The Committee on Christian Education and Publishing, the Committee on which Kent was vice-moderator, reported this morning. The most controversial piece of business from this Committee was in relationship to Overture 38 which calls for the development of resources for outreach to those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender members. The Committee moved approval of this Overture, with modifications. An attempt to amend the motion to insert the requirement that the resources conform to the Constitutional and Confession standards of the PC(USA) failed on the vote of the commissioners with a 55% - 45% negative vote. An amendment passed to insert the requirement that Scripture and our Confession be consulted. The amended motion passed on an 82% vote of the commissioners. Later in the day it was discovered that the financial implications of the action to require revisions in the sexuality curriculum ready for the 214^th GA would cost $663,003. Therefore, the Assembly voted to reconsider its previous action. After hearing the details of the increased cost and after considerable discussion, the Assembly voted to slow the process and thereby decreasing the costs.

On a second matter coming from this Committee, the inclusion of specific information regarding abstinence to the sexuality materials, there was again considerable discussion.

The Committee on Theological Issues was the next Committee with issues of deep discussion. The Committee recommended disapproval on an Overture calling for a special committee to study, again, the issue of abortion "Explicating the Biblical Witness in a Manner Faithful to the Scriptures and Consistent with the Confessional Standards." The same "old" arguments were offered and appealed to. The Commissioners voted by 78% NOT to establish such a study committee.

The Theological Issues Committees recommenced that the Beaver-Butler "Irreconcilable Impasse" overture not be approved. There was an effort to amend the motion to have the presbyteries include in their Unity and Diversity conference the issues identified in the Beaver-Butler Overture. The amendment failed by 68% vote. The recommendation of the Committee was approved by an 85% vote. The Assembly recognizes our differences, but is NOT ready to declare "irreconcilable impasse."

I have been impressed with the demeanor of our Stated Clerk, Cliff Kirkpatrick. His guidance of the Moderator and answering of questions from the floor is always thorough, gentle and clear. Our Moderator, also, has shown grace and humor. Gentleness and humor go a long way in reducing the tension when dealing with sensitive and emotionally laden issues.

This evening the Assembly got hung up on an proposed change to the General Assembly procedures which would prohibit organized or spontaneous demonstrated. Some called for the possibility of allowing demonstrations and some who want a strict prohibition on demonstrations. Currently, the Moderator has the authority to permit or prohibit demonstrations. The Assembly voted to declare demonstrations out of order and the moderator may recess the Assembly if the demonstration persists.

So far today, the Assembly is moving in a steady (pedantic) and unexcited manner. Yes, there has been some lively discussion, but it has been almost boringly uneventful. Even within myself I find it strange that "boringly uneventful" as bad. Of course, we have not yet dealt with the overtures seeking to prohibit the use of church facilities and the participation of church officers in the blessing of same sex unions. At the current pace of the Assembly Friday could be a very long day, or would that be a very long night? Interestingly, a motion was made to extend the docket for this evening to 10:30. The Commissioners voted 256 yes to 262 no. That’s how things are going.