Commissioners to the 218th General Assembly (2008) will vote to elect many people to positions on the various entities of the General Assembly. “To ensure careful nomination of members of such boards, agencies, and committees as the General Assembly shall from time to time designate, the General Assembly Nominating Committee shall propose nominees to the General Assembly for such bodies” (Book of Order, G-13.0111). Positions to be filled are listed on the attached pages.

Biographical Information: A short descriptive paragraph for each nominee being presented by the General Assembly Nominating Committee can be found by May 1, on the committee’s Website—www.pcusa.org/nominations. During General Assembly copies will be available at the General Assembly Nominating Committee booth at the convention center.

Inclusive Representation: The nominations made by the General Assembly Nominating Committee are responsive to and reflective of the principles of participation and representation expressed in the Book of Order, G-9.0104, G-13.0111, and G-13.0202. This report provides diversity information following the name of each nominee as well as a chart describing inclusiveness information for each committee to which the General Assembly is electing members.

Nominations Process: The process for nominations proposed to the General Assembly is a long and thorough one. The General Assembly Nominating Committee has on file approximately 300 Application for Nomination forms. The names of these persons were gathered through

—and other Presbyterians who suggested the nominations of persons they knew or with whom they’ve worshipped and worked

Application for Nomination forms are received by the General Assembly Nominations office and a copy of each form is shared with all members of the General Assembly Nominating Committee. In addition a copy of the application is sent to the committee or entity itself.

Each applicant is asked to solicit references from three persons of their choosing. In response to the action of the 208th General Assembly (1996) an appraisal is also solicited from the applicant’s governing body of membership—presbytery for minister of the Word and Sacrament; session for lay persons. The General Assembly Nominating Committee will not nominate a person unless it has received three appraisals, one of which must be the governing body appraisal.

The General Assembly Committee on Representation has several opportunities to review the list of vacancies on the General Assembly entities and the proposed names of persons to fill vacancies. The committee offers its advice and counsel regarding inclusiveness and representational issues. The General Assembly Committee on Representation’s advice and counsel is always reviewed as the General Assembly Nominating Committee considers its nominations.

Although the majority of nominations are proposed for “at-large” positions, some people are nominated as representatives of specific presbyteries or synods to a particular entity. Entities that have such representational positions include the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission, the General Assembly Committee on Representation, and the General Assembly Council as well as others. In these cases, the General Assembly Nominating Committee requests presbyteries and synods to send the names of no less than three persons for consideration. The General Assembly Nominating Committee may select only from the pool suggested by the synod or presbytery—through its regular nominating process—when filling a middle governing body representation slot on the GAC, MDRC, PILP, PJC, and SDOP.

This report lists the names of persons being proposed for nomination and distinguishes between those positions that are at-large (AL), those that are synod (S) or presbytery (P) representation slots, and those that are filled by representatives from other General Assembly agencies or ecumenical bodies.

The General Assembly Nominating Committee also needs to take into account the inclusiveness requirements outlined in the Book of Order or mandated by the General Assembly: racial ethnic, geographic, physical, theological, and age diversity. The committee is also sensitive to the needs for expertise expressed by the entities themselves. It is a balancing act that the General Assembly Nominating Committee takes seriously and faithfully as it attempts to discern the call of Presbyterians to service on committees at the General Assembly level.

Persons who are elected to service on General Assembly committees and entities are, in most cases, eligible to be reelected to a second term. Thus, many of the persons who are proposed in the report are re-nominations.

Descriptions for each committee are provided and adapted from the General Assembly Nominations brochure for 2006-2008. The nomination materials for the 2008-2010 cycle are available at the General Assembly Nominating Committee booth in the exhibit area.

This report has been reviewed by the General Assembly Committee on Representation. It has been submitted to the office of the Stated Clerk by the sixty-day deadline.

