Christian education, educating elder overtures referred to theology office
Paula R. Kincaid, The Layman Online , June 20, 2006
217th General Assembly
Birmingham, Ala. BIRMINGHAM — At the request of the General Assembly Committee on Church Growth and Christian Education, two overtures to the 217th General Assembly have been referred to the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s Office of Theology and Worship.
Overture 12-01 from Mission Presbytery, on creating an office of minister of Christian education, and overture 12-02 from Shenandoah Presbytery, on creating a fourth office to be known as educating elder, were both referred to the Office of Theology and Worship, which already has a study under way concerning Christian education.
When asked why the committee was recommending referral, Committee Chairman Lee Jordan of Yukon Presbytery said that the action would “avoid duplication and cost.”
Joe Small of the Office of Theology and Worship told commissioners that when an overture is referred, “they do not go away. … So, yes, at the next assembly a response to these overtures will be brought on the basis of this broader study that is now being done.”
Elder Commissioner Carol Schneider of the Presbytery of the James asked if church educators would be consulted during the study.
“I’m wise enough to answer: Absolutely,” said Small.
In other business concerning Christian education, the assembly approved Overture 12-03 on amending G-14.0701 of the Book of Order to name certified Christian educators as mandated reporters in cases of abuse of minors or adults lacking mental capacity.
The approved text, which will be sent to the PCUSA’s 173 presbyteries for ratification, reads: “Certified Christian educators and certified associate Christian educators shall report to ecclesiastical and civil legal authorities knowledge gained in the course of service to the church, of harm, or risk of harm, related to the physical abuse, neglect, and/or sexual molestation or abuse of a minor or an adult who lacks mental capacity when (1) such information is gained outside of privileged communication; or (2) he or she reasonably believes that there is risk of future physical harm or abuse.”