REPORT OF THE STATED CLERK December 3, 2009 Items for Information 1. Correspondence During the reported period since the last regularly stated Presbytery meeting, correspondence that was received was responded to and/or appropriately routed for review and response in due course. 2. Change in Location of the February 4, 2010 Presbytery Meeting: Unity United Presbyterian Church Please note that the location of the February 4, 2010 meeting of the Presbytery has been changed to Unity United Presbyterian Church. We appreciate that congregation s willingness to host us, and we look forward to gathering there. 3. A Comment about The Rev. Shanea Leonard v. Bidwell Street United Presbyterian Church Remedial Case Almost all of the ministers in our Presbytery deal everyday with the sometimes heavy burden of carrying parishioner confidences. They know of broken homes, end of life issues, family crises. We have come to understand that as ministers we are expected to carry such pieces of information in confidence, since we are privy to information that is not to be bandied about or discussed. Likewise, many elders in the Presbytery who may serve on pastor search committees, personnel committees, nominating or finance committees, regularly deal with information that is particularly sensitive to the parishioners whom they serve, and we have come rely on the discretion of our elders to maintain in confidence information of which they become aware. The stated clerk of a presbytery acts as a clerk of court of a presbytery s permanent judicial commission. In that function the stated clerk responds to questions from and provides assistance to the parties, and advises the parties and the permanent judicial commission on process. While performing those tasks the stated clerk will see, read and handle complaints, answers, evidence, motions, and so forth, and has necessary access to information about people s lives, problems, allegations, plans and hopes. Like ministers and elders in other service, the stated clerk has a personal and professional obligation to maintain the confidences to which he or she may have had access in a proceeding, and the stated clerk is permitted to disclose information, if at all, only within very narrow paths. In the Rev. Shanea Leonard v. Bidwell Street United Presbyterian Church remedial case this Stated Clerk in October, 2009 processed an Opinion of the Presbytery s Permanent Judicial Commission from the Commission to the Presbytery, but did not otherwise have discretion to add information about the case or the underlying circumstances out of which the matter may have arisen. To have done so could rightly be recognized as a breach of professional confidence. Yet, at the October 15, 2009 meeting of the Pittsburgh Presbytery the Stated Clerk was directed by the Presbytery to obtain additional information about Leonard v. Bidwell Street, and to present such additional information to the Presbytery at its December 3, 2009 meeting. I was in contact with the remedial case parties and the permanent judicial commission after the
October Presbytery meeting. None wished to provide further information. Thus, I will be grateful for you to accept the following. In the Leonard v. Bidwell matter the Pittsburgh Presbytery provided, through its Permanent Judicial Commission, a platform under the Rules of Discipline upon which a dispute between these parties could be aired and, hopefully, resolved. The Presbytery was not a party to the matter, and had no direct interest in its outcome. In the parties initial discussions with officer representatives of the Permanent Judicial Commission, the possibility was discerned that the issues between them might be subject to amicable resolution short of convening a remedial trial. The parties selected a mediator to assist them in arriving at a mutually agreeable settlement, and indeed an agreement was reached. The parties were able to negotiate openly and frankly to reach a settlement agreement, in large part because they had a reasonable expectation that the nature of the matters between them, and the specific provisions of any settlement agreement, would be maintained in confidence. The Permanent Judicial Commission confirmed that a settlement agreement had been reached by the parties, and respected the reasonable understanding the parties had that the circumstances out of which their former dispute arose were mooted by the settlement agreement. Our PJC s approach was in compliance with the authoritative opinion on the constitution concerning privately negotiated settlements which was just adopted by the last General Assembly (218 th, 2008). [Rules of Discipline, D-6.0310] That guidance reads, in part: Prior to or during trial, the parties may enter into a private resolution of a remedial case and advise the permanent judicial commission before which it is pending that the complaint is being withdrawn. The notice of withdrawal may, but need not, notify the permanent judicial commission of the terms of the settlement agreement between the parties. Such a withdrawal of the complaint terminates the remedial case without decision of the permanent judicial commission. The Preamble to the Rules of Discipline confirms that among the purposes of the judicial process is the intent to restore the unity of the church by removing the causes of discord and division; and to secure the just, speedy, and economical determination of proceedings. In all respects, all participants are to be accorded procedural safeguards and due process, and it is the intention of these rules so to provide. [D-1.0101] Pittsburgh Presbytery can rightly celebrate that the dispute resolution process which was extended to the parties by its Permanent Judicial Commission enabled the parties to accomplish these very ends. As Stated Clerk I ve nothing else that I am able to report to the Presbytery. jwl 12/3/09
