Wayne's
World: GA Reflections from Wayne Yost
Day One: GA Begins
24 June 2000
The Assembly seems to have set its tone with early business before the body. Those in the
"middle" will have this be a moderate Assembly. The Bills and Overtures Committee (the committee which
recommends the order of business) recommended that all matter related to the questions dealing with the
potential ordination of practicing homosexual members be referred to the 213th General Assembly. The
Assembly voted to sustain the moratorium on such matters. This means that next year there will be a
flood of such issues before the Assembly.
Secondly, the Assembly voted, on the first ballot to elect Sygman Rhee as Moderator. The
question and answer period, which seemed to go on forever, was on of the most lack lustre I remember.
It appeared all four moderatorial candidates were trying to be non-offensive. Sometimes this means
lacking in excitement and the ability to inspire the Assembly. The Youth Advisory delegates where
nearly evenly split among the four candidates. The Commissioners elected Sygman by three votes.
All our Commissioners are here. The only mishap is that now after two days Marie's luggage
still has not arrived. We are hoping it shows up today. If not I think Marie may go on a shopping
expedition.
Tomorrow is the massive opening worship. They are expecting 12,000 in attendance. Erin and I
will attend the Presbyterian Media Mission lunch. This evening I will be attending the Association of
Executive Presbyters' dinner. The Commissioners will be gathering in their committees. Tonight the
committee meeting are closed. The commissioners will be doing some group building and sorting through
their work.
Erin has a press pass so she can get up front to take pictures for the website. I'm sitting in
the far back of the room with a concrete pillar right in front of me. Thankfully, there are giant
screen projections of what is happening up front. One of the important items of business for me is
networking and connecting with colleagues from across the church. Ideas are shared and critiqued. This
peer support and encouragement broadens horizons and sharpens our mutual service.
Yours in service to Christ and the Church,
Wayne A. Yost, executive presbyter
PBY_KISKIMINETAS@PCUSA.ORG or wayost@kiskipby.org
Day 2: Morning Worship
Day 3: Committees and Worship
Day
4: Committees Finish Their Work
Day 5:
The Assembly Reconvenes
