Presbyterian Politics in Action: The Stated Clerk and the General Assembly by Gradye Parsons

Remember Schoolhouse Rock in the 1970s? It
was a series of spots produced for children’s television that covered many aspects of early education. One of the most memorable short features was “I’m Just a Bill.” (Get a refresher at the Schoolhouse Rock Web site!) A talking-and-singing scroll named Bill cleverly recounted the bill’s journey through the United States Congress toward becoming a law.

I would like to have the funds to produce a similarly informative and entertaining spot for Presbyterians. The storyline would entail how a single congregation’s
idea can become an ordinance or program for the whole denomination. The Presbyterian process is no less political than the national one. It calls on faithful, thoughtful commissioners to coax ideas into reality. It also requires the guiding presence of the Stated Clerk to ensure the process is fair and that the decision and vision are communicated to the denomination.

Learn more about the ways politics and faith are intertwined in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), how ideas in congregations become church policies and the many roles of the Stated Clerk.

Call (800) 524-2612 or subscribe to Horizons or order the May/June 2008 issue (HZN-08-220; $4 plus shipping).

Gradye Parsons is an associate stated clerk and the director of operations for the General Assembly.

Photo by Danny Bolin/PCUSA

Other Articles Online This Issue

Devotional
A New Day and a New World
Presbyterian Politics in Action
What Does the Church Say?
Celebrating 100 Years of Social Awareness
Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans
Interview with Cindy Ryu (English)
The Politics of Mission
Blessings without Boundaries
Dispatch from Forbearance Presbyterian Church
Mosaic
Nurturing Faith
Faithful Parenting
Strengthening the PC(USA)


Learn more about the ways politics and faith are intertwined in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), how ideas in congregations become church policies and the many roles of the Stated Clerk. Call (800) 524-2612 or subscribe to Horizons or order the May/June 2008 issue (HZN-08-220; $4 plus shipping).	Presbyterian Politics in Action: The Stated Clerk and the General Assembly by Gradye Parsons Remember Schoolhouse Rock in the 1970s? It was a series of spots produced for children’s television that covered many aspects of early education. One of the most memorable short features was “I’m Just a Bill.” (Get a refresher at the Schoolhouse Rock Web site!) A talking-and-singing scroll named Bill cleverly recounted the bill’s journey through the United States Congress toward becoming a law. I would like to have the funds to produce a similarly informative and entertaining spot for Presbyterians. The storyline would entail how a single congregation’s idea can become an ordinance or program for the whole denomination. The Presbyterian process is no less political than the national one. It calls on faithful, thoughtful commissioners to coax ideas into reality. It also requires the guiding presence of the Stated Clerk to ensure the process is fair and that the decision and vision are communicated to the denomination. Learn more about the ways politics and faith are intertwined in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), how ideas in congregations become church policies and the many roles of the Stated Clerk. Call (800) 524-2612 or subscribe to Horizons or order the May/June 2008 issue (HZN-08-220; $4 plus shipping). Gradye Parsons is an associate stated clerk and the director of operations for the General Assembly. Photo by Danny Bolin/PCUSA Other Articles Online This Issue Devotional A New Day and a New World Presbyterian Politics in Action What Does the Church Say? Celebrating 100 Years of Social Awareness Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans Interview with Cindy Ryu (English) The Politics of Mission Blessings without Boundaries Dispatch from Forbearance Presbyterian Church Mosaic Nurturing Faith Faithful Parenting Strengthening the PC(USA)	Current Issue MAY/JUNE 2008 About This Issue Contents FREE Resource How to Use In Our Next Issue Items underlined can be seen in this Web site, all others appear in the May/June 2008 (HZN-08-220) issue of Horizons magazine. to Horizons, call (800) 524-2612 or this issue ($4 plus shipping/handling)

Home \| Current Issue \| Archives \| Bible Study \| Web Exclusives \| PW