796th STATED MEETING

OF THE

PRESBYTERY OF BALTIMORE

Bethel Thursday, March 21, 2002

Jarrettsville, Maryland 1 P.M.

noon Registration and Reading of White Books

1:00 Call to Order William Starke

Roll Call

Introduction of new ministers, elders, and visitors

1:05 Welcome by Host Pastor Bruce Barstow

1:10 Report of the Stated Clerk, pp 3-4 Charles Forbes

Approval of Docket (New Business is due to the Stated Clerk by 2:30 pm)

Consent Motion, pp 2-3

1:15 Worship George Demass

Rev. Chang Ho Kim preaching

2:00 Committee on Ministry, p 4 Tom Speers

Retirement of Harry Holfelder

2:15 Council, pp 4-5 Peg Ferguson

2:40 Global Mission Committee Stephanie Spangler

2:45 Presbytery Experience in Discussing Controversial Issues

(Deep Listening)

3:30 Report of the Stated Clerk, Continued

Proposed Constitutional Amendments

3:40 Committee on Peace and Justice, pp 5-8 Bill Turner

4:05 Committee on Youth, pp 8-9 Adrienne Knight

4:10 Committee on Stewardship and Mission Interpretation Joan Berry

4:20 Committee on Evangelism and Church Growth Terry Schoener

4:30 Committee on Preparation for Ministry, pp 9-10 Millie Kreider

4:50 New Business

4:55 Adjournment

The Consent Motion consists of actions not considered to be controversial, nor likely to require explanation or discussion. They will be voted on as one motion made by the Stated Clerk. Members and Commissioners may request the removal of any item from the Consent Motion by contacting the Stated Clerk prior to the meeting or so requesting when the Motion is made. In items involving an election, making nominations from the floor always requires that the item be removed from the Consent Motion. Removed items will be considered at the report time of the agency presenting the motion.

From the Stated Clerk:

1. THAT the Minutes of the 795th Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Baltimore, January 24, 2002, be approved as appended to this White Book.

2. THAT the Administrative Commission appointed by the Committee on Ministry to install the Rev. Stephen J. Tisinger as Pastor of Christ Our Anchor Presbyterian Church--consisting of Ministers Tom Speers, Tim Stern, and LeAnn Hodges; Elders William Starke (Good Shepherd), Chair, Janet Bradley (Christ Memorial), Charles Rowell (Christ Our Anchor) and Pat Byerly (Maryland); and Corresponding Members Revs. Brett Morgan, Win Shaw, Corinne Baker, Rob McClure (Presbytery of Seattle), and Don Lincoln (Donegal Presbytery), and Elder Peter Archibald (Christ Our Anchor)--be dismissed in that Rev. Tisinger answered the constitutional questions in the affirmative and was duly installed by the Commission on January 27, 2002.

From the Council:

3. THAT the June Presbytery meeting be moved from Grace to Hope Presbyterian Church, because of a schedule conflict with the National Black Presbyterian Caucus.

4. THAT the following Presbytery meeting schedule for 2002-2003 be approved:

September 26, 2002 Perry Halll 4:00 p.m. Dinner

November 21, 2002 Towson 1:00 p.m.

January 23, 2003 Roland Park 1:00 p.m.

March 27, 2003 Catonsville 1:00 p.m.

April 24, 2003 If needed

June 19, 2003 Grace 4:00 p.m. Dinner

From the Committee on Ministry:

5. THAT Presbytery approve Frederick Presbyterian Church's election of their former Pastor, the Rev. Donald Bracken, as Pastor Emeritus.

6. THAT Presbytery approve Hamilton Presbyterian Church's election of their former Pastor, the Rev. Charles Gyle, as Pastor Emeritus.

From the Nominating Committee:

7. THAT Presbytery elect the following persons as Commissioners to the 2002 meeting of the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic: Rev. Keith O. Paige, Rev. Joseph Condro, Elder Howard Jackson, and Elder Barbara Pour. These persons served as Commissioners to the 2001 Meeting and are being renominated at the request of the Synod. The Synod has requested that this year's commissioners be the same as last, as they have the necessary background to deal with the major report on the role of the Synod which will come from the Synod Review Task Force.

8. THAT Presbytery elect Janice Trammell-Savin (L,F), First and Franklin, to the Committee on Mission, Class of 2002.

9. REPORTS

A. Necrology

Elder William Adkins, ordained in 1987 by Hope Presbyterian Church, died on February 4, 2002.

