Assembly
Adopts Judicial Procedures Report
The 24th General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted
the recommendations of the Ad Interim Committee on Judicial Procedures.
The major proposal, which was considered as a package, passed 791-17.
Chairman David Coffin led the court through a one hour informal consideration
of the report, before the actual voting took place. Reflecting on the unanimous
votes by his committee, Mr. Coffin facetiously remarked, "I must admit,
I was tempted to try the omnibus motion, but I will resist that temptation."
One of the points he raised was to note that, if the proposal is adopted
of having the Standing Judicial Commission (SJC) reports spread on the
minutes of General Assembly without the court voting on them, under most
circumstances no member of the court would be allowed to register a protest,
dissent, or objection.
Assembly
Addresses Homosexual Issues
Reflecting current societal unrest regarding
homosexuality, the 24th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in
America (PCA) several times had the topic raised. On the opening night
of the Assembly, host pastor Dr. D. James Kennedy warned the commissioners
that there was going to be a demonstration outside the church building
the next night. According to Kennedy, the organizers of the pro-homosexual
demonstration had predicted that 1500-2000 people would show up, making
it one of the largest such gatherings in Southern Florida. Concerning these
activists, he said, with understatement, "They're not very happy with
me."
Assembly
Condemns Disney for Promotion of Homosexuality
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church
in America condemned The Disney Company for its promotion of the homosexual
lifestyle. RE Tom Leopard from Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham
had raised the issue by means of a personal resolution which would have
had the General Assembly "go on record expressing our deep disappointment
for these corporate actions by The Disney Company," "affirm the
employees of The Disney Company who embrace and share our convictions,"
"encourage Christians to give serious and prayerful reconsideration
to their purchase and support of Disney products," "encourage
churches and presbyteries of the PCA to assist in informing the Christian
community of these issues," and "instruct the Stated Clerk to
send copies of this resolution to Michael Eisner, CEO of The Disney Company,
and to the news media."