Procedure for Nominations from the Floor: The procedure for nominations from the floor are described in the Standing Rules of the General Assembly, F. General Assembly Plenary Meeting, 6.c.(2) Nominating from the Floor:

(2)           When any nomination for service on a General Assembly committee, council, or board comes from the floor of the assembly, the commissioner making the nomination will provide the General Assembly Nominating Committee, at least twenty-four hours in advance of the nomination being made from the floor, with pertinent information about the person whose name is being presented, as well as the name of the particular person nominated by the nominating committee whose nomination is being challenged. Such information shall be provided on the “Nomination by Commissioner Form” provided for use at the assembly and available from the Stated Clerk.

“Nomination by Commissioner Forms” are available at the General Assembly Information Center in the McEnery Convention Center. The name of the specific person being challenged must be stated on the “Nomination by Commissioner” form. Please return this form, completed in full on both sides, to the GENERAL ASSEMBLY INFORMATION CENTER located in the McEnery Convention Center, no later than 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 2008, so that it may be verified for eligibility and the Stated Clerk may prepare for a ballot. Thank you.

This report containing the General Assembly Nominating Committee, “Proposed Nominees” will be reported for action on Thursday, June 26, 2008. Commissioners and advisory delegates will need the following pages for action at that time.

Key for General Assembly Nominating Committee Report

1. Vilmarie Cintron-Olivieri (YA)        HFE     26-35   De San Juan    BPR    AL       NEW

Vilmarie Cintron-Olivieri (Young Adult), Hispanic/Latina, 26-35 years old, De San Juan Presbytery, Synod of Puerto Rico, At-large position, New Nomination

(1^st letter designation) A-Asian American; B-African American; H-Hispanic/Latina/Latino; M-Middle Eastern; N-Native American; O-Other; W-Caucasian. Note: More than one letter separated by a “/” indicates the racial identification of persons requesting to be identified as biracial or multiracial, i.e. H/B-Hispanic /Latina/Latino and African American.

(2^nd and 3^rd letter designations) FC-Female Clergy; FE-Female Elder; FL-Female Layperson; MC-Male Clergy; ME-Male Elder; ML-Male Layperson

ANW-Synod of Alaska-Northwest; BPR- Sinodo Borinquen en Puerto Rico (Synod of Puerto Rico); COV-Synod of the Covenant; LAK-Synod of Lakes and Prairies; LIN-Synod of Lincoln Trails; LW-Synod of Living Waters; MAM-Synod of Mid-America; MAT-Synod of Mid-Atlantic; NE-Synod of the Northeast; PAC-Synod of the Pacific; ROC-Synod of the Rocky Mountains; SA-Synod of the South Atlantic; SCH-Synod of Southern California and Hawaii; SUN-Synod of the Sun; SW-Synod of the Southwest; TRI-Synod of the Trinity

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY AND OTHER ABBREVIATIONS:

A-Asian American; AA-Asian-American At-Large slot; AC-Asian Caucus; ACWC-Advocacy Committee for Women’s Concerns; AH-Hispanic/Latina/Latino At-Large slot; AL-At-Large; B-African-American; BA-African-American At-Large slot; BC-Black Caucus; CW-Clergywoman; D-Known (Reported) Disability; EXT—Extension of term due to structural change to entity; FDN-Foundation; GAC-General Assembly Council; GANC-General Assembly Nominating Committee; H-Hispanic/Latina/Latino; HC-Hispanic/Latino Caucus; M-Middle Eastern; MA-Middle Eastern At-Large slot; N-Native American; NA-Native American At-Large slot; N/A-Not Applicable; NC-Native American Caucus; NP--Non-Presbyterian; O-Other; P-Presbytery; PTI-Presbyterian Theological Institution; PW-Presbyterian Women; RE-Racial Ethnic; S-Synod; W-Caucasian; WCL-Woman Church Lay Employee; YA-Young Adult (35 years or younger when nominated);

 †- Appointed by General Assembly Moderator (upon recommendation of GANC) to fill vacancy between General Assemblies

The Book of Order provides for the establishment of an Advisory Committee on the Constitution. The committee is composed of nine (9) voting members who shall be former members of the Permanent Judicial Commission of the General Assembly, stated clerks or former stated clerks of synods or presbyteries, or other qualified persons with knowledge of and experience with the Constitution and polity of the church.

