She will fulfill her responsibility for moderatorial neutrality, thus helping to create an even playing field for those supporting and opposing the replacement document.

Newly-elected General Assembly Moderator Cynthia Bolbach has solved an initial conflict of interest. At the moderator’s press conference following her election Saturday night, The Layman magazine (the voice of Evangelicals in the PCUSA) asked about her plans for dealing with the unusual circumstance of her co-moderating the Form of Government (FOG) Task Force and now moderating the entire GA — which is considering the new Form of Government (nFOG).

Moderator Bolbach responded that she understands the conflict of interest and that she would certainly hand over the gavel to the Vice Moderator, the Rev. Landon Whitsitt of Heartland Presbytery, during plenary consideration of the proposed nFOG. Thus, she would not be moderating that portion of the business.

The Layman pressed the point, however, noting to Bolbach that already in her comments to the plenary session during the election process, she had in effect touted the nFOG a number of times. She will also have ample opportunities to boost nFOG in the days ahead, which could unfairly prejudice the Assembly in its favor, even before it comes under consideration.

“Will you as Moderator cease such advocacy?” she was asked.

Bolbach replied clearly that she would speak no more about the nFOG during this session of the General Assembly, prior to conclusion of the matter. She will fulfill her responsibility for moderatorial neutrality, thus helping to create an even playing field for those supporting and opposing the replacement document.

She did, however, make it clear that she will consider it her responsibility to interpret the actions of this GA following a decision on nFOG.