Amendments concerning Sexual Abuse

            This year the Assembly approved for consideration and vote by presbyteries a package of amendments, mostly to the Rules of Discipline in the Book of Order, concerning the process for handling cases of sexual abuse. The list of amendments is too long and the details are too involved to discuss individually here, but perhaps a word about their origins is appropriate.

            Several years ago it came to light that in the 1950s and 1960s children of missionaries in the (then) Congo who were boarded at a school run by PCUS missionaries were victims of sexual abuse and molestation by one or more of the missionaries charged with their care. The abusers escaped notice and therefore trial until after their deaths, but the victims came forward to share their stories and to prompt post-mortem investigations into the allegations. The story of this investigation is lengthy, but it may suffice to say that enough evidence has been accumulated to substantiate the allegations. However, since the accused persons were already deceased, there was nothing that could be done to censure them. The victims, however, urged denominational leadership to think about changes to the Rules of Discipline that might assist in handling such allegations in the future, and thus the proposed amendments that the Assembly adopted and sent to the presbyteries were created. 

            In the main, the amendments have to do with assuring that victims have a right to be heard concerning their experience and the effect it has had. Provision is proposed for a “victim’s impact statement” in the sentencing phase of a church trial, following a determination of guilt. Provision is also made for placing a person accused of sexual abuse of a minor on administrative leave if a preliminary assessment of the allegations indicates that such leave would be in the best interest of all parties (members of presbytery will recall that a similar proposed amendment was defeated last year that would have required such administrative leave without any assessment of the likely validity of the allegations).

           I believe that this package of amendments, while not perfect, is an improvement both over or current Book of Order language and over previous attempts to revise it. It will be before us in February for consideration and vote.

Worship

            Finally, no assessment of the General Assembly would be complete without some comment on its worship. The Sunday service at the Assembly is always the high point, and this year was no exception. More than 8,000 Presbyterians filled the Richmond Coliseum, where we were led by massed choirs of adults, youth, and children from Presbyterian churches across the Presbytery of the James. Retiring Moderator Susan Andrews preached a stirring sermon, the high point of which was her splashing the water in the baptismal font and throwing it out toward the gathered congregation in a symbol of the extravagant grace of God. Liturgical dance and music of every variety expressed the gospel in art and vision. More than 200 mission volunteers and workers were commissioned for service. The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was administered to the entire congregation by a large corps of elders and clergy. It was a powerful, moving experience.

           But mid-week worship was not to be missed, either. Rev Jin S. Kim, a Korean-American pastor (and friend of mine from my years in Atlanta) preached a powerful sermon reminding us that the church is considerably larger than the white European model too many of us carry around in our heads, however unconsciously. We were treated to a jazz service, in which all the music was led by a jazz combo; I found it stunning how liturgically expressive jazz can be. I think this was my favorite worship experience for the week.

In sum, the 216^th General Assembly is what General Assembly always is: full, rich, diverse, controversial, faithful, joyful, occasionally sad, and ultimately inspiring. It’s a powerful reminder of all that is right with the Presbyterian Church, even while it acknowledges the things that are wrong, as well.  I want to encourage you, if you are an elder or a minister member of the presbytery, to consider applying to be a commissioner to the 217^th GA in 2006. Application forms will be available for download from our presbytery website (www.staugpres.org) in the near future.     

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