All questions requiring an interpretation by the General Assembly of the Book of Order with the exception of those pertaining to matters pending before a judicial commission, as well as items of new business related to the Book of Order, are referred to the Advisory Committee on the Constitution. The Advisory Committee reports its findings to the General Assembly along with its recommendations and proposals for constitutional change.

GANC Nomination—Class of 2010

GANC Nomination—Class of 2014

B.         Advisory Committee on Litigation

This committee advises the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly regarding participation as a party or as an amicus in litigation related to matters of civil and religious liberty, relations between church and state, and any other matters related to the mission and interest of the church.   Members of this committee are exempted from the prohibition against service on more than one entity of the assembly.

GANC Nomination—Class of 2010

GANC Nomination—Class of 2014

C.        Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy

The General Assembly Council Manual of Operations states,

               a.            Prepare policy statements, resolutions study papers, social involvement reports, or Advice and Counsel Memoranda on the church’s social witness for study and recommendation to the General Assembly at the request of the General Assembly, the General Assembly Council, or on its own initiative; seek concurrence of the council relative to financial implications on plans for studies.

               b.            Advise General Assembly Council on matters of social witness policy or strategy, including interim statements concerning pressing social issues, that the council may wish to consider between meetings of the General Assembly. Facilitate two-way communication with all parties throughout policy development and advisory processes.

               c.            Prepare special studies at the request of the General Assembly, the General Assembly Council, or its Ministries on matters of social witness.

               d.            Work cooperatively with the Ministries and all governing bodies in coordinating the interdependent process of social policy formation, implementation, and monitoring.

               e.            Provide advice and counsel to the General Assembly and its representative committees on overtures, commissioner resolutions, reports, and actions before the General Assembly that recommend policy direction or action on social witness.

               f.             Maintain an up-to-date and accurate Social Policy Compilation of General Assembly social witness policy and provide information to the church as requested.

               g.            Provide the Stated Clerk, the Moderator of the General Assembly, and the Executive Director of the General Assembly Council with information as they fulfill their responsibilities to communicate and interpret the social witness policies of the General Assembly.

               h.            Identify facets of the church’s social witness that enable or obstruct effective action. Analyze, in cooperation with the General Assembly Ministries, the effectiveness of social witness in governing bodies, institutions, and the General Assembly Council. After consulting entities that have primary ministry responsibility and the General Assembly Council, report to the General Assembly on the advisory committee’s findings, together with recommendations for improving social witness.

               i.             Report directly to the General Assembly because of the need to maintain and advance a prophetic witness of the church.

Twelve (12) members, nine (9) elected At-Large and three (3) members of the General Assembly Council. Up to two four-year terms.

GANC Nomination—Class of 2010

GANC Nomination—Class of 2012

The General Assembly Council Manual of Operations states,

                    a.            Prepare policy statements, resolutions, recommendations, reports, and Advice and counsel memoranda on racial ethnic concerns to the General Assembly at the request of the General Assembly, the General Assembly Council, or on its own initiative.

                    b.            Advise the General Assembly Council on matters of racial ethnic concerns including statements concerning pressing issues the council may wish to consider between meetings of the General Assembly.

                    c.            Provide advice and counsel to the General Assembly and its committees on overtures, commissioners’ resolutions, reports, and actions before the General Assembly that impact issues of racial ethnic concern.

                    d.            Assist the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy in maintaining an up-to-date and accurate compilation of General Assembly policy on racial ethnic concerns and provide information to the church as requested.

                    e.            Provide the Stated Clerk, the Moderator of the General Assembly, and the Executive Director of the General Assembly Council with information as they fulfill their responsibilities to communicate and interpret General Assembly policies on racial ethnic concerns.

                    f.             Monitor the implementation of racial justice policies and programs relative to racial ethnic concerns.

                    g.            Through advocacy maintain a strong prophetic witness to the church and for the church on existing and emerging issues of racial ethnic concern.

