The 53rd General Assembly completed its work by acting on the full slate of Overtures Committee recommendations, approving several key BCO changes and committee reports, while rejecting others. The Assembly then adjourned sine die after worship, with the 54th General Assembly scheduled for Milwaukee in 2027. Full details and vote tallies are in the report.

Information and Committee of Commissioner Reports, Continued

The Assembly reconvened at 8:00 a.m. and heard the report and recommendations of the Administrative Committee.

The Assembly initially voted down item 16, which would have made the GA registration fee the same for teaching elders and Ruling Elders. A motion was made to reconsider the matter, and the Assembly voted to reconsider the matter. When the matter was voted on a second time, the recommendation was approved. Click here to read more about the costs of the General Assembly.

The Assembly approved all the Administrative Committee’s recommendations, including extending the work of the ad interim committees on Christian Nationalism and the Directory for Worship until the 54th General Assembly.

At the conclusion of the Administrative Committee’s report, the Assembly took time to honor and thank Ruling Elder John Bise for his service over the past year as provisional stated clerk.

The Assembly voted on nominations to fill 15 positions on permanent committees. Most of the votes included nominees from the Nominating Committee and floor nominees. The Assembly approved the committee’s nominee in all contested elections except one.

The Reformed University Fellowship Committee presented its report. The Assembly approved all recommendations from the committee.

Overtures Committee Report

After recessing for lunch, the Assembly reconvened to take up the report of the Overtures Committee.

The Assembly voted to answer Overture 5,32, and 63 by referring them back to their presbyteries. All three overtures sought to change the RAO.

The Assembly voted to refer Overture 8, “Amend RAO 8-4.i to Set the Deadline for Floor Nominations 24 Hours Earlier,” back to Pacific Northwest Presbytery.

The Assembly voted to answer Overtures 9, 33, 45, and 53 in the negative. Overture 47 was answered with reference to the Assembly’s action on Overture 45.

The Assembly answered Overture 6 from Pacific Northwest Presbytery, “Amend RAO 14-9, 15-8, and add 16-7.h to Require 150 Commissioners to Remove from an Omnibus,” in the negative.

Read More