PC(USA) - 217th General Assembly (2006)

So Great a Cloud of Witnesses - Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 217th General Assembly; Birmingham, Alabama; June 15-22, 2006 - NEWS


	GA news and photos The last night of the Assembly is often a long one. Photo by Joseph Williams News and features from the 217th General Assembly are listed by date below. See the events in Birmingham by browsing our photo albums or download high resolution photos from our photo directory. Tell us what you think of this Web site.

	Stories from June 22, 2006
	Assembly adopts mission budget Per-capita apportionments established for '07 and '08

	Stories from June 21, 2006
	From homelessness at home to globalization abroad, Social Justice Issues spans the globe Collegiate ministries find their 'Space' in Birmingham Presbyterians for Disability Concerns uses humor to get message across Commissioners tackle four overtures related to abortion Administrative fee retained, women of color supported with task force Doing what Jesus would do Pastoral letter approved Assembly votes to approve recommendation to close PHS at Montreat Assembly approves all work from Church Polity, with some changes Farley delights with harmonica, inspires with hope for rural churches GA overwhelmingly approves Middle East recommendation of Peacemaking and International Issues committee Postcards from the edge A carbon-neutral GA? Almost International church leaders offer thanks to PC(USA) PILP delivers good news . with interest Forum looks at challenges, hopes Liberian crosses symbolize hope for peace Speaker describes place and need for men's gifts Change is complex Author of Civil Rights trilogy says human stories can overcome modern myths Detterick says $150 million donor will honor pledge

	Stories from June 20, 2006
	Water, water everywhere Rendle says everything is changing, and 'isn't it wonderful?' New ARMSS president urges audience to maintain a 'meaningful life' into old age Wilmore wins Distinguished Writer Award, discusses 'thorny issue' of race Reflecting on the passage of Recommendation 5 of TTF report Valentine confirmed as PC(USA)'s first female GAC executive director New multicultural internship program unveiled Dan and Elizabeth Turk receive lifetime achievement award Assembly celebrates relief work along Gulf coast Perrin honored for efforts to establish nursing schools 'So great a cloud of witnesses' Presbyterian Association on Science, Technology and the Christian Faith luncheon Assembly approves keeping 'fidelity-chastity' provision in constitution 'The beautiful fight of the faith' Challengers win two advisory committee posts Swim in figure-eights instead of circles, Nishioka tells educators Assembly adopts Theological Task Force report Spahr recalls career experiences Keeping perspective …

	Stories from June 19, 2006
	Celebration of the ordination of women Former director Rodney T. Martin remembered; ministries celebrated Older adult ministry embarks on a new thing Assembly refers proposals to curb U.S. support for Colombian government, military Accompaniers in Colombia credited with saving lives Overture proponents say church needs to reclaim focus on ministry of teaching Mendenhall praises group for spiritual disciplines and commitment Towner addresses some of her 4,750 daughters at National Association of Presbyterian Clergy Women luncheon GA acts on Trinity paper Author tells how Christians can reclaim paradise on earth Richard Mouw challenges evangelical Presbyterians 'A small group' in a big church Elder Robert Wilson confirmed as Vice-Moderator of 217th PC(USA) General Assembly Cumberland firsts

	Stories from June 18, 2006
	Presbyterian-founded homeless shelter brings Light to Birmingham Two tell of their struggles concerning homosexuality Faith "that does not surrender power" Speaker tells Coalition 'four basic truths' 'It's a she, and her name is Gracie.' Developers of Les have deep Presbyterian roots Cumberland Presbyterians wear many-colored tags Congo Choir Tour inspires worshipers at Sunday’s joint service 2004 GA's Israel/Palestine language replaced Three denominations gather for joyful worship service New media advertisements greeted with applause Carving a life amidst fear Open meetings resolution discussed, referred Church Growth and Christian Education committee concludes First female minister ordained in the PC(USA), Towner spends 50 years bucking the odds Women of Faith awards Pastor of South African church bringing together varied denominations Social justice committee recommends Smithfield Packing resolution Justice for the earth and all its creatures Methodist children's home is a Champion for Children Theological Task Force report clears committee intact

	Stories from June 17, 2006
	Ufford-Chase named new executive during celebratory breakfast that kicks off endowment campaign After a long day comes the recommendation to approve the closing of PHS at Montreat Committee recommends replacing language calling for divestment Les update: A statement by Cliff Kirkpatrick, stated clerk of the General Assembly Theological Task Force report clears most hurdles Committee recommends keeping "fidelity-chastity" provision in constitution Committee recommends referral of Christian educator ordination overtures Music from around the world highlights ecumenical worship service Committee rejects overture to ban church financial support on either side of abortion issue Bills and Overtures Committee advances GAC executive director-elect Social Justice Issues committee makes recommendations on globalization Polity Committee recommends support without separation for Korean-speaking Presbyterians Author says economic justice tied to reproductive justice Exhibit features steamboat tour through 'the history and missions of the presbytery' Trinity paper approved with amendments Committee weighs in on war in Sudan, Haitian immigrants Fisher, Wood elected to serve as co-moderators of YAD caucus Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly set to convene Media Mission speaker "decodes" The Da Vinci Code Speaker says much has been done, but much still to do in advancing civil rights Pre-Assembly event inspires and informs youth Committee approves starting new hymnal and e-hymnal

	Stories from June 16, 2006
	Celtic Cross program hitting all the right notes with students Trinity paper draws both praise, criticism in hearings Poignant, passionate voices speak out about Israel/Palestine and divestment Mission workers commissioned 13 commissioners' resolutions sent to committees Former CIA chief Woolsey sharply criticizes 2004 GA decision Executive Director-elect shares vision Committee disapproves further strictures on recognition of same-sex relationships Social Justice Issues recommends five overtures to the Assembly Commissioners want to encourage people with disabilities to seek positions within the church Campbell: resist simplistic either/or answers Women's shelter and joint Congolese ministry chosen for Assembly tradition Presbyterians Present a United Front Gonzales receives theological education award Executive director nominee Valentine says she feels a strong call Civil Rights Institute founder calls for "reconciliation in our world" Commissioner from Texas dies of apparent heart attack A family tradition

	Stories from June 15, 2006
	Update on Les New moderator reflects on faith-walk adventure Pro-Life Dinner Atlanta pastor is elected moderator Bible Study Surprise announcement electrifies Assembly Litany of Prayer for the General Assembly Longtime PC(USA) leader Josiah Beeman dead at 70 Patron Saint of Birmingham More Light wants more inclusion A TTF Primer Statement of Purpose for Concurrent General Assemblies Israel/Palestine conflict GA tote bags feature traditional art from the Congo Special treat at the Birmingham Museum of Art Not just a footnote Lyrical Freedom Riders "Not just a history lesson" Communion Ware highlights Presbytery’s international ties

	General Assembly backgrounders
	Middle East peace and divestment Abortion Mission Work Plan Ordination standards Theological Task Force

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	Media representatives covering the assembly must have credentials Register and receive your credentials on site in Birmingham in the General Assembly Communications Center located in the East Exhibit Hall of the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC). Applications for media credentials will be welcomed from representatives of: recognized local, national and international general interest newspapers, wire and news services, magazines, radio and television networks, photo agencies, and online media recognized presbytery, synod, PC(USA)-related, national and international religious newspapers, wire and news services, magazines, radio and television networks, and online media See more information for the media, including the Media Guide to covering the 217th General Assembly.