The committee is composed of twelve (12) members who may serve not more than two four (4) year terms. Members consist of two representatives from each of the following constituency groups: African American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino American, Middle Eastern, and Native American. Five members are nominated by the racial ethnic caucuses for the constituency groups represented in ACREC; one member is appointed by the General Assembly Council Executive Committee (GAC-EX); and six members are nominated at-large by the General

GANC Nomination—Class of 2010

E.         Advocacy Committee for Women’s Concerns

The General Assembly Council Manual of Operations states,

The Advocacy Committee for Women’s Concerns shall assist the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to give full expression to the rich diversity of its membership as specified in the Book of Order, G-4.0403. The committee shall monitor and evaluate policies, procedures, programs, and resources regarding the way in which they impact the status and position of women in the church and the world; and shall advocate for full inclusiveness and equity in all areas of the life and work of the church in society.

                    a.            Prepare policy statements, resolutions, recommendations, reports, and Advice and counsel memoranda on women’s concerns to the General Assembly at the request of the General Assembly, the General Assembly Council, or on its own initiative.

                    b.            Advise the General Assembly Council on matters of women’s concerns including statements concerning pressing issues the council may wish to consider between meetings of the General Assembly.

                    c.            Provide advice and counsel to the General Assembly and its committees on overtures, commissioners’ resolutions, reports, and actions before the General Assembly that impact issues of women’s concerns.

                    d.            Assist the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy in maintaining an up-to-date and accurate compilation of General Assembly policy on women’s concerns and provide information to the church as requested.

                    e.            Provide the Stated Clerk, the Moderator of the General Assembly, and the Executive Director of the General Assembly Council with information as they fulfill their responsibilities to communicate and interpret General Assembly policies on women’s concerns.

                    f.             Monitor the implementation of women’s policies and programs relative to women’s concerns.

                    g.            Through advocacy maintain a strong prophetic witness to the church and for the church on existing and emerging issues of women’s concerns.

ACWC’s membership is twelve (12) members which includes two clergy women, one female church lay employee, the Presbyterian Women Church-wide Coordinating Team Vice Moderator for Justice and Peace, one GAC Executive Committee member, and seven at-large members chosen to balance the committee geographically, racially and ethnically, and with persons of diverse ages and varied expertise. At least four members will be racial ethnic, and at least two, not more than three, will be men. Members may serve up to two four-year terms.

The Audit Committee participates in the review of the annual audited financial statements with independent auditors and management. It ensures that the independent auditors are satisfied with the disclosure and content of the financial statements. The committee also provides oversight of the system of internal controls through the review and approval process of the internal audits performed in accordance with the approved internal audit plan. The Audit Committee informs the General Assembly Council that internal controls are functioning as intended. The Audit Committee is also expected to make recommendations for improvements and reporting upon the reliability and integrity of financial information.

The Audit committee consists of five (5) members: three (3) from the membership of the GAC and elected by the GAC; and two (2) at large members for special expertise, nominated by the General Assembly Nominating Committee for a two-year term and elected by the General Assembly, eligible for an additional term.

Four basic functions have been assigned, by the General Assembly, to this board: 1) design and administer a comprehensive program of pension, medical, and other benefits for minister, missionaries, and certain other church workers; 2) design and administer a program of financial assistance to help meet the needs that are beyond the scope of the pension and benefits; 3) establish and operate retirement housing for eligible retirees and their spouses; and 4) receive, invest and disburse the funds required to support these plans and programs for the sole and exclusive benefit of members and beneficiaries of the assistance and home programs.

Thirty-two at-large members and one (1) GAC representative, no more than 40% may be ministers. One Board member is nominated upon recommendation of the General Assembly Council. No more than two four-year terms.

H.        Committee on Ecumenical Relations (General Assembly)

The General Assembly Committee on Ecumenical Relations works to highlight the vision of ecumenical involvement and work within the life of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The committee plans and coordinates the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s engagement in ecumenical relations, articulating Reformed and Presbyterian identity in the midst of the church’s ecumenical commitments and provides guidance for the church’s conversations with non-Christian religious traditions.

Membership—20 Members (12 at-large nominations by the GANC; 4-invited and appointed from ecumenical partners (1) and full communion partners (3); 1 member of the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly appointed by COGA; 1 member of the General Assembly Council appointed by GAC; 2 ex-officio with vote - the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly (or the Associate Stated Clerk for Ecumenical Relations) and the Executive Director of the General Assembly Council (or the Associate Director of Ecumenical Partnerships of the World Mission).

