Assembly briefs The Presbyterian Layman Volume 34, Number 5 Posted July 6, 2001 Stem Cell and Fetal Tissue Research – The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) approved the “Statement on the Ethical and Moral Implications of Stem Cell and Fetal Tissue Research,” which affirms the use of fetal tissue and embryonic tissue for vital research. The approved resolution states that stem cells “could be used to treat diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, spinal cord injuries, stroke, burns, heart diseases and diabetes. Using stem cells could reduce the dependence on organ donation and transplantation.” End-of-life issues – The assembly approved a commissioner’s resolution on conducting a churchwide dialogue on end-of-life issues by voice vote. The action requests that the Office of Theology and Worship organize and host a national dialogue on theological issues related to end-of-life care during the years 2002-2003, including the articulation of a Biblical ethic within the bounds of historic Christian faith that encompasses both pastoral and palliative care. It also urges presbyteries and congregations to follow up on the national conference with similar dialogues in 2004-2005. Deep pockets – Former General Assembly Moderator Douglas Oldenburg told the General Assembly Council that the Presbyterian Church (USA) is now the wealthiest Protestant denomination in the United States. Furthermore, he said, Presbyterians now have the highest per-capita income of any Protestant denomination, having recently surpassed members of the Episcopal Church. Even so, Oldenburg said, “I am not impressed with the number of people who have chosen to invest in the Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program” – a market-rate fund that provides loans to congregations and presbyteries. “Out of 2.5 million Presbyterians, we have only 1,500 investors in the fund,” Oldenburg said. “This council has been called leaders. As leaders, I call on you to make an investment. We have far more requests for loans than we have funds. Challenge your people, particularly challenge the people who have deep pockets, as we say.” No sex overture – Despite an appealing promotional flyer, Overture 01-21 – to increase support for new church development and redevelopment in a denomination that lost 35,000 members in 2000 – failed to clear the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Tongue-in-cheek, advocates of the overture distributed flyers listing 10 reasons – all non-controversial – why the overture deserved a favorable vote. 10. Overture 21 has nothing to do with sex. 9. Overture 21 has nothing to do with opera. 8. Overture 21 puts our money where our mouth is. 7. Overture 21 will help increase mission giving. 6. Overture 21 will give struggling churches hope and new churches a fair chance. 5. Overture 21 will encourage presbyteries to get involved with struggling churches. 4. Overture 21 will embolden presbyteries to plant new churches. 3. Overture 21 has not been attacked or endorsed by The Layman. 2. Overture 21 will never have anything to do with sex. 1. You can go home and honestly say this General Assembly accomplished something good, important and worthwhile. Nevertheless, the overture, which would have allocated at least 5 percent of the unified mission contributions for new church development and redevelopment beginning in 2002, was defeated by a show of hands.

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