The Assembly reconvened at 8:00 a.m. to resumed its business.
Review of Presbytery Records
The Assembly convened with the report from the Committee for the Review of Presbytery Records. The Assembly approved in omnibus seven General Recommendations and the recommendations that were unanimously recommended by RPR. The Assembly then approved in omnibus the recommendations that received only a few “no” votes in the RPR committee, except for those concerning the minutes of Covenant and Ohio Valley presbyteries. The Assembly then approved in omnibus the remaining recommendations of RPR, except for those concerning Grace, Pacific Northwest, and Eastern Canada presbyteries, and those with minority reports.
Minority Report 1: Last year, the Assembly cited Nashville Presbytery with an exception of substance for dismissing a minister who was transferred to the Episcopal Church. The presbytery responded by explaining their decision and points of disagreement with the Assembly. RPR is recommending that the Assembly find this response unsatisfactory. A minority report was presented arguing that the presbytery’s response be found satisfactory. The Assembly adopted and approved the minority report.
Minority Report 2: RPR recommended that the Assembly cite Pacific Presbytery with an exception of substance for erring in not judging a stated difference with the Westminster Standards to be hostile to the system of doctrine. A minority report was presented, encouraging the Assembly to vote against the committee’s recommendation. The Assembly adopted and approved RPR’s recommendation to cite Pacific Presbytery with an exception of substance.
RPR’s recommendations on Eastern Canada, Covenant, Grace, Ohio Valley, and Pacific Northwest presbyteries were approved.
Informational and Committee of Commissioners Reports
The Interchurch Relations Committee presented its report.The Assembly approved establishing corresponding relationships with the International Presbyterian Church and Reformed Presbyterian Church of Central and Eastern Europe. The Assembly approved establishing fraternal relationships with the Free Church of Scotland and Westminster Presbyterian Church in Australia. Fraternal delegates were recognized and Chad Van Dixhoorn from the Orthodox Presbyterian Church addressed the Assembly.
Ridge Haven presented its report to the Assembly. The Assembly approved all recommendations presented.
Mission to the World presented its report to the Assembly. The Assembly approved all recommendations from the committee.
Geneva Benefits Group presented its report to the Assembly. The Assembly approved all recommendations from the committee.
Christian Nationalism Partial Report
The Ad Interim Committee on Christian Nationalism presented its partial report, given by committee chair David Strain. The Assembly approved its recommendation to make its report widely available. Read the committee’s partial report here.
Informational and Committee of Commissioners Reports, Continued
The Committee on Discipleship Ministries presented its report to the Assembly. The Assembly approved all recommendations from the committee.
The PCA Foundation presented its report to the Assembly. The Assembly approved all recommendations from the committee.
Mission to North America presented its report to the Assembly. The Assembly approved all recommendations from the committee.
Covenant College presented its report to the Assembly. The Assembly approved all recommendations from the committee.
The Standing Judicial Commission presented its report. The SJC ruled on 29 cases with 20 more cases pending or in process.
Covenant Theological Seminary presented its report to the Assembly. The Assembly approved all recommendations from the committee, with Item 9 being declared moot by reference to previous action. The seminary announced the addition of Dr. Cameron Clausing to its faculty.
The Assembly recessed with a worship service to follow at 4:45 p.m. The docket of business is scheduled to resume tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m.