GANC Nomination—Class of 2010

GANC Nomination—Class of 2012

I.          Committee on the Office of the General Assembly

The General Assembly elects a committee on the Office of the General Assembly to carry out the assembly’s oversight of the Stated Clerk and the Office of the General Assembly, to assure the accountability of the Stated Clerk to the General Assembly during the interim between the sessions of the assembly, and to provide linkage with the General Assembly Council. This committee is mandated to carry out an annual review of the Stated Clerk; jointly with the General Assembly Council, recommend to the General Assembly the per capita budget and the per capita apportionment rate; review and present recommendations regarding the docket and the proposed referral of each item of business coming before an assembly; present to the General Assembly for its action the date and place of future General Assembly meetings; review the work of Special Committees and make recommendations to the General Assembly; and be available to the Stated Clerk for consultation on all proposed amendments to the Standing Rules of the General Assembly. Fifteen (15) members. The Moderator of the General Assembly will serve as a member of the committee with vote during the years of moderatorial service. The Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, The Executive Director of the General Assembly Council, an d the Vice Chair of the General Assembly Council will serve as corresponding members of the committee without vote.

GANC Nomination—Class of 2012

J.         Committee on Representation (General Assembly)

The responsibilities of this committee are described in the Book of Order G-9.0105. The main function of the committee is to advise, advocate, consult with, review, report, and recommend to the General Assembly Nominating Committee and other General Assembly committees on the implementation of the principles of participation and inclusiveness.

Another important function is that of serving as an advocate for the representation of racial ethnic members, women, youth, different age groups, persons with disabilities. Also, it is to advise the governing bodies on employment of personnel in accordance with the principles of participation and representation (G-4.0403), and in conformity with “...churchwide plan for equal employment opportunity...” (G-13.0201b). The committee reports directly to the General Assembly and also reviews Synod Committees on Representation reports.

The Book of Order requires that the GACOR be composed of equal numbers of men and women, a majority of the members shall be selected from the racial ethnic groups, and that total membership shall include persons from each of the following categories: majority male membership, majority female membership, racial ethnic male membership, racial ethnic female membership, youth male and female membership,and persons with disabilities.

The Committee on Theological Education (COTE) serves as an advocate for theological education, seeking to support the seminaries (both financially and in other ways) and to strengthen them for their mission to the whole church. It has oversight for the interpretation of the Theological Education Fund (1% Plan), and the responsibility for allocating the available funds to the seminaries. It is the body through which the seminaries report and are accountable to the denomination. COTE reports to the Congregational Ministries Division and through it to the General Assembly Council and to the General Assembly on its progress in providing advocacy and support for theological education, and in fostering cooperation among the church’s seminaries and in strengthening theological education to better serve the church. COTE can also be seen as a two-way communication link between the denomination and its graduate theological institutions.

Membership—23 Members (11-at-large nominations elected by GA; 2 appointed by the General Assembly Council; 10 representatives from PCUSA theological institutions) Up to two four-year terms.

GANC Nomination – Class of 2010

GANC Nomination – Class of 2012

L.         General Assembly Council

Membership -56 members; 39 are voting members of which 36 are nominated by the GA Nominating Committee:

            6 - General Assembly commissioners
            2 - from current General Assembly
            2 - from the immediate past General Assembly
            2 - from the preceding General Assembly
            4 - Young adult (18-35) at-large members
            3 - Presbytery staff (ordained elders and/or minister of the Word and Sacrament)
            2 - Synod staff (ordained elders and/or minister of the Word and Sacrament)
            21 - persons representing presbyteries upon recommendation of the presbyteries.

Other voting members include current Moderator of the General Assembly, immediate past Moderator of the General Assembly, and the current Moderator of the Churchwide Coordinating Team of Presbyterian Women.

Constitutional Requirements: The GANC will provide for diversity and inclusiveness in accordance with G-4.0403; maintain a goal of at least 20 percent racial ethnic members on GAC, ensure that exclusive of the Moderators, the GAC shall be 1/3 - Ministers of the Word and Sacrament (men and women), 1/3 - laymen; and, 1/3—laywomen; and provide three classes of approximately equal size. 

