A YAAD from the Presbytery of Alaska, spoke from his heart. “As much as it pains me to say it, from what I read in the Bible and Paul’s letters, as confusing as this is, as much as I don’t like to believe it, I believe the practice of homosexuality is a sin. I don’t... Continue Reading

1. Divestment of companies doing business with Israel; 2. Don't Bomb Iran; 3. Two Form of Government changes denied; 4. Presbyteries may allow Lay Pastors to vote; 5. Observations on Marriage Committee - final vote story coming SOON!

Committees schedules run from 9:30 a.m until 9:30 p.m. on both Monday and Tuesday of the 220th General Assembly of the PCUSA meeting in Pittsburgh, Pa. Next plenary session is scheduled for Wednesday, July 4 at 2 p.m.

"Therefore, while holding persons in ordered ministry to high standards of covenant fidelity in the exercise of their sexuality, as in all aspects of life, we acknowledge that the PC(USA) does not have one interpretation of scripture on this matter. We commit ourselves to continue respectful dialogue with those who hold differing convictions, to welcome one another for God’s glory, and not to vilify those whose convictions we believe to be in error."

1. Proposal to modify rules for selling real estate ruled out of order; 2. Pittsburgh area pastor tells congregation to stop doing evangelism; 3. College campus ministry to be renamed UKIRK; 4. Covenant Network celebrates 'victories'; says more changes coming

He said that the lame man knew in his heart that he had always belonged in the temple. Peter removed the impediment that prevented him from entering the place where he belonged. Filtering his interpretation through a GLBT entitlement lens Robinson suggested that GLBTs have always deserved full participation and leadership positions in the church

1. Church lobbyist urges activists to ‘be vigilant’ 2. Mid Council committee begins with introductions, closed sessions 3. Mission Council gives GA bleak stats but hopeful plans 4. Do better in the 21st century

Since The Aquila Report has limited staff and budget, we are unable to cover the PCUSA General Assembly. Our good friends at The Layman are there in force, even adding a new writer just for the occasion. We will be providing daily 'teases' and links to many interesting stories, such as:

Presa began by saying "together we stand, divided we freak out." He said that his presbytery -- Elizabeth -- dismissed its first congregation to ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians recently. He said that throughout the conversations between the presbytery and session "we came to a mutual discovery that the particular congregation is leaving -- not because they see we are apostate or unorthodox -- but because they could not live with the broadness" of the PCUSA.

Plans are also moving forward to keep count of the new worshiping communities, but, he admitted, they are a "little bit messy." The Office of the General Assembly is helping to create a methodology that will keep count of what may or may not be a church, Dermondy said. "We are trying to create a baseline. We will start an official tally after the General Assembly.