4. 2009 Committee on Representation Report Please note the Report for 2009 of the Presbytery s Committee on Representation which follows this Stated Clerk s Report. Items for Action 1. Consent Motions The Stated Clerk recommends the following items be approved by consent: #2, 3. *2. New Church Development Commission Class Appointments The following persons are appointed for additional terms on the New Church Development Commission, in the Class of 2012: Mark Whitsel (Minister, Union Presbyterian) Class of 2012 B Jeff Eddings (Minister, Hot Metal Bridge) Class of 2012 B *3. Ecclesiastical Administrative Commissions to Ordain, Install or Receive to Ordain Michael Beckstrom Beckstrom The Administrative Commission elected by Pittsburgh Presbytery on October 15, 2009 to ordain Michael Beckstrom as minister of the word and sacrament, consisting of the Moderator Rev. Donald Ewing or his designee to moderate: the Reverends Robert Maravalli and Lowell Meek together with Elders Kevin Fritz of the Round Hill Presbyterian Church and Bruce Tennenbaum of the Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church, met by appointment on November 8, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church. There being a quorum present, the Commission was convened with prayer by Rev. Karl McDpnald. All things being prepared in advance, decently and in order, the Commission approved the Service of Ordination and voted to proceed to ordain Michael Beckstrom as a minister of the word and sacrament according to the direction of Presbytery and the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The Commission moved to the Sanctuary at 2:30 p.m. and ordained Michael Beckstrom as a minister of the word and sacrament. Rev. Karl McDonald asked the questions (Form of Government, Chapter XIV, Section 4, 14.0305), which he answered in the affirmative. The Sermon was delivered by Rev. Lowell Meek. Rev. Robert Maravalli offered the prayer of ordination. The Minutes of the Commission were read and approved. Upon motion duly made, the Commission moved to adjourn at the conclusion of the Service of Ordination with the pronouncement of Benediction by the Rev. Michael Beckstrom. to Install the Reverend Alice Fisler Fisler The Ecclesiastical Administrative Commission elected by Pittsburgh Presbytery on October 15, 2009 to install the Rev. Alice Fisler as Pastor of the Bethesda United Presbyterian Church, Elizabeth, consisting of Elder David Green to moderate, the Revs. James Davison, Betty Angelini and August Thalman; together with Elders Sharon Stewart of the Pleasant Hills Community Presbyterian Church and Rebecca Shaw McHolme of the Bethesda United Presbyterian Church met by appointment on November 15, 2009 in plenty of time, at 10:35 a.m. at the Bethesda United Presbyterian Church.. There being a quorum present, the Commission was convened with prayer by Elder David Green. All things being prepared in advance, decently and in order, the Commission approved the Service of installation and voted to proceed to the installation of the Rev. Alice Fisler to the direction of Presbytery
and the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The Commission moved to the Sanctuary at 11:00 a.m. and installed the Rev. Alice Fisler as Pastor. Elder David Green asked the constitutional questions (Forms of Government, Chapter XIV. Section 4, 14.0405), which the candidate answered in the affirmative. The Sermon was delivered by Rev. August Thalman. Elder David Green offered the prayer of installation. Elder Rebecca Shaw-McHolme asked the constitutional questions to the congregation, which were answered in the affirmative. (Form of Government, Chapter XIV, Section 4, 14.0510.) The Minutes of the Commission were read and approved. Upon motion duly made, Elder Sharon Stewart moved to adjourn at the conclusion of the Service of Installation with the pronouncement of Benediction by the Rev. Alice Fisler. to Install the Reverend Sung Hee Lee Lee The Ecclesiastical Administrative Commission elected by Pittsburgh Presbytery on September 3, 2009 to install the Rev. Sung Hee Lee as Pastor of the Korean United Presbyterian Church, consisting of Rev. Karl McDonald or his designee to moderate, the Revs. Linda Ruby and Sarina Meyer; together with Elders Clifford Campbell of the Northmont United Presbyterian Church, and Sean Choi of the Korean United Presbyterian Church. met by appointment on September 13, 2009 at 1:30 p,m. at the Korean United Presbyterian Church.. There being a quorum present, the Commission was convened with prayer by Rev. Karl McDonald. All things being prepared in advance, decently and in order, the Commission approved the Service of installation and voted to proceed to the installation of the Rev. Sung Hee Lee to the direction of Presbytery and the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The Commission moved to the Sanctuary at 2:00 p.m. and installed the Rev. Sung Hee Lee as Pastor. Rev. Karl McDonald asked the constitutional questions (Forms of Government, Chapter XIV. Section 4, 14.0405), which the candidate answered in the affirmative. The Sermon was delivered by Rev. Larry Ruby. Rev. Karl McDonald offered the prayer of installation. Rev. Karl McDonald asked the constitutional questions to the congregation, which were answered in the affirmative. (Form of Government, Chapter XIV, Section 4, 14.0510.) The Minutes of the Commission were read and approved. Upon motion duly made, the Commission moved to adjourn at the conclusion of the Service of Installation with the pronouncement of Benediction by the Rev. Sung Hee Lee. to Ordain Michael Ludwig Ludwig The Administrative Commission elected by Pittsburgh Presbytery on October 15, 2009 to ordain Michael Ludwig as a minister of the word and sacrament, consisting of the Rev. Donald Dawson to moderate: the Reverends Stephen Wilson and Brad Walters together with Elders Ginny Dawson of the Hampton United Presbyterian Church and Jack Kells of the Oakmont Presbyterian Church met by appointment on November 1, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. at the Oakmont Presbyterian Church. There being a quorum present, the Commission was convened with prayer by Rev. Donald Dawson. All things being prepared in advance, decently and in order, the Commission approved the Service of Ordination and voted to proceed to ordain Michael Ludwig as a minister of the word and sacrament according to the direction of Presbytery and the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The Commission moved to the Sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. and ordained Michael Ludwig as a minister of the word and sacrament. Rev. Donald Dawson asked the questions (Form of Government, Chapter XIV, Section 4, 14.0305), which he answered in the affirmative. The Sermon was delivered by Rev. Scott Sunquist. Rev. Donald Dawson offered the prayer of ordination. The Minutes of the Commission were read and approved. Upon motion duly made, the Commission moved to adjourn at the conclusion of the Service of Ordination with the pronouncement of Benediction by the Rev. Michael Ludwig.