The make-up of the Council should be such that all synods are reflected in the voting membership.

The General Assembly shall create an Assembly Council which shall have the following responsibilities:

a. to cultivate and promote the spiritual welfare of the whole church;

b. to provide resources to support equal employment opportunity and affirmative action for members of racial ethnic groups, for women, for various age groups, for persons regardless of marital condition (married, single, widowed, or divorced), and for persons with disabilities;

c. to develop and propose, for General Assembly approval, the mission directions, goals, objectives, and priorities of the General Assembly Council, doing so by taking into account the mission work being done by sessions, presbyteries, and synods, and to propose for General Assembly approval an accompanying budget that will implement the mission work plan of the General Assembly Council;

d. to act in those specific matters assigned to the General Assembly Council by the General Assembly or this Constitution, acting always according to previously enacted General Assembly policies, reporting fully to each subsequent General Assembly its actions;

e. to perform such additional responsibilities and duties as may be assigned by the General Assembly. (G-13.0201)

M.        Mission Development Resources Committee

The Mission Development Resources Committee is an advisory committee of the General Assembly Council. This committee makes decisions on Church Loans, Walton Awards for New Church Development and Mission Program Grants (New Church Development, Congregational Transformation and Congregational-Based Ministries of Compassion and Justice). Thirteen (13) members: 6 At-Large; 6 proposed by synods; one member of the Foundation Board; 1 General Assembly Council liaison representative. Up to two four-year terms.

GANC Nomination—Class of 2012

The Committee on Mission Responsibility Through Investment (MRTI) is responsible for implementing General Assembly policy related to mission responsibility through investment. MRTI assists the church at all levels to utilize its investments as key instruments to promote its mission goals in society. MRTI provides leadership for effective engagement of the private sector in partnership with ecumenical colleagues in the United States, and in collaboration with indigenous churches, ecumenical bodies and local groups in other nations. Twelve (12) members: two (2) from membership of GAC; two (2) from membership of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Foundation Inc.; two (2) from membership of Board of Pensions; one (1) each named by the Advisory Committees on Social Witness Policy, Women’s Concerns, and Racial Ethnic Concerns (usually from the membership of these advisory committees); three (3) At-Large members. Up to two four-year terms.

O.        Permanent Judicial Commission (General Assembly)

The responsibilities of the Permanent Judicial Commission are described in the Rules of Discipline section of the Book of Order. Members of the Permanent Judicial Commission shall have experience in interpreting the constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Experience with judicial systems and the normal functioning of church governing bodies is helpful. The Permanent Judicial Commission shall have an equal number (as nearly so as possible) of minister and elder members with one member at-large elected from each synod for a six-year term. No person shall serve on the Permanent Judicial Commission who is a member of any other commission, committee, agency, or council of the General Assembly, until that person shall have resigned such membership. The Moderator, Stated Clerk, or any member of the staff of the General Assembly or any of its entities shall not serve on its Permanent Judicial Commission.

The Presbyterian Foundation, as Trustees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has been serving the Church and its mission since 1799. The Foundation and its family of services manage assets held on behalf of the denomination and its congregations, governing bodies, and related missions. The Foundation’s Mission Statement is: “A vital part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Foundation attracts, cultivates, and manages financial resources of individuals and institutions to serve Christ’s mission.”

The Foundation holds the endowments of the denomination and receives and administers gifts from individuals. Gifts vary in size and purpose. All gifts are invested and proceeds are distributed solely and specifically according to the instructions of the donors.

The Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees. The permanent complement consists of 19 Presbyterian men and women elected by the General Assembly. Trustees serve 4-year terms. The Stated Clerk of the General Assembly and the Executive Director of the General Assembly Council are ex officio Trustees. An elected Trustee shall be eligible for consideration to serve one additional term.

