The 216^th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) met in Richmond, Virginia for the last days of June and early July. This will be the last of our annual meetings; as of this year the assembly moves to biennial meetings, with the 217^th GA set for Birmingham, AL in June 2006.  

Here are some of the highlights of the week’s actions: 

Election of the Moderator

Elder Rick Ufford-Chase was elected Moderator on the second ballot over two other candidates, Rev. K.C. Ptomey (pastor, Westminster Church, Nashville) and Rev. David McKechnie (pastor, Grace Church, Houston). “Rick” – as he invited the Assembly to call him – is an elder in Southside Presbyterian Church in Tucson, AZ. Seventeen years ago he founded BorderLinks, a bi-national organization that tries to connect and educate people of faith on both sides of the U.S./ Mexico border about issues of immigration and related matters; he still serves as its director. 

During the question-and-answer period prior to the election, Ufford-Chase identified himself as favoring the ordination of gay and lesbian members, but he refused to advocate for it: “I have close friends who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered. This church should welcome their gifts. … Although it is quite fair for you to ask my opinion and for me to share it, if I am elected, it is not appropriate for me to advance my opinion.” Rather, he urged Presbyterians to look beyond the arguments that divide us and “get in the boat” with Jesus as we move out into the world in mission. His passions for the church lie in the areas of ministry with youth and students, cross-cultural ministry, ecumenical work, and church development/redevelopment. 

Despite his youth (he is 40, probably the youngest person ever elected Moderator of the General Assembly) and apparent inexperience in moderating large assemblies, Moderator Ufford-Chase took quickly to his role and served the Assembly admirably and ably. His energy, enthusiasm, deep faith, and quick wit will serve us well as he represents the church through the next two years. 

1   2   3   4   5   6   7     next>