wfn.org | [PCUSAnews] Assembly actions mirror Pensions,

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Note #6669 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

Assembly actions mirror Pensions, 
Benefits & Stewardship Committee's work 
13-June-2001
GA01110

Assembly actions mirror Pensions, 
Benefits & Stewardship Committee's work 

By Nancy D. Borst

LOUISVILLE, June 13 - The report of the General Assembly Committee on
Pensions, Benefits & Stewardship was a déjà vu of the committee's actions,
with the Assembly following every committee recommendation.

In fact, the only item of business that even drew a comment was a change in
a Board of Pensions plan provision. The change enacts a new policy that
excludes disability coverage during the first 12 months of coverage by the
denomination's plan, for any disability arising from a pre-existing
condition.

The proposed change also had elicited comment in the committee. All but one
of those who spoke to the item on the Assembly floor Wednesday were
committee members.

Several commissioners raised a concern that this potentially could be
devastating to a new church employee. However, Board of Pensions
representatives assured commissioners that there were assistance funds that
would act as a "safety net" for such people, and the change was necessary to
the health of the pension plan.

The Assembly approved the change by a vote of 285-207. This was the only
electronic vote taken during the committee's report. Interestingly, a
majority of the advisory delegates voted to reject the change.

Without comment and on hand votes, the Assembly followed the committee's
advice and:

*  Adopted the denomination's first major paper on stewardship in 20 years.
The paper, "Living Grateful Lives: Stewardship Theology in Our Time," will
also have a study guide for use by congregations to explore the theology of
stewardship;

*  Approved a commissioner's resolution (01-14) that urges sessions to
challenge members to give 10 percent of the upcoming federal income tax
rebate for "mission initiatives;"

*  Approved a three percent "experience apportionment" (increase) from the
Board of Pensions for each of the following: retirement and survivor's
pension benefits; accrued pension credits for active, disabled and vested
inactive members of the pension plan; and disability benefits for disabled
members. To receive the increases, a person must have been receiving
benefits as of Dec. 31, 2000. All increases will be effective July 1;

*   Approved special rules for post-retirement service in accordance with
the Benefits Plan of the PC(USA) and several additional amendments to the
plan itself;

*   Approved a recommendation to dismiss the Bicentennial Fund
Accountability Committee with thanks;

*   Approved a recommendation that a summary of receipts from year 2000
Special Offerings be incorporated into the minutes of the General Assembly
Council;

*   Approved continued work of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Foundation
and confirmed trustees and officers for the Foundation and New Covenant
Trust Company. The committee had approved minutes of the Foundation and of
the Board of Pensions.

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