Overture wants high-tech archives – without sexism By John H. Adams The Layman Online Tuesday, May 13, 2003 Too much high tech may be too much high tech for the Presbyterian Church (USA). That's the rap of two groups responding to an overture that would allow sessions to cut out some paperwork and keep their records on digital files. Overture 03-16 from the Presbytery of Sierra Blanca recommends that the 215th General Assembly ask presbyteries to make constitutional changes that would allow sessions to send their minutes and membership records in digital format to presbyteries. "The current paper format for minutes and membership rolls is expensive and cumbersome," the overture said. It gave a number of reasons to allow sessions to submit their reports and membership lists electronically, rather than on paper. "Digital alternatives are now available that are archival, less expensive, more versatile and require less space for long-term storage. Digital membership records, for instance, are more easily searched than paper records. Since most minutes are now prepared on computers, recording them on a CD is more convenient, less labor intensive, and just as archival on acid free paper. And one more matter, the overture adds, demonstrating that a presbytery paperwork appeal can also mix in a pinch of political correctness: "What is more, the current format for listing persons in the chronological roll is outdated and sexist. The instructions for the chronological roll read: 'In case a married woman or widow insert after her name that of her husband, e.g., Mary Clay Smith (Mrs. Charles J. or widow of Charles J.).' While it is of value to record the connection of members to one another listed on the chronological roll, the value is not limited to only female members." The overture wants the General Assembly to end the archival sexism. The Advisory Committee on the Constitution (ACC) and the Office of the General Assembly (OGA) oppose the possibility that sessions will keep all of their records supposedly safely tucked away in computer files or on compact discs – and that presbyteries will do likewise. "The latest technological tools and equipment, while useful for many tasks in the church, are nevertheless problematic as a sole source for records production and permanent storage," warned the ACC. "Electronic equipment changes so frequently that equipment used currently may be outmoded in a few years." The ACC called for the denomination to continue its policy of printing records on "acid-free paper for archival storage. Churches are encouraged to utilize the services of the Presbyterian Historical Society for establishing microfilm records." Ditto, said the OGA. Neither commented on the sexism in the current archives policy. The Sierra Blanca overture will be on the agenda of the General Assembly Committee on Church Polity.

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