B. Resignations

Nadine Merkle from Preparation for Ministry

C. Communications

The Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Barton has delivered to the Stated Clerk a copy of a Session Resolution which is consistent with the present call for confessing churches and which calls on the Presbytery not to ordain any person not willing to affirm this confession. The full resolution may be read at the Stated Clerk's desk.

10. THAT the Docket be approved as printed with any changes noted by the Moderator or Stated Clerk.

11. THAT the Consent Motion be adopted.

12. Proposed Amendments to the Constitution

[Note: One Amendment Book has been sent to each church with the White Book mailing. They are also available from the Presbytery Office and will be at the registration table.]

The Stated Clerk of the General Assembly has sent to each Presbytery recommended Amendments to the Book of Order for the Presbytery's affirmative (YES) or negative (NO) votes. The Amendments are listed in the chart below. Committee and Council recommendations are shown. All will be voted on at this meeting, except A, which was voted on in September. Those which the Stated Clerk believes not to be controversial, and on which the recommending committee and Council agree on a "YES" recommendation have been listed for "Consent." Those will be voted on first as a group, after all members have an opportunity to remove any from the Consent listing. Then all others will be voted on in order. Voting "Yes" means you favor this change in the Constitution; you are advised by the recommendations shown, but you are voting on the amendment not on the recommendation.

13. REPORTS

A. Acting on behalf of Presbytery because the effective date was before the next Presbytery meeting, the Committee concurred in the call of the Chestnut Grove Presbyterian Church to the Rev. Kenneth Ironside and requested his transfer from Pittsburgh Presbytery. His terms of call will be reported in a White Book Addendum.

B. The Committee has appointed the following Session Moderators:

Alison Halsey to Brown Memorial Park Avenue

Robert Van Ingen to Mount Paran

14. THAT the Presbytery receive for first reading the papers titled "Baltimore Commissioned Lay Pastor Program" which will be available on the registration table. Those portions of the program that require adoption by the Presbytery (Manual amendments and Standing Rule) will be presented for adoption in June. Comments should be forwarded to the Committee on Ministry. The Committee on Preparation for Ministry joins in presenting this program to the Presbytery.

15. HONORING the Honorable Retirement of the Rev. Harry Holfelder.

16. REPORTS that upon recommendation of the Peace and Justice Committee, the Council acted on behalf of the Presbytery to authorize the Peace and Justice Committee to oppose the proposed privatization of Care First/Blue Cross Blue Shield. Critical decisions in this legislation are scheduled for the week of March 11-15, 2002, and delay in this action until the Presbytery meeting on March 21 would make the Presbytery's advocacy on this issue impossible.

BACKGROUND: This position is generally consistent with positions taken by both the General Assembly and the Presbytery regarding health care; however, there is no specific policy base that would authorize the Peace and Justice Committee to argue for this position without authorization by the Presbytery or the Council on behalf of the Presbytery. Background materials were provided in Council handouts and will be available at the Presbytery meeting.

17. REPORTS

A. Council received and approved a recommendation from the Personnel Committee to extend the contract of the Interim Executive Presbyter, Phil Sorensen, until June 2003 (one additional year), with a provision that the Presbytery will provide Rev. Sorensen ninety days notice/salary for cancellation, and the Rev. Sorensen will provide the Presbytery 30 days notice before termination of his services.

B. Council endorsed a proposed summer program for disadvantaged youth at Rising Phoenix Retreat Center directed by the Rev. Margee Iddings. The Stated Clerk has a copy of the full proposal on file.

C. Council endorsed a proposal from George Demass--coming from our partner relationship with Dakota Presbytery--regarding pension dues for their members. Council authorized solicitation of funds within the Presbytery for a 5-year program of dues support.

D. Council concurred in the appointment by the Chair of Council of Rev. James G. Kirk to the Budget Committee, Class of 2003.

18. SOLICITS volunteers willing to provide an overnight stay for members of Presbytery committees who live in western Maryland and who prefer not to travel a long distance home following committee meetings (in particular, volunteers with homes conveniently located for the commute between the Presbytery Office and western Maryland). This responds to a suggestion from the Nominating Committee, based on conversations with potential committee members, that the availability of a place to stay overnight would make it easier for persons from western Maryland to accept committee assignments. Volunteer hosts are requested to provide information about their accommodations today at the registration table or by calling Dot Sanchez at the Presbytery Office, 410-433-2012.

