A Memorandum on Social Witness at the 218th General Assembly

From Strong Support for “A Social Creed for the 21st Century,” to Positive Directions on Iraq and Palestine:  A Memorandum on Social Witness at the 218th General Assembly (2008) With Notes on Study Committees to be Appointed by the Moderator or by ACSWP.

Dear Friends,

This is one of periodic memos sent on behalf of the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy and follows most directly the memo of April 2008, “Prophetic Choices before the 218th General Assembly.” That memo outlined the ten actions that the Advisory Committee was bringing before the General Assembly.  This memo is designed to update you on this part of the Assembly’s work and touch on other matters of importance to those concerned with social justice work in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). We encourage those interested in serving on pending study teams to see the full list of positions open — almost 100!

Please note that this is not the complete listing of social justice actions of the General Assembly: we are preparing a resource that will contain that full witness and include congregation-friendly suggestions for study and action (building somewhat on the Church & Society GA issue tradition). The “Assembly in Brief” is an official summary (OGA08030, $8.25), The Presbyterian Outlook provides a summary; and specific “affinity groups” provide their summaries, such as that of the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship. The Witherspoon Society provides a very thoughtful comprehensive summary. Critiques of almost all our reports can be found at the Web site for Institute on Religion & Democracy. The Advisory Committee (and many other bodies in the church) are still exploring the right combination of web and print communication approaches that will complement each other.

Each of the subsequent paragraphs of this memo will expand upon the following summary results:

1. “Comfort My People: A Policy Statement on Serious Mental Illness.” This substantial and pastoral report on ministry to and with persons affected by serious mental illness was approved overwhelmingly and has already received positive endorsement from across the theological spectrum of the Church.
2. “A Social Creed for the 21st Century.” While receiving considerable debate and determined opposition from some, this one-page summary of Presbyterian and ecumenical social goals was approved by 83% of commissioners.
3. “The Power to Change: U.S. Energy Policy and Global Warming.” Virtually unanimous support, following strong support in the Assembly Committee on Social Justice.
4. “From Homelessness to Hope: Constructing Just, Sustainable Communities for All God’s People.” Initial resistance in Committee led to a thorough but friendly consolidation of the recommendations section that led to strong support for the whole report.
5. “God’s Work in Women’s Hands: Pay Equity and Just Compensation.” This forthright resolution went unchallenged in its careful statistical and other analysis of why women and people of color generally receive less in salary than men and whites, both in society and in the church. The Assembly authorized an updated “Theology of Compensation” among its recommendations.
6. “Struck Down, But Not Destroyed: From Hurricane Katrina to a More Equitable Future.” Approved, including recommendations to develop material for other presbyteries and areas vulnerable to natural disasters and governmental neglect or abandonment.
7. “Response to Referral: Smithfield Foods Labor Situation.” This referral summarizes the Church’s engagement and approved a team to continue monitoring of a labor rights and safety situation, possibly with liaison to the Hunger Program, which works on justice and sustainability in matters of food production, distribution and consumption.
8. “Lift Every Voice: Democracy, Voting Rights, and Electoral Reform.” In Committee, there was considerable debate over particular recommendations leading to the removal of one: that the Electoral College, a chief shaper and distorter of election strategies, be sidelined. For other changes, see below.
9. “Human Rights in Colombia.” This brief resolution was approved, after debate focusing on the “free trade agreement,” along with a somewhat similar action on Philippines, where ministers of the United Church of Christ have been tortured or killed.
10. “Costly Lessons of the Iraq War,” with study paper, “To Repent, Restore, Re-build, and Reconcile.” This resolution was not seriously discussed but was answered by a good overture from Baltimore that was itself tempered somewhat in its call for withdrawal from Iraq. At the same time, the Study Paper was “commended for study” in the church—despite the clear linkages between it and the neglected “Costly Lessons.” Further clarification may indicate how the resolution itself, though not adopted, may be studied along with the Study Paper.

Summary: The Advisory Committee brought a substantial amount of work to the Assembly, almost all of which was strongly affirmed. The notes that follow also describe new assignments for ACSWP.

Short Background on Actions summarized above:

An overview of work of the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy (ACSWP) was provided commissioners in our “agency summary,” or “narrative,” which described the mandate, methods, and membership of the Committee. This is an information item to be received by the Assembly. With this, two commissioners are usually assigned the task of reviewing the Committee’s minutes, which are also made available to all at the Assembly. Both of these records passed muster well. Especially if you are reading this on-line, it may be noted that the Assembly reporting does not include assessment of websites although most business is now done on laptop through the dedicated software program, PC-Biz.

1. Comfort My People. This statement was presented by Brenda Gales, Task Force Moderator; Tom Davis, Task Force member; and Gordon Edwards, member of that Task Force and out-going Chair of the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy. In terms of implementation, it contains a strong argument for “parity” in cost reimbursement for mental illness comparable to that for physical illness. The Presbyterian Serious Mental Illness Network (PSMIN), related to the Presbyterian Health, Education and Welfare Association (PHEWA), can give guidance beyond the resources listed in the text and a study guide is being prepared.

