“The Trinity: God’s Love Overflowing” Study Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

A concern has been raised regarding item 13-13 “Commend for Study ‘The Trinity: God's Love Overflowing.’” The concern is that by commending the study guide for “The Trinity: God’s Love Overflowing,” the Assembly may be inadvertently be conferring to the Trinity paper a status denied by the 217th General Assembly (2006).

What action did the 217th General Assembly take concerning “The Trinity: God’s Love Overflowing”?
The Assembly took three actions relevant to this question: 1) After much debate, the Assembly voted to receive the paper instead of approve it. 2) In the same action the assembly also voted to “commend [it] for study.” 3) The assembly instructed the Office of Theology and Worship to prepare study materials toward this end.

Was the General Assembly Council required to bring these study materials to the 218th General Assembly for action?
No. The 217th General Assembly already authorized the GAC, through the Office of Theology and Worship, to produce these study materials.

Why is the Study Guide and Video coming before the 218th General Assembly?
The reception and commendation for study of “The Trinity: God’s Love Overflowing” by the 217th General Assembly (2006) caused concerns for some in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Therefore, the Office of Theology and Worship created a more robust study than might ordinarily be developed. Specifically, the Office of Theology and Worship has produced a video resource as a general introduction to the Trinity along with a comprehensive study guide for “The Trinity: God’s Love Overflowing” in booklet form to assist churches in deepening their understanding of and practices in response to the Trinity.

The General Assembly Council is seeking greater accountability by asking the Assembly to examine and commend the study guide and video.

Does this confer a higher status to “The Trinity: God’s Love Overflowing” than it was given by the 217th General Assembly?
No. Since “The Trinity” was already commended for study by the 217th General Assembly, and the 218th General Assembly is being asked to take that very same action in regard to the study materials, the status of “The Trinity: God’s Love Overflowing” does not change.

Why were commissioners not sent the study guide before the General Assembly?
Because of the large volume of materials that commissioners must deal with, the Office of The General Assembly does not distribute materials beforehand that are intended only for study. Commissioners in Committee 13, Theological Issues and Institutions, will have the opportunity to engage the study guide during their committee meeting.

What will happen to “The Trinity: God’s Love Overflowing”?
Feedback from the study process may lead to a revision of the original paper. In any case, it is the hope of the Office of Theology and Worship that these study materials may lead the Presbyterian Church to a deeper engagement with and understanding of the Triune God.