Thread by @presbyterianpew

Good morning! Ruling Elder Howie Donahoe is orienting Overtures Committee Commissioners for the 52nd #pcaga. Next, they'll elect a chairman and adopt the docket. I'll share basic ideas of discussion (no names). OC is not live-streamed and may not be recorded. Updates in this 🧵.

Ruling Elder Matt Fender presenting the report of the CCB - Committee on Constitutional Business (advice on Overtures that might cause conflict in the BCO). This is advice, not a ruling. OC can decide what to do with the advice. Available to answer questions during discussion.

Convener @MeltonDuncan nominated and elected as Chairman of Overtures Committee, @stephenspin elected vice chairman.

@MeltonDuncan @stephenspin Discussion now about the docket. This is important because it makes the work more efficient by grouping similar Overtures together for discussion. But also the ordering of the Overtures can impact the discussion and vote on later Overtures, so lots of debate/amendments here.

@MeltonDuncan @stephenspin Docket:
40, 6, 13, 19
43, 34
29, 37, 23, 14, 1, 7
15, 16, 31, 32, 38, 39
5, 12, 33
8, 10, 22, 9, 30, 24, 25
47, 3, 4, 48, 49, 26, 27, 11, 50

@MeltonDuncan @stephenspin Procedural motion that a representative of the Presbytery that sent up the Overture be given priority in being able to speak to that Overture approved. Short break. Resuming at 11 am.

@MeltonDuncan @stephenspin Discussing O40 - recording all parts of a trial
Y: 119
N: 0
A: 1

@MeltonDuncan @stephenspin Discussing O6 - applications for candidacy deadline
Proposed amendment to remove any language of deadline, leave the decision to Presbyteries. Amendment passed by voice vote.
Vote on Overture
Y: 116
N: 6
A: 1

@MeltonDuncan @stephenspin Discussing O13 - re: "members in good standing" voting
Speaker says these two sections are about different things and not in conflict.
Y: 33
N: 85
A: 4

@MeltonDuncan @stephenspin Point of order: OC voted to defeat the motion (to answer in the affirmative) so now needs a substitute motion (to answer in the negative).
Y: 96
N: 22
A: 4

@MeltonDuncan @stephenspin Discussing O19 - revise membership vows
Against: membership vows are not a catechism but "mere Christianity" - the essential things you have to agree to to be a member.

Substitute motion to answer in the negative.

Vote to approve sub. motion
Y: 116
N: 8
A: 0

@MeltonDuncan @stephenspin Vote to recommend answer O19 in the negative.
Y: 117
N: 7
A: 2

@MeltonDuncan @stephenspin Discussion of O29 - removing requirement for lots of snail mail in SJC minority report (docket above is slightly in error)

Amendment: proposed change to how a commission would be formed to re-hear the case. Fails by voice vote.

@MeltonDuncan @stephenspin Another amendment to change language about composition of commission fails by voice vote.

Amendment to disallow dissents and protests to SJC decisions settled by GA vote. Speaker says dissents and protests would be important in such cases. Amendment fails by voice vote.

@MeltonDuncan @stephenspin Amendment to (RE)insert language to allow cases to be decided before GA OR special commission.

Vote on amendment -
Y: 76
N: 43
A: 3

@MeltonDuncan @stephenspin Amendment to insert "in either instance" passed by voice vote.

Speaker notes that amendment was essentially undone, vote on Overture in affirmative

Y: 116
N: 5
A: 4

@MeltonDuncan @stephenspin Discussion on O37 - option to elect RE to moderate session trial

Amendment to insert "whether the church is without a pastor or not"
Against amendment: the pastor is the moderator so if there is a pastor, he is the moderator

@MeltonDuncan @stephenspin For amendment: pastor is moderator in session meetings, but may be helpful to have a RE who has more experience in judicial matters moderate case

For amendment: flexibility needed in case pastor is called as witness

@MeltonDuncan @stephenspin For amendment: ruling elders can chair JC in Presbytery, why not in session.

Voice vote on amendment passes.

@MeltonDuncan @stephenspin Amendment to allow session to invite teaching elder OR RULING ELDER from Presbytery to moderate.
Against amendment: this violates Preliminary Principle 6 - congregations did not vote to be ruled by Presbytery REs. Voice vote on amendment fails.

@MeltonDuncan @stephenspin Substitute motion to recommit this Overture to Presbytery without prejudice. Discussion indicates that there's a lot more to think through on this Overture.

Voice vote on recommitting fails.

@MeltonDuncan @stephenspin Amendment to add "with the pastor's consent" (electing RE moderator when there IS a pastor)
Against amendment: pastor is member of session, parity of eldership, pastor alone shouldn't have power of decision. Amendment fails by voice vote.

@MeltonDuncan @stephenspin Vote on Overture 37 (affirmative as amended)
Y: 105
N: 11
A: 3

@MeltonDuncan @stephenspin Discussion of Overture 23 - allow supplemental judges from Presbytery for session trial
Substitute motion: answer in the negative, muddles distinction b/w courts and violates Preliminary Principle 6

@MeltonDuncan @stephenspin Against substitute motion: tiny sessions may need extra people, referring to Presbytery removes one level of appeal

For substitute: Preliminary Principle 6 means the session shouldn't bring in people as judges whom church hasn't elected, do they participate in the ...

@MeltonDuncan @stephenspin ... potential discussion of complaint or appeal?

Vote on substitute (to answer in the negative)

Y: 53
N: 55
A: 10

Substitute fails, back to main motion.

@MeltonDuncan @stephenspin Vote on O23 (answer in the affirmative)

Y: 64
N: 49
A: 8

@MeltonDuncan @stephenspin Break for lunch. Back to work at 1:15 pm.

@MeltonDuncan @stephenspin Quick #pcaga Overtures Committee summary so far:

@MeltonDuncan @stephenspin @threadreaderapp unroll please