19. THAT Presbytery concur in principle with Option 1 in the Report of the Chesapeake Center Task Force, and advise the Task Force to enter into further negotiations with the Synod and New Castle Presbytery to effect Option 1. A copy of the Report of the Task Force containing Option #1 is appended to this White Book, page 11.

20. THAT Presbytery establish a Property and Loan Commission by taking the actions listed in the paper "Actions Required to Establish a Property and Loan Task Force" (see pp. 12-16) -- namely, to adopt the Manual Amendments, Standing Rules, and Trustee By-Laws contained in the paper. The Board of Trustees joins in this recommendation.

21. REPORTS that it is responding to the referral from the last meeting of Presbytery regarding prayer and religion in the public schools by providing the members and churches of the Presbytery the document "Religion in Public Schools: A Joint Statement of Current Law" signed by numerous organizations involved with this issue, including the Washington Office of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This statement provides definitive guidance as to what role religion may play in the public schools under current law and judicial interpretation.

22. THAT Presbytery adopt the following Standing Rule:

The Peace and Justice Committee has the responsibility to "advocate peacemaking and social concerns positions adopted by the Presbytery or higher governing bodies." [Manual, VIII.12.k] In order to accomplish this the Presbytery has established in Annapolis a Presbytery Office for Public Policy and employed a Director for that Office to assist the Committee in carrying out its advocacy mission at the state level. All positions supported by the Presbytery, its officers and staff, and individuals speaking on behalf of the Presbytery at the request of the Peace and Justice Committee must be consistent with the public policy statements adopted by the Presbytery, Synod of the Mid-Atlantic, or the General Assembly. When positions adopted by the Presbytery are inconsistent with those of higher governing bodies, the positions of the Presbytery shall govern all advocacy done in the name of the Presbytery.

The Peace and Justice Committee will establish an Advocacy Subcommittee which will coordinate the advocacy efforts of the Presbytery. This Subcommittee is charged with ensuring that the advocacy positions of the Peace and Justice Committee are consistent with the positions taken by the Presbytery and higher governing bodies as described in the previous paragraph. The Stated Clerk will be an ex officio member of the advocacy committee.

In order to be faithful stewards of both human and financial resources, the Presbytery --usually through its Peace and Justice Committee--works with and as part of various coalitions, often interfaith or ecumenical, but also encompassing other non-profit and advocacy groups which advocate for the same positions as the Presbytery. The Presbytery recognizes that during the 90-day session of the Maryland Legislature, and in similar legislative situations at the county and local level, advocacy coalitions are created and adopt position statements in very short time periods, in response to the rapidly changing political situation in the legislature. The Peace and Justice Committee, acting through its Advocacy Subcommittee, is authorized to join advocacy coalitions and sign on to coalition advocacy position statements on behalf of the Presbytery when time does not permit action by the Presbytery. Such actions will be reported to the Presbytery at its next meeting. Further, at the first meeting following the close of each session of the Maryland General Assembly, the Peace and Justice Committee will seek the approval of the Presbytery before continuing to be active in advocacy coalitions.

23. THAT Presbytery overture the General Assembly as follows:

The Presbytery of Baltimore at its Stated Meeting March 21, 2002, overtures the 214th General Assembly the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to:

1. Authorize and encourage the General Assembly Council, through the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy, to undertake a study of "takings" in accordance with "Forming Social Policy" and, if appropriate, present to the General Assembly at a future meeting a proposed social witness policy statement regarding "takings." "Takings" is the concept that any governmental action that restricts the private property rights of the owner of real property and thereby decreases the value of the property requires compensation under the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution. Examples of such governmental actions are zoning, historic preservation regulations, and environmental laws and regulations.

2. Declare, pending the adoption of such a social witness policy statement, that the second paragraph of Commissioner Resolution 01-29, On the Klamath Basin Drought (213th General Assembly, 2001), which states that the General Assembly "Affirm[s] that the taking of water rights is taking private property and that just compensation is due" shall be construed only to apply to the specific water rights issues of the Klamath Valley Basin.

1. The issues of "takings" is of major import in the life of the nation, impacting on society's right to restrict the use of private property for the public good. Zoning, historic preservation, and environmental regulation are the most important examples of the conflict between private property rights and public welfare. There are no simple answers to the issues raised in the "takings" discussion: The church often concurs that government regulation support the common good and furthers positions supported by the church. At the same time, the church has often felt the restriction of government regulation as zoning and historic preservation regulations are sometimes used to restrict the church's mission.

