The stream ran dry again. No blogging for over a month. Time for a few more drips and drops in the hopes that our authors will return to Drink Upstream. Here is my contribution:
There is always excitement on and off Broadway when an older production returns with new numbers, a new cast, or (greatest of all) an entirely new interpretation. Fiddler on the Roof had a triumphal re-entry into the musical world in 2004, complete with a couple new songs written by the original lyricists. Perennially, new interpretations of Shakespeare will crop up wherein brass and chorus accompany Richard III, Lear has no fool to lampoon him, or Julius Caesar wears a coat and tie to his own assassination. All it takes is the word "Revival" or "Reinterpretation", and the critics start their buzz.
The old Should Gays and Lesbians Be Ordained? is finishing up its run this year with a clear defeat for Overture 08-B (which would amend G-6.0106b), but it is worth noting that some presbyteries have taken matters of re-interpretation into their own hands and tried something new. From the "Minutes in Brief" of the Presbytery of Philadelphia comes this description of a new attempt to enliven the weary and awaken the benumbed.
The Rev. Mr. Daniel Clark presented The Bills and Overtures report recommending that the Presbytery concur with all Overtures [except 08-B to be voted later in the docket]. After explaining each recommendation, the Presbytery voted to concur with all overtures from the 218th General Assembly. The vote was done by written ballot.
The Presbytery began Worship after which the Presbytery recessed for lunch. After lunch the Presbytery reconvened in the gymnasium in small groups to discuss outcomes of the possible votes on Overture 08-B. Following this opportunity for reflection, the Presbytery gathered in the sanctuary, heard the recommendation of Bills and Overtures to concur with 08-B, and had an hour of discussion and debate specifically regarding 08-B. The Rev. Spencer led the Presbytery in prayer and then called for the vote by written ballot. The Presbytery voted [152 to 139] to concur with Overture 08-B on Ordination Standards.
Small groups? Discussion? An hour given simply to 08-B? The critics should be abuzz.
Now, I am aware that many presbyteries have tried similar methods. However, it is notable that for the Presbytery of Philadelphia this vote represents a change from that of 2001 (Overture 01-A, defeated nationally and in Philly). Discussion, debate, and face-to-face interaction--did these things change minds? Maybe not. Could members of that Presbytery be galvanized into their opinions? Possibly. But from these notes, fear seems to have taken a backseat for just a little while. Whether they had approved or disapproved in the final vote, the Presbytery of Philadelphia is looking for new ways to listen--to each other and to the Holy Spirit. Other presbyteries, take note. If the nation's first presbytery can seek a new variation on an older theme, we all can. And should.
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