The National Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People provides the opportunity for the members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and non-members to help establish partnerships with economically poor, oppressed, and disadvantaged people in the United States and around the world, which helps them to develop toward their own potential, self-determination, and human dignity. (People who are not Presbyterian may be nominated, elected, and serve). The National Committee shares this ministry with middle governing body Committees, as the focal point of the Church’s efforts to promote the self-development concept and cause. The Committee membership is 31 persons. Each person may be considered to serve up to two four-year terms.

GANC Nomination – Class of 2010

R.        Presbyterian Council for Chaplains and Military Personnel

Four Presbyterian denominations elect members to the Council. The Constitution of the Council sets forth 10 specific responsibilities: 1) inform the church that its mission is carried into unique and difficult areas through Chaplains’ ministries; 2) procure, screen, and endorse clergy to serve as chaplains to the military, both active and reserve status; to the Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, both full and part-time; to the Civil Air Patrol; and to the services’ Candidacy Seminarian programs; 3) provide ecclesiastical supervision and support; 4) keep chaplains and governing bodies aware of mutual responsibilities and foster live and supportive relationships; 5) provide a unified influential voice in speaking to the government on matters relating to military personnel; 6) develop effective programs of ministry to military personnel; 7) encourage and enable local congregations in support of their members in the military services; 8) cooperate with other similar ecclesiastical bodies; 9) give representation to denominational agencies and ecumenical bodies in concerns with matters relating to military personnel and VA Hospital patients; and 10) consider other matters as referred by member denominations. Nine (9) members, 8 at-large-members and 1 GAC member represent the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) on the Council.

The purpose of the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Advisory Committee is to give policy advice, review the work, assist in setting strategic program direction and planning, and recommend an annual budget. This “is a ministry of relief and response to national and international disasters, aid to refugees and displaced persons, refugee resettlement and efforts toward development.” This ministry is “carried out through ecumenical partnerships, related church agencies, middle governing bodies, and congregations.”

Each member is expected to: 1) formulate program guidelines and goals; 2) make strategic budget decisions related to program and recommend a budget including ecumenical commitments to the Worldwide Ministries Division; 3) participate in evaluating program activities relative to the Strategic Plan, and assist in revision of plan as needed; 4) personal involvement in program interpretation of the One Great Hour of Sharing; 5) contribute their knowledge and expertise in disaster relief and refugee work and ministry; 6) work with staff to develop and implement communication and fund-raising strategies. Eight (8) Members: Six (6) At-Large; Two (2) Liaison from Relief and Development/General Assembly Council. Up to two terms.

GANC Nomination—Class of 2012

The purpose of the Presbyterian Hunger Program Advisory Committee is to guide the church’s response to hunger and its underlying causes be serving as advisors to staff in the areas listed below. The PHP works in five program areas: Direct Food Relief, Development Assistance, Hunger Education, Public Policy Advocacy, and Lifestyle Integrity. The program makes domestic and international grants, coordinates a network of Hunger Action Enablers across the country, and plans and implements education, advocacy projects.

Each member is expected to: 1) review funding applications and make recommendations on grants; 2) attend all meetings [two 3 day meetings in March and October and two or three conference calls throughout the year]; and 3) if possible, meet with the Hunger Action Enablers during their training events.

The entire PHP Advisory Committee is responsible to the Worldwide Ministries Division (or its successors) and carries out the following tasks: 1) recommending PHP operating guidelines, 2) making and reporting funding (grant) decisions within the approved guidelines; and 3) suggesting the development of programs and strategies for implementing the “Common Affirmation on Global Hunger,” and other General Assembly policies related to hunger and poverty. Up to Eleven members: Nine (9 At-Large) up to two four-year terms; One (1) Liaison from Relief and Development/General Assembly Council; and one (1) Mission to U.S.A. person or a Missionary-in-Residence, when available.

The National Council of Presbyterian Men is the General Assembly’s organization of Presbyterian Men. Synod, presbytery, and congregational organizations of Presbyterian Men are responsible to their respective governing bodies and are related to the National Council by membership affiliation. The National Council is composed of the members of its Executive Board and members elected by synods and presbyteries (SR and PR Representatives). The Board has ten (10) members including two (2) Ministers of the Word and Sacrament elected at-large and who serve a term of two years.