Photos: Theological Task Force at the PC(USA) General Assembly

By Vivian S. Park

The opening worship service of the 216th Presbyterian Church (USA) General Assembly was held yesterday, June 27, in the presence of 8000 members and 25 commissioners’ resolutions were sent to Assembly committees that night by Committee on Bills and Overtures.

Among the 25, there were four resolutions that addressed the issues relating to theology and education.

One of the four resolutions is on “Basic Education” by Committee on International Issues and the other three resolutions that are proposed by Committee on Theological Issues and Institutions include:

1. “Regarding the Presbyterian Church (USA) Developing an Outline Commentary to the Bible,”

2. “Regarding the Presbyterian Church (USA) Call for Presbyterians to Lead a Simpler Life,” and

3. “On Celebrating the ‘Social Creed' of the Churches and Considering a 21st Century Social Creed”

According to PC(USA), the Committee on Theological Issues and Institutions is scheduled to receive the preliminary report of the Theological Task Force on the Peace, Unity and Purity of the Church at the assembly. The committee also will consider an overture from the Presbytery of John Calvin that would change parts of the Book of Order to more clearly define the “essential tenets” of the Reformed faith; receive the report of the Trinity Work Group on the proper language for Reformed Christians to use in talking about the Trinity; and study the feasibility of creating a new Presbyterian hymnal.

Meanwhile, TTF viewed the video of a condensed version of a presentation on Christology prepared by Mark Achtemeier, a professor at Dubuque Theological Seminary, during the Pre-Assembly Conference.

Jean S. “Jenny” Stoner, TTF co-moderator, who introduced the video, said the video, presented in three segments, would normally be shown one segment at a time, with an hour allowed after each for small-group discussions. After each of the first two segments, Frances Taylor Gench, a TTF member and a professor at Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education (Union-PSCE), led five observers in discussion, modeling a small-group dynamic in which each participant is given an opportunity to ask questions.

Stoner encouraged the crowd of 125 viewers to make use of the new resource.

“This is not a report to be filed, but used as an interactive resource,” she said. “Use it, and use it widely. Join us in striving to discern where God is leading us as the Presbyterian Church (USA).”

The General Assembly, which started on Saturday, June 26, with its Pre-Assembly Conference, will continue until Saturday, July 3.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories