The Committee on the Office of the General Assembly is about to begin the search for an acting Stated Clerk. Late last month, the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, announced his intentions to step down as Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the PC(USA) at the end of June of this year. The person selected for the new role will serve the remainder of Nelson’s term, which will end at the 226th General Assembly next year in Salt Lake City, Utah.

As called for in the constitution, the standing rules dictate the appointing of an acting stated clerk occurs when the current office holder is either incapacitated or steps down.

“We’ve spent the past few weeks working with human resources in the Administrative Service Group to finalize the job description in an effort get it posted as soon as possible,” said the Rev. Eliana Maxim, COGA moderator. “The person who fills this role will have two main areas of focus: collaborating with the Unification Commission and working with OGA staff in preparation for the next General Assembly.”

Maxim says an ad hoc work group has been formed to review applications as they come in and make recommendations to COGA. In addition to Maxim, the work group includes Dave Davis, Cheni Khonje, Miguel A. Rosa Morales, and Stephanie Anthony. Applications are due by May 30. Soon after, a specially-called COGA meeting will be held to make a final decision.

“We are navigating in new and unchartered waters, but my prayer is that we all lean into trusting both the process and each other,” said Maxim. “I am confident God has already selected who will step into this very important role. Our responsibility is to be faithful and attentive to the Spirit in our discernment together.”

The Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is the chief ecclesial officer of the denomination. Elected to four-year terms, the Stated Clerk carries out the ecumenical and constitutional functions of the assembly as outlined by the Book of Order, General Assembly Organization for Mission, and the Standing Rules of the meetings of the General Assembly.

Those who qualify and are interested in the position can apply here.