Elder of More Light Church nominated as president Of PCUSA Pension Board
By John H. Adams, The Layman Online, May 28, 1999
Robert W. Maggs Jr., a Rochester, N.Y., attorney and banker, has been elected president of the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Maggs’ selection must be confirmed by the 211th General Assembly when it meets in Ft. Worth June 19-26. If confirmed, he will begin his work at the Board of Pensions in Philadelphia on July 6.
Session voted to defy constitution
Maggs is an elder of Third Presbyterian Church, a More Light Church whose session voted to defy the denomination’s “fidelity/chastity” clause in the constitution and to permit same-sex “holy unions.” Maggs said his service on the session at Third Presbyterian dated back to the 1970s and that he did not participate in ordination and “holy union” decisions.
“Third Presbyterian is a large church with many points of view,” Maggs said. Asked whether he agreed with the positions of the session on ordination and “holy unions,” Maggs said, “I really haven’t gotten involved. I would have to study the issues.”
Domestic partner benefits
A related issue is also on the docket at the General Assembly. Overture 99-74 asks the commissioners to request that the Board of Pensions consider granting “domestic partner benefits” for same-sex couples. Maggs said he would not lobby for or against Overture 99-74 and that he will do the General Assembly’s bidding.
In a statement to the congregation, Third Presbyterian’s session said it voted on May 13, 1997, “not to comply” with the constitutional standard that requires candidates for minister, elder and deacon to refrain from sexual activity outside marriage.
Third Presbyterian also publishes on its web site a detailed statement about its approval of “same-sex Holy Unions/Covenantal Ceremonies.” The statement says, “The Session of Third Presbyterian Church approves the use of the sanctuary and the chapel for the blessing and celebration of covenants between people of the same gender, when the covenants are supported by the pastors of this congregation.”
Maggs has served as trustee and elder of Third Presbyterian Church and as chair of its personnel committee. He was a member of the search committee for its pastor. He has also served as a member of the personnel committee for the Presbytery of Genesee Valley.
He and his wife, Deborah, are the parents of two daughters, Sarah Maggs of Boston and Emily Orben of Setauket, Long Island, NY.
Reasons for selection
In nominating Maggs, William E. Rauh of Yardley, Pa., chair of the board’s search committee, noted some of the reasons the search committee chose him:
· Maggs’ desire to continue the board’s commitment to service of members
· His experience in human resources and as a fiduciary on corporate benefits committees
· His proven management experience with large complex organizations
· His church experience at both the congregation and presbytery level of the PC(USA).
Rauh said that Maggs “possesses an exceptional combination of skills that will provide the Board of Pensions with strong leadership and management. His demonstrated deep love of the church and its servants combined with his ability to listen and lead will be important to the Board as we strive for ways to enhance our service to the church.”
If confirmed, Maggs will succeed John J. Detterick, who left the presidency of the Board of Pensions to become the executive director of the General Assembly Council in July 1998. Since then, David B. Johnson of Wildwood, Mo., has served as interim president.