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Minutes of the General Assembly 2002

Session 4
St Patrick's College, Silverstream, Wellington
Monday, 23 September 2002 at 7.00 p.m.

The Assembly met and was constituted with prayer by the Moderator.

Niue Fono Motu
The Rev Tom Etuata and other Niuean members gave a presentation. The Moderator acknowledged the role of the Niuean Fono Motu within the Presbyterian Church.

Retiring Moderator's Address
The retiring Moderator, the Very Rev. Robert Yule, addressed the Assembly on the theme of "We can accomplish more together than apart". The Moderator paid tribute to Mr Yule for his leadership, and acknowledged the support of his wife, Mrs Christene Yule.

Celebration of 100 Years of Women in Ministry
The Rev Dr Nan Burgess led a presentation celebrating one hundred years of Women in Ministry in the Presbyterian Church. The Moderator gave thanks for the ministry of women and led in prayer seeking God's forgiveness for the churches oppression of women and God's hope for our future.

Association of Presbyterian Women (APW)
Mrs Marion Brash, Association of Presbyterian Women President, presented the APW report.
Mrs Brash moved and it was seconded:

[02.041] That the Council of Assembly together with Policy Groups and the National Executive of the Association of Presbyterian Women seek to find ways of bringing the APW into a closer association and working relationship with the whole church.

[02.042] That the Assembly supports and encourages the APW as it works through a restructuring process in order to become more effective and more relevant to the needs of women in the church today.

There was debate.
The motions were agreed to.

Christian World Service
Ms Jill Hawkey Christian World Service Executive Officer presented the CWS report.

Ms Hawkey moved and it was seconded:

[02.038] That Assembly affirms the work of Christian World Service and encourages parishes to support the Christmas Appeal and emergency appeals.

[02.039] That Assembly encourages youth groups and parishes with young people in them to participate in the Wipe Out Poverty programme.

[02.040] That Assembly encourages all parishes to select a lay person to act as Parish Link to Christian World Service.

There was no debate.
The motions were agreed to.

Facilitation Group
Mrs Alison Grimshaw, of the Facilitation Group, reported on Dialogue Group responses to Notices of motion [02.014] - [02.017], [02.019], [02.136] (Strengthening Presbyteries).
Mrs Grimshaw reported that none of the recommendations received full support, and that opinions
were divided.

The Rev Bob Reid was granted leave to amend the wording of notice of motion [02.136].

[02.136] That the report 'Strengthening Presbyteries' be referred to presbyteries and parishes for discussion and comment.
That:
a) Presbyteries hold a meeting of the parishes in their bounds to discuss the report prior to Christmas.
b) The report form the basis of inter-Presbytery meetings during February to April 2003, individual Presbyteries reporting back to the Council of Assembly by the end of June.
c) The Council prepare a further report to be sent to Presbyteries summarising the responses and outlining any new recommendations by March 2004.
d) Further comment from Presbyteries be welcomed prior to the 2004 Assembly.

There was debate.

The Rev Wilson Orange moved an amendment to extend the time frame of the reporting process.
The amendment was lost.

The original motion was carried.
(Notices of motion [02.014 - 02.017], [02.019] thus lapsed).

Removal of Parish Boundaries
The Council of Assembly's recommendation on parish boundaries was debated.

[02.018] That this Assembly endorse the removal of all parish boundaries, and ask the Council of Assembly to consult presbyteries/UDCs and sessions/parish councils, and report back to the next assembly regarding this proposal.

Mr Bill Penno moved an amendment, which was seconded:

[02.018 amended] That this Assembly ask the Council of Assembly to consult Presbyteries/UDCs and parishes, and report back to the next Assembly on the proposal to remove parish boundaries.

The amendment was carried.

When put as a substantive motion, it was agreed to.

Closing Worship was led by the Rev Hariata Haumate.

The Assembly adjourned to meet again on Tuesday, 24 September 2002 at 8.30 a.m.

The Moderator pronounced the benediction.

Michael Thawley, Moderator
Kerry Enright, Clerk

Go to Session 5

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