2. The Social Creed text is identical to that adopted by the National Council of Churches of Christ General Assembly late last year in preparation for this, the 100th anniversary of the original Social Creed. More information is available in two-page backgrounder, which was provided along with a listing of previous PC(USA) social witness policies on the topics included in the Social Creed. A DVD documentary has been prepared and will be distributed, along with a booklet explaining each “plank” more fully. All royalties from sales of the prayerbook, Prayers for the New Social Awakening (Westminster John Knox Press, 2008), go for a successor to Church & Society and to help publicize the Social Creed. Chairperson Lidia Serrata, consultant historian Gene TeSelle, and study group members Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty and Richard Poethig all made presentations, along with Michael Kinnamon, General Secretary of the NCCC, who was visiting the Assembly. In terms of implementation, the Social Creed may provide a helpful counterpoint to the platforms of both major political parties. Deeper analysis of twelve of its major topics is contained in the book To Do Justice, edited by Rebecca (“Toddie”) Peters and Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty.

3. Energy Resolution: most opposed in Committee testimony by two representatives of the Institute for Religion and Democracy who denied the seriousness of human-driven climate change, the resolution drew on work on carbon neutrality from a study team headed by Ms. Pam McVety, some of which was posted on the ACSWP Web site this past 18 months. Prof. James Martin-Schramm of Luther College re-drafted and added to the material, carefully documenting the difficulties with fossil and nuclear options and relative advantages of more “green” technologies and the social changes needed to employ them. In terms of implementation, we note not only the expected Washington and UN Office assignments, and the good work of Presbyterians for Restoring Creation, but the re-establishment of an Environmental Justice Office in the General Assembly Council.

4. Homelessness Study: This Report was presented by the chair of the study team, Laura Jervis of New York City, whose ministry has included envisioning and building 20 apartment buildings, some with the supportive care called for in the resolution. Norman Fong, housing activist and administrator in San Francisco, Bobbi Hargleroad, chief author of the Report, and Simone Hennessee, Director of Providence House in Shreveport, Louisiana, spoke to the resolution. Thus, despite the consolidation of a number of recommendations, the momentum was positive. Leslie Woods of the Washington Office was wonderful in assisting the re-write pair of smart commissioners. The only piece lost was support for a law that would replace the Home Mortgage Deduction with a kind of tax credit, intended to cut the subsidy for second and third homes. The Presbyterian Network to End Homelessness was also present with Bob Brashear (also former PHEWA chair), Marc Greenberg of New York’s Interfaith Housing Coalition, and Jean Kim —known to all activists!

5. Pay Equity: This study team was represented by Gloria Albrecht of ACSWP and Vicky Lovell, economist member of the team (Esperanza Guajardo, Chair, could not be at GA). One of the key pieces here was the example of a tool for assessing pay equity in the presbyteries: Baltimore Presbytery has developed such a tool and the Moderator of that presbytery who initiated their study was present. The Advocacy Committee for Women’s Concerns (ACWC), which had consulted on the study, also had key persons speak to the study. In terms of implementation, even in a recession, it will be important to present this resolution’s concern for fairness in compensation to both presbyteries and congregations.

6. Struck Down, But not Destroyed (Katrina): This resolution, developed in consultation with the Advocacy Committee for Racial Ethnic Concerns (ACREC), was presented by its primary author, Prof. Ron Peters of Pittsburgh Seminary, himself raised in New Orleans and related to persons who have suffered deeply since Katrina and the other hurricanes’ impact. Like the Homelessness paper, this resolution honored the volunteerism of many Presbyterians working with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA); it moved from charity to justice, advocating both; and it called for serious investment of unrestricted reserves held by the Presbyterian Foundation in low-cost housing development, including green development. Implementation of this resolution comes in preparing other vulnerable presbyteries and regions (not only cities) for natural disasters that may especially devastate the poor, and in encouraging the repairing work of government for serious holes in our social fabric.

7. Smithfield Foods: Coming out of a strong 2006 GA statement of concern on behalf of workers at the largest pork processing plant in the world, in Tar Heel, N.C., ACSWP had been referred a request to meet with management and workers, and with two local presbyteries; Coastal Carolina (in whose bounds the plant is located) and New Hope (which originated the overture of concern). Prof. John Knapp of Samford University spoke for ACSWP and was a participant in talks with top management, labor seeking to organize the plant, and presbytery representatives. (The PC(USA) does not hold stock in the company; hence no involvement for the Committee on Mission Responsibility Through Investment). The monitoring team recommended is to come from both presbyteries if possible and to report to the next General Assembly. (A related study is updating the 2004 Immigration resolution in light of U.S. detention and deportation policies that have greatly affected the undocumented immigrants working in meat packing and other plants).