2. Many opponents of government regulation, especially environmental regulation, have advocated for a broad interpretation of the concept of "takings" in order to render such regulation unenforceable. Since the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) through its Restoring Creation program often advocates for environmental legislation and regulation to protect God's creation, it has a serious interest in how the concept of "takings" is applied in this nation.

3. This Overture "authorizes" and "encourages" the development of a social witness policy statement on "takings." In this time of limited resources, the Presbytery of Baltimore wishes to raise the issue of "takings" but understands that whether such a study can in fact be accomplished in a timely manner requires a review of available church resources. Thus this Overture does not make such a study mandatory, nor does it specify a timeframe.

4. In 2001, responding to the real concerns of the Presbytery of the Cascades expressed by one of their Commissioners regarding the impact of drought in the Klamath Basin, the General Assembly adopted CR 01-29 which expressed support for the farmers and communities of the basin and made a general declaration regarding water rights and "takings." Without any comment on the situation in the Klamath Basin, the breadth of the statement about water rights in CR 01-29 has never been supported by an appropriate study of the issue of "takings" in regard to water rights or any other private property right. The second part of this Overture is to make it clear that the action of the General Assembly in 2001 applies only to the situation in the Klamath Basin, and that broader application of these principles must await the development of a general policy by the church.

24. THAT Presbytery overture the General Assembly as follows (A copy of the "Response to Referrals" to which this refers is appended to this White Book (pp. 17-18), and the background papers for that response will be at the registration table):

On Clarifying that the Response regarding Late-Term Abortions is Moral Guidance and not Public Policy.

The Presbytery of Baltimore at its Stated Meeting March 21, 2002, overtures the 214th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to incorporate the following paragraphs into the "Response to Referrals on Post-Viability and Late Term Abortion Issues" from the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy and the Advisory Committee on Litigation, if the General Assembly adopts the Response:

"The purpose of the 214th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in adopting this statement on Post-Viability and Late Term Abortions is to provide moral guidance to pastors, members, and congregations of the Presbyterian Church and to the community at large. In addition, this General Assembly seeks to heed the counsel of the 199th General Assembly (1987) which stated "there is also need for interpreting the position of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to support the laws which make abortion a safe and legal option and at the same time to provide for study, reflection, and guidance on the moral implications of abortion." [Minutes, I, 69, Para I.A.1.]

"Therefore, in adopting this moral guidance, the General Assembly again reaffirms its freedom of choice position in relation to reproductive rights, which was originally stated by the General Assembly of the UPCUSA in 1970: "the artificial or induced termination of pregnancy is a matter of the careful ethical decision of the patient, her physician, and her pastor or other counselor and therefore should not be restricted by law, except that it be performed under the direction and control of a properly licensed physician," [Minutes, I, 891, para 2.]; was reaffirmed in 1972 [Minutes I, 266, Para 15b]; was restated in new language in 1978 [Minutes, I, 67, Item EEE], 1979 [A reaffirmation of 1978, Minutes, I, 435], and 1983 [Minutes, I, 369, Policy Statement] which stated: "It is exactly this plurality of beliefs [of our members and those of other religions] that leads us to the conviction that the decision regarding abortion must remain with the individual, to be made on the basis of conscience and personal religious principles, free from government interference." These statements were most recently reaffirmed in 1995 [Minutes, I, 708, Overture 95-60, para 1]."

1. The first paragraph of the Response speaks both of the obligation of the church to be involved in public policy witness and to counsel its own members, pastors and congregations. This may have the effect of blurring the line between our denomination's consistent public policy witness in favor of the right of a woman to make her own legal choices regarding abortion, and the responsibility of the church to provide moral guidance. The church has consistently provided guidance that some abortions that are properly legal may also be immoral in the eyes of God. The Response seeks to clarify our moral teachings in regard to the difficult issues of late term abortions. It does not seek to change the PCUSA's continued affirmation of a woman's right to choose an abortion.

2. In providing moral guidance, the church has consistently remained steadfast in its affirmation of a woman's right to choose. In other words, it is a woman's legal right to disagree with and ignore the teachings of her church, and of any other church or religion. Affirming this, while at the same time clarifying our moral guidance, prevents any confusion as to the nature of the statement the church is now considering for adoption.

