RICHMOND, July 1 - The General Assembly on Thursday approved two overtures intended to support immigrant fellowships worshipping within Presbyterian Church (USA) presbyteries.

The Assembly Committee on Evangelism and Higher Education had recommended passage of the overtures, which give privileges of voice and vote to designated leaders of such fellowships and recognize elders already ordained in the Reformed tradition in their native countries.

Two commissioners voiced concern that the overtures are not in accord with the church's historic view of ordained leadership. Maqsood Kamil, an ecumenical advisory delegate who served on the evangelism committee, said the measures would ease an "identity crisis" often felt by those new to this country.

The Assembly also concurred with the committee's recommendations on its other 13 overtures, including one calling the church to play a more intentional role in education. It approved a 10-year education emphasis that includes tutoring and mentoring at least 10,000 students per year. The Assembly amended references to "at-risk" children so that they read "economically disadvantaged and children of color."