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On July 1, history was made as Rev. Jihyun Oh was elected to serve as the Stated Clerk of the denomination, making her the first woman and first woman of color elected to this high-ranking position. She was installed as Stated Clerk at the Assembly immediately after being elected and began her service as Stated Clerk on Aug. 1.
ITEMS REQUIRING APPROVAL OF THE MAJORITY OF PRESBYTERIES
Expanding the church’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, the Assembly recommended two changes to the Book of Order, to be voted on separately. Amending F-1.0403 “Unity in Diversity” to add “gender identity” and “sexual orientation” to the list of protected classes guaranteed full inclusion and participation in the church. Amending G-2.0104b with, “the principles of participation and representation found in F-1.0403” added to the list of topics candidates for ordained office would be asked to consider when determining fitness of call.
Other changes for consideration include addressing paid administrative leave, expanding the definition of “congregation” to incorporate “worshiping communities”, adding “adults with vulnerabilities” to protection policies, updates on how to respond to minor or vulnerable-adult abuse, adding tweaks to temporary pastoral relationships timelines, as well as a prohibition on the use of Non-Disclosure Agreements.
IN RESPONSE TO ONGOING CONCERNS REGARDING CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES
The Assembly approved a statement denouncing antisemitism and Islamophobia to be used as a study document distributed to all churches and mid-councils, encouraging a time of study and reflection.
The Assembly voted to reject Christian Zionism in all forms and to expand its 2004 policy on the understanding of Christian Zionism, issuing a study document.
In response to the ongoing climate crisis, the Assembly voted to direct the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Committee on Mission Responsibility Through Investment (MRTI) to immediately identify and divest from the top 10 fossil fuel companies that derive most of their profits from the exploration, development, and production of fossil fuel. They directed MRTI to continue engagement with companies on the “Climate Action 100+” list and report back updates to the 227th Assembly.
In a rare moment of widespread consensus, the Assembly overwhelmingly passed a call to action on gun violence. Congregations are urged to take intentional action to protect children from gun violence.
Regarding prison reform, the Assembly called Presbyterians to contact elected officials at all levels, advocating for ending the use of prolonged solitary confinement in our penal system and the use of prisoners for unpaid labor.
The Assembly approved the addition of “Transgender Day of Visibility” on March 31 to the Presbyterian Planning Calendar.
UPDATES TO THE WORK OF THE WIDER PC(USA)
The Assembly called for a group of mid-council leaders to work with the Board of Pension to explore adjustments to be made to medical dues plans for pastors and spouse or families.
A resolution was passed to support the ongoing inclusion of Latino-a-é ministry within the church. This includes ways to reimagine and expand such ministries, including a discernment gathering in 2026 to find new avenues to support Latino-a-é leaders and congregations along with funds to support the implementation of these ideas.
Reflecting upon the recommendations from Special Offerings Task Force, the Assembly approved a recommendation taking the PC(USA) Special Offerings from four down to three. In withdrawing the Pentecost offering, they have shifted its supported ministries into a reconfigured Christmas Joy Offering while also updating the “World Communion Offering” receipts to go back to the denomination in support of congregational ministry grants.
Five of our Presbyterian seminaries confirmed new presidents, a harbinger of a new season for theological education in the PC(USA).
For more information on any of these items or other actions of the GA, please visit
ga-pcusa.org or pres-outlook.org.
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