219th General Assembly
July 3 - 10, 2010
Minneapolis, Minn. | Minneapolis Convention Center
The theme of the 219th General Assembly is “rivers of living water” (John 7:38). Use this gathering as an opportunity to discern the issues and challenges facing congregations. Talk about your faith with other Presbyterians. Engage with the reality of a church in change. In addition, take one of the planned mission and cultural tours or visit a nearby camp and conference center.
- Topics: General Assembly
- Tags: 219th general assembly, ga, general assembly, stated clerk
- Agency: Office of the General Assembly
We have just moved and are looking for a new church to worship in. We are Methodist and are considering a Presbyterian church as it is closer and looks as if it would be a good fit. As with any organized religion, not all of our beliefs fit within your disciplines but I am glad that your church believes that human rights are more important than biblical interpretation that was written by humans. How difficult it must have been to be gay in biblical times -- but then, how difficult it must have been to live in biblical times. We are a normal intact family, but have relatives that are gay and live wonderfully productive and happy lives. We may just become Presbyterians....
by Jane
December 24, 2010
The presbyterian church world wide is on the brink of a severe punishment from God. Today i read an article in a presbyterian magazine that "prompted" readers to start thinking about same sex marriages. What?! Do these writers not read their Bibles? I was ashamed and outraged at this. Why don't homosexuals form their own church? Why do they need God's stamp of approval for something the Bible describes as sinful? Oh and why would any smart christian distance themself from Israel? Israel is God's chosen, we ought to pray for them not condemn them. But then the world is full of "pretend christians", who like to think they're going to heaven. May God bless those presbyterians who fight for what's written in the Bible. May he destroy what is toxic within the presbyterian church! God help us, before, like sinners in the Bible, we are punished to death!
by genevieve
August 27, 2010
Dear Friend, Today on the Fox News website I read an article that eas very disturbing. It seems the Presbyterian Church has decided to permit openly non-celibate gays into positions of leadership in its clergy. Apparently the Word of God means little to you. Either this is true or you have decided the authority of your own words now take precedence over that of God's. I have always been taught that the church was a place to convict a person of their sins while at the same time giving them the strength and fortitude to turn away from their sin and to stand for righteousness. By openly permitting openly unrepentant gays into positions of leadership in your church, you have openly thumbed your nose at the Word of God which is the same as openly thumbing your nose at God. The bible says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The bible also says that God is an all consuming Fire. By your actions you have demonstrated that you either do not know this or you have forgotten this. If you really knew this, would you have made the decision that you have?
by Aaron Allen
July 9, 2010
How sad to see a church with such a great history falling away from scripture as was predicted in Revelations by ignoring the clear teachings of the Bible on homosexuality and approving even leadership by those who are practicing a sinful lifestyle(Romans 1). Jesus loved all sinners and was open and welcoming to them but was quite blunt with them about their lifestyle if it was immoral calling them to repentance - which is true love. Being open and welcoming doesn't mean we have to be condoning of clear immoral practices which have gained more social acceptance in an increasingly Godless society. This decision will cause the PC-USA to cease to be the "salt of the earth" and increases the chance they will actually be a contributing force in the continued acceptance of immorality in our culture. PC-USA is actually doing a disservice to homosexuals by deluding them that their lifestyle can be practiced and still allow full fellowship with the Holy Spirit. This is actually the opposite of Christ's love for sinners. I am sure the Presbyterian Church of America will welcome all your strong Bible based churches into their fold.
by greg moore
July 9, 2010
Praise the Lord!
by David M. Patterson
July 8, 2010
I feel that the language as used by our moderator in describing what God must feel about us was appalling. Never would I believe that a person in his position would use "gutter'' words. A very poor example to set!!
by Lois Michael
July 7, 2010
Running news is available at http://ga219.pcusa.org as well as a Twitter feed, live video of all plenary sessions and blogs by commissioners and advisory delegates.
by Randy Hobson
July 6, 2010
let me know what is happenibng at GA
by ken collinson
July 6, 2010
I too want to know how to find out what is happening at General Assembly. We should have a new moderator by now. Who is she/he?
by Carolyn Hahne
July 6, 2010
If you know one of the commissioners, your best bet is to email them and ask. Some use simple email, others use Facebook and Twitter. You can "chat" with people if you are on Facebook or Twitter.