Committee on Representation 2009 Report to Pittsburgh Presbytery The Committee on Representation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is called to seek representation for everyone equally in God s image. Persons of all racial ethnic groups, different ages, both sexes, various disabilities, diverse geographic areas, different theological positions consistent with the Reformed tradition, and different marital conditions shall participate fully in the decision making of the church. (Book of Order, G-4.0403) The COR of Pittsburgh Presbytery had six members this year: Rev. Cynthia Jackson, Rev. Stephens Lytch, Elder Crystal Hall, Elder David Perkins, Youth- Cherie Sheppard and Kevin Carter. In addition, COR welcomed Elder David Harding as an advisor. COR met eight times and provided an information table at three presbytery meetings. Due to vacancy or resignation, COR needs to fill these positions: Racial/Ethnic Male, Male and Female Youth for 2010. COR is mandated to ADVISE, ADVOCATE, CONSULT, REVIEW, REPORT, and RECOMMEND The following actions identify the ministry of COR for 2009: * indicates future actions for 2010 ADVISE - COR obtained training materials from General Assembly to use as resources for the work of the presbytery. COR watched the DVD Motivated By Gospel, Not By Law and discussed the Study Guide. Information tables at presbytery meetings displayed these resources with an opportunity for borrowing/sharing. COR offered information sheets regarding Multicultural Resources available to churches. ADVOCATE - COR invited Elder Dave Harding to advise us regarding accessibility and inclusivity of persons with disabilities. Rev. Cynthia Jackson attended Called to Welcome at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary to learn how Pittsburgh Presbytery can get beyond welcoming and engage everyone s gifts. Rev. Sue Montgomery, Pastor Nickelville PC, Emlenton, PA offers insight and practical suggestions for churches wanting to expand their inclusivity. CONSULT - COR met with the Nominating Committee to share our resources and to learn how COR can best support their ministry. COR invited Elder Vera White to discuss the COM so that we would be better informed about the expectations and responsibilities for service. COR also learned of the expectations and responsibilities for service on Council and Committee on Preparation for Ministry. * In 2010 COR will host conversations with elders at racial ethnic congregations to seek persons with the gifts and an understanding of the responsibilities for service on Council, CPM, and COM. These names will be offered to the Nominating Committee. REVIEW - COR has reviewed the statistical information from 2007 and 2008 regarding the churches of Pittsburgh Presbytery. COR is collecting the statistical data of the diversity on the committees we are to review. REPORT - COR will invite congregations to explore ways of becoming more inclusive and welcoming. COR recognizes the churches which are becoming multicultural and growing in diversity. *COR will invite multicultural congregations to share how they welcome and celebrate diversity at a conference hour for a presbytery meeting in 2010.
RECOMMEND - COR organized a conversation with Rev. Raafat Girgis, PCUSA Associate for Multicultural Ministries, in which he shared how we might Grow Christ s Church Deep and Wide. Raafat is the author of Living the Vision: Becoming A Multicultural Church. *COR would like to partner with others in Pittsburgh Presbytery to bring Rev. Raafat Girgis to Pittsburgh Presbytery in 2010 to preach and do workshops. COR believes his presence can help us to identify corrective actions and to implement changes that will accelerate progress. * COR sent the following recommendation to the Business Office of the Presbytery. The Committee on Representation recommends that the Pittsburgh Presbytery consider taking bids on the installation of an automated door opening system for total accessibility to the Presbytery office building. In the interim while bids are being sought, a door buzzer system could notify the receptionist that someone needs assistance entering the building. Elder David Harding and the property Committee of Riverview PC have experience with this kind of system. Respectfully submitted, Rev. Cynthia I. Jackson, Moderator of COR December 3, 2009