant them leaves of
absence to discharge their duties.

The new rule would instruct the clerk to establish "an appropriate dedication
and covenant between these leaders and their faith and/or vocational
community" no later than three months after the election.

The committee also would require both moderator and vice moderator to make
written reports to be reviewed during COGA and GAC meetings.

Associate Stated Clerk Gradye Parsons said a lengthy prelude listing the
functions of the moderator was included to answer questions and clear up
confusion.

It says the moderator:

*Presides at the Assembly, as a "sign of the bond of unity, community and
mission in the life of the church;"

*Serves between assemblies as "an ambassador of the unity of the Spirit in
the bonds of peace, telling the story of the church's life and upholding the
people of God through prayer;"

*Travels throughout the church, "strengthening the mission of congregations
and governing bodies, encouraging officers and members" and "listening for
joys and concerns of the church," while ascertaining the needs of the world
and assessing the church's responses through mission;

*Speaks "pastorally and prophetically" to the church and society, exercising
the rights and responsibilities outlined in section G-6.0108 of the Book of
Order.

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