by Denise Group
July 6, 2010
I heard a rumor that the General Assembly would be considering revision of the definition of marriage. Is that true?
by Peter Yurgel
July 6, 2010
what is happening is, they are discussing allowing presbyterian ministers to perform what they call "same-sex" marriages. what is happening is, they are leading people straight to hell. literally. marriage is of God and God, in his infinite wisdom has decreed that marriage is between a man and a woman. no wonder the presbyterian ministry is loosing members...
by Elizabeth Barton
July 6, 2010
Go to GA website: http://ga219.pcusa.org/
by Cheryl Bourne
July 6, 2010
As a professional association manager i find it both odd and somewhat sad that the home page of the PCUSA does not prominently feature a link to current updates at the GA. When opening the home page, the only indication there even is a GA is a news note of comments by the outgoing moderator. Anyone who did not know the GA was going on would not learn it from our website. Successful associations (and from a structural standpoint the church is an association in addition to being a spiritual entity) feature news of their annual meeting including multiple news events, live blogs of what is happening and what is going to happen, and other media to engage those memebers who could not attend in person--- on the other hand, associations who prefer to retain leadership and control of a small group prefer less public forums. I am not infering that the PCUSA WANTS to project the image, or has the intent of being ruled by a small group of elites, but that is the image projected by the GA seemingly occuring in a vacume. This has bothered me for years as an Elder in the Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh areas of PA, in OH, in TX, and now in VA. GA seems to have little or no connection to Presbyterians in the pews and that is both sad and un-necessary in this age of internet presence. Thanks Frank Gasperini Elder The Leesburg Presbyterian Church Leesburg, VA
by Frank A Gasperini
July 6, 2010
How can I find out what is happening at what is happening at GA?
by Patricia Clay
July 5, 2010
The opening worship was filled with God's Spirit. Outgoing Moderator, Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow preached an amazing sermon, just what we needed. The new Moderator, Elder Cindy Bolbach will provide the leadership we need into the future. I am greatly encouraged and happy to be a Presbyterian Christian at this time in the Church's history. God bless us every one.
by Taylor Hill
July 4, 2010
I am a lifelong Presbyterian. My Grandfather was an ordained Presbyterian minister from 1929 until his death in 1996. My family is descended from the founding fathers of this great country. I must say that I do not think they are looking down from heaven pleased at what they see. I think they are saddened. The PCUSA has moved away from the traditions and heritage of what makes the church Presbyterian. I have read about and listened to the changing views the "church" has on Israel. This has been led by propaganda spoonfed to the organization by "Christian" Palesinians. The truth is they have an anti-Israel agenda and are somehow lulling good Presbyterians to sleep with their misinformation. We are descended from the Jews and the Israelis are our brothers. We should support them, not vote for divestment from Israel. We should not vote to call on our Govt. to ban aid to Israel, we should NOT be calling Israel an apartheid state. The Israelis are our brothers and sisters, and our staunchest ally in the increasingly dangerous middle east. Stand up for what is right... stand up for what is Presbyterian... stand up for God... and for Israel! Joseph Carson
by Joseph
July 4, 2010
want to seemoderator
by teri thomas
July 3, 2010
While Israel follows the threats daily from Ahmadinejad and has to confront terror supporters trying to run its blockade of Hamas-controlled Gaza...the Presbyterian Church will vote on an anti-Israel, divestature resolution. I hope the Presbyterians disrespect and cease all contact with Israel. It will show pro-Israel people like myself...whom the Presbyterians are...and what they stand for... Israel should receive support. Israel should receive friendship. By singling out Israel...it further hastens the tremendous predicament Israel is in...as it confronts a nuclear armed Iran. In fact, I would suggest the Presbyterians support Ahmadinejad's Iran. He is a friend of the Presbyterians, I am sure... Maybe they will host their next conference in Teheran... The Presyberians USA should be anti-Israel. Good luck...you will only help Israel's enemies...
by Jan
July 2, 2010
This assembly carries with it the potential of another phase of our continuing reformation. The potential can be seen in the new design of the PCUSA website and the incorporation of social networks in the workings of this GA. If how this GA is structured represents the new business model then I heartly embrace it and pledge to leverage it in the workings of the Presbytery of the James (Virginia).
by Charles Lee Holmes
July 2, 2010