8. Voting Rights: Roger Gench, Vice-Chair of the study team, preached the report to the Committee. Many comments tested recommendations, modifying but retaining the call for D.C. voting rights, and adding encouragement for greater rights for Puerto Rico (while avoiding the basic question of commonwealth status). Dianne Briscoe, Esq., chair of the study team, was also present. Some implementation in terms of advocacy is possible in almost every jurisdiction where electronic voting equipment (paper verification!), alleged fraud (often an excuse for restrictive procedures; virtually no fraud has been found), and ex-offender disenfranchisement is likely. But a larger Reformed vision of the responsibilities of government is also provided.

9. Human Rights in Colombia: This received considerable debate, including the voices of some key Colombian church leaders present. The Committee and then the Assembly supported the resolution’s concern for the internally displaced two to three million people, the role of the paramilitaries, the anti-drug program, and large U.S. military subsidies and presence. Persons who had served with the Presbyterian accompaniment program were also present; that remains a area for courageous witness for those willing to accompany Colombian church leaders who have been exposed to death threats and surveillance.

10. Iraq War: This Committee had a fairly intense time, lobbied by both peace advocates and opponents of the occupation of Palestine and by military chaplains and defenders of Israeli government policies. The Costly Lessons resolution, which ACSWP thought a measured and historically informed response, tried to address the over- reliance on military means in U.S. foreign policy. It may be that the financial implications of this resolution, which included a four-year consultative process on changes in the teaching of peace in colleges, universities and seminaries, prompted some commissioners not to want to adopt it. The commended Study Paper, however, is keyed to supporting the key recommendations of the resolution. The resolution itself is relatively brief: 5-6 pages depending on layout, while the supporting study paper runs over 20. Classes and congregations are urged to study these positions given the danger that a further act of terror might prompt a military overreaction.

Other Business associated with ACSWP:

Please let us know if you would like to serve on one of the following study task forces (not a complete list!):

11. The Assembly approved a new Middle East Study and possible resolution, with focus on Israel/Palestine. This was recommended by the General Assembly Council, in a response to a referral that included ACSWP as we are the body directed to perform studies of social questions. The Committee voted to have the current and immediate past two Moderators, Bruce Reyes-Chow, Joan Gray, and Rick Ufford-Chase, appoint the 9 members of a study team to produce a report to the 2010 General Assembly. The Office of the General Assembly may have a role in coordinating this study.
12. Gun Violence study: Recommended by National Capitol Presbytery, this immediately links to a conference at Stony Point, “Gun Violence and Gospel Values,” Sept 15-17, 2008. (If you wish to serve on this, are you available to go to that conference?) ACSWP coordinates this study.
13. AIDS study (including public policy, the church’s role, international dynamics): from two presbyteries, a call for a more comprehensive treatment of this tragic subject. The study team will include medical and mission personnel, advocates, other expert volunteers.
14. Public Education study: called for by ACREC, especially in light of the Supreme Court’s decision and the trend toward “re-segregation,” but including other significant factors facing public education. Martha Bettis Gee of the Office for Children and Families will be among the staff to this study team. Teachers, superintendents, Board of Ed members, etc.
15. Review of the Advocacy and Advisory Committees: This review is to examine the relations of the three Committees, building on the self-studies currently under way, and is lodged in the GAC, although these committees report directly to the GA. The current self-study processes are based on the academic accreditation model; this additional review puts the full scope of PC(USA) public witness as the context, which is appropriate for developing an overview of these committees.
16. Study of Equal Rights for Families with Same-Gender Parents: Coming from two overtures, this study (to be appointed by Moderator Bruce Reyes Chow) will presumably look at issues of law, ethics, public policy and theology, though the Assembly declined to consider re-definition of the theology of marriage.
17. Universal Single Payer Healthcare: Not a study but an education and advocacy program was to support this major health care reform; ten regional seminars would be run by the PACT Network of PHEWA (the Social Creed also includes a Universal Healthcare provision).

Other Assembly actions:

This report does not include discussions of the “big” decision to send the question of whether to remove “amendment B” out to the presbyteries; ACSWP supported the John Knox overture to restore the Authoritative Interpretation allowing “scruples” for conscience on the matter of gay ordination and said their was no inconsistency in supporting the discernment and possible exemption approach and removing G-6.0106b. Nor does this discuss the proposed revision of the Form of Government (nFOG— a new Book of Order), where we favored the two-year study model the Assembly adopted. How much, for example, is the new FOG predicated on a “missional” and possibly more congregational view of the Church?  Nor do we discuss the two “Special Committees” to be appointed to consider changes in The Book of Confessions: one on the Heidelberg Catechism (to consider a new translation) and two, on the Belhar Confession (to considering adding this South African Confession to address racism more fully). All of these clearly have bearing on the social witness of the church, especially if the study committee on Belhar were to recommend the writing of a new confession for the 21st Century rather than adoption of the document from the South African context.

The value of the General Assembly in our Presbyterian system cannot be underestimated, as it is a mixture of government of the church, worship, fellowship, and witness to the world. We are delighted that the Church’s new leaders carry strong social justice commitments. We welcome your thoughts and your sharing this write up with others. Please send requests to be added to this informal list to: our email.

Grace and Peace,

ACSWP Staff, in consultation with the Co-Chairs