3. Since the adoption in 1997 of an expression of "grave moral concern" regarding the procedure intact dilation and extraction, the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly has expressed the opinion that the position of the church regarding a woman's right to choose a late term abortion is unclear, leading to his decision not to file an amicus brief in Stenberg v. Carhart challenging a Nebraska law that sought to make late term abortions criminal. However, it is clear that in 1997 the General Assembly was appropriately providing moral guidance and not altering its long standing support of a woman's right to choose. The addition of these additional paragraphs to this Response, if adopted, will prevent such confusion arising from this statement.

25. NOMINATES the following three persons as YAD (Youth Advisory Delegate) to the 214th General Assembly (Vote for one):

APRIL C. EAKIN, Hope Presbyterian Church

April states that she has the following to offer the General Assembly: a deep commitment to her faith; the experience of attending the 2001 Youth Triennium; an interest in helping others(plans to become a psychologist); experience with the ecumenical campus ministry at Ursinus College; and experience of appearing before an audience through involvement with drama programs at North County High School.

April has held the following positions at her church: Nursery volunteer, Lay reader, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Church School helper, and Deacon.

DWAYNE JAMISON, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church

Dwayne writes, "Growing up as a leader in the church, I have had many opportunities to show my leadership to the world. In everything I do with or through the church, I have always brought the utmost amount of enthusiasm, guidance, and openness. Never being afraid to speak out for my fellow youth has been a quality most people seek in me. This would be a pinnacle moment in my young life to be able to represent the Presbytery of Baltimore at the General Assembly in Ohio."

Dwayne has held the following position at his church and with the Presbytery: Youth Group President, Youth Group Adult Advisor, Deacon, member and Moderator of Baltimore Youth Council, YAD to 1999 Synod of Mid-Atlantic; Delegate to 2000 Presbytery Youth Connection, Delegate to 2001 Youth Triennium.

MELISSA JOY MINNICH, Harundale Presbyterian Church

Melissa states that she believes that everyone, whether or not they know it, has something to offer to the world. For some, it's compassion and strength for those who need it most; for others, their God-given talents, used to better the world in general. In this way, she believes that she has something to offer to the General assembly: herself. She is willing to give any and all parts of herself - her thoughts, her opinions and her talents - to this assembly to do whatever it takes to make it a success. Melissa has had experience in leadership positions that demand positive and innovative ideas and actions as well as the acceptance and understanding of others' ideas.

Melissa has held the following positions at her church and with the Presbytery: member of Baltimore Youth Council, co-director of Senior High Retreat, Vacation Bible School teacher, Youth Choir, Sunday School aide, children's choir accompanist, Delegate to 2001 Youth Triennium.

26. NOMINATES the following person as Youth Advisory Delegate to Synod:

MICHELLE GALLION, Churchville Presbyterian Church

Michelle shares the following of what she believes she can bring to the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic: "I believe that I would be able to offer many things to the Synod assemblies. First I would be able to offer my ideas. Also I am involved in many events within my church and school which open new doors for me and opening new talents and ideas to me, and I would be able to offer those ideas also. I would also be able to contribute my strength in public speaking and my leadership abilities to the Synod."

Michelle has held the following positions at her church: Youth Group member, Lay reader, Christian Education Committee member, Sunday School participant, helper in the Nursery.

27. THAT John Boulware, member of First of Annapolis, be enrolled as an Inquirer into the Ministry of Word and Sacrament. Mr. Boulware was previously a candidate under care of Charlotte Presbytery but withdrew. The Book of Order requires that he begin the process anew. He has completed all course work for graduation from Columbia Seminary.

14. THAT, with the concurrence of the Synod, Presbytery approve an alternate examination in Bible Content for Inquirer John Boulware--to follow the recommendation of the Mid-Atlantic Career Center as to methodology, and to use the same content as the regular examination. Mr. Boulware has failed the test twice. A confidential evaluation by the Center has informed the Committee that there are medical reasons to support alternate testing, and the Center has made specific recommendations regarding methodology that will fairly test him.

28. THAT Inquirer Ernest Poland, member of First of Barton, be examined on his sense of call, and if the examination is sustained, that he be enrolled as a Candidate for the Ministry of Word and Sacrament.

29. THAT Inquirer Antonia Richards, member of Woods Memorial, be examined on her sense of call, and if the examination is sustained, that she be enrolled as a Candidate for the Ministry of Word and Sacrament.

30. THAT Candidate Dorothy LaPenta, member of First of Annapolis, be examined for ordination in accordance with Standing Rule VIII-13.1, and if the examination is sustained, that she be certified as ready for final examination for ordination, pending a call. Ms. LaPenta's Statement of Faith is appended to this White Book (p. 19).