Well, today certainly has been one of compassion and passion from the prayers to the music to the debates. The day began with a request to reconsider the actions of last evening to reopen debate around Civil Unions and Christian Marriage. The Assembly did not approve the motion to reconsider and went on.
The day was filled with quick motion on many items. Consent agendas were used widely to combine certain committee actions.
The Assembly overwhelmingly adopted the amended report on the Middle East as the amended report was much more balanced than the original document.
A significant debate took place over the recommendations pertaining to the Board of Pensions. The commissioners approved a request to urge the Board of Pensions to provide coverage for members, same-sex partners and children. This only pertains to any non-ordained persons. This extended coverage will result in an increase in Board of Pension dues by all persons of no more than 1% beginning in 2012. The Assembly also approved item 18-12: "The 219th General Assembly (2010) urges the Board of Pensions to develop a plan to ensure that funds from any Relief of Conscience churches do not go to fund abortions through any avenue." Of particular import is the use of the word "urge". The General Assembly lacks the authority to "instruct" the Board of Pensions, so the use of "urge" is the strongest term possible. The Board of Pensions has responded quickly when urged in the past and assured the Assembly that they will respond in this case.
The Assembly heard and acted on a report from the Committee on Polity, committee 05. To read this committee's actions and any other committees' actions, log on to pc-biz.

'til later.....