Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We, the General Assembly Council, write to you out of our love and concern for our church. We write because we have made a difficult decision by the narrowest of margins, and we know that the absence of unanimity among us reflects the diversity of opinions within the entire Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

By a vote of 41-40 – after thorough, thoughtful, and respectful debate – we decided to let stand the action of our Executive Committee to allow the selection of the Women of Faith Awards Committee to go forward.

It is our conviction that the reasons for council members holding to one position or another were multiple and complex. This was not a simple issue. We also want to affirm to you that the personal merits of the nominees were not debated. As should be true in any debate, each council member was able to voice opinions openly, to listen to one another carefully, and to take seriously the concerns they heard. And after the vote was announced, there was a mutual respect extended to each. It was truly an example of the unity of Christ's body at its best - differing opinions, strongly held, but committed to one another in the love of Christ.

While there will be many voices trying to interpret our actions this vote should in no way be construed as an endorsement of anyone's position for or against the policies and standards of our church. That was not the issue before us.

We know that many will not agree with our decision, will be hurt and angered by our action. We acknowledge the disagreement, hurt, and anger, and regret it. But we also thank God that we are able to disagree, strongly and vigorously, and still hold on to one another in Christ. We even dare to believe the Holy Spirit is leading us and teaching us how to be one body in spite of our differences and conflicts.

We acknowledge that the processes were inadequate, and for that we accept full responsibility. One of the ways the Holy Spirit has led us in the establishment of a work group to review all policies and procedures regarding the full range of awards currently within the scope of the work of the General Assembly Council.

We believe God can use these events to build up this sometimes bruised and bruising part of the body of Christ. We seek your prayers and your ongoing support as we try to serve you in an effective and Christ-like fashion.

Your servants in Christ,
General Assembly Council