My Apologies to the General Assembly
One of my colleagues asked the question about how we felt about the General Assembly now that the dust had settled. This question has been reverberating around in my head since and although I posted a reply to his question I found myself still in a quandary.
So for what it is worth in the grand scheme of things I apologise.
I apologise for not managing my expectations.
I apologise for being so slow to comprehend the true nature of Presbyterianism.
You see what I want the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland to be is not something I control or indeed have much say over as a Parish Minister. I might, if I am one of the fortunate ones, say something that will have a lasting impact. But rather like voting in the Elections what I want and what I get are not necessarily the same. Although I would rather vote and therefore be able to legitimately moan about the outcome.
What is the purpose of the General Assembly? And will those who reflect on it, in particular the Assembly Trustees who hold the overarching vision, mission and power feel it met its objectives?
Looking back, much of what was communicated was ‘business’ - the inner workings of the organisation which as a charity we have an obligation to fulfil. Yet we all know that the reading of the blue book of reports is rarely achieved by the masses. And some of the reports were too technical for those not financially educated whilst others contained internal workings so very important yet questionable why they needed GA approval and couldn’t simply be part of management of staff and volunteers. (And yes, I know office holders and all that jazz). For the majority of the General Assembly it is just a big business meeting…and not a conference.
What do my congregation think is the purpose of the General Assembly? To be fair I haven’t asked mine so this is a generalisation! A holiday in Edinburgh for the minister. A jolly! A waste of money and resources. A talking shop. Inspirational - the Guild and the Guild Big Sing always gets a mention! Paperwork and instructions, more hoops…money, money, money
Some have high hopes whilst most just giving it a passing nod like any other elected group such as Parliament. Has it uses but what does it really mean?
What others think is the purpose of the General Assembly? Over the years others have looked to the General Assembly as a guide to wider society life. Christianity, which shares many of its ethics with other major religions such as do unto others as you would have them do unto you etc, has formed the culture of law and morals. Nowadays, with a much more integrated understanding of the wider world, culture and technological development, the General Assembly is still influential but on a much more level pegging with others. And certainly we are a voice amongst others rather than a voice in the wilderness. Some mourn the loss of the voice in the wilderness whilst others welcome the unity with which we can speak with others. Indeed for others the wonderful steps taken towards friendship, equality and humility was truly a powerful witness to the love of Christ being for all not just the few.
What I think the purpose of the General Assembly is? Well that is truly something I must apologise for. You see I think the purpose to inspire, enthuse, encourage and bless the whole of the Church. And I just don’t believe we did that and maybe we aren’t meant to. Is it primarily a business meeting where we share information on a need to know basis or not? And that I think is why the General Assembly often feels like it misses the mark because of that dilemma, What is the purpose of the GA? We certainly ticked many boxes, and we certainly had some fabulous milestones (arguably years after we should have!). We put Conveners on pedestals and make them share a 10 minute speech that somehow encapsulates everything. And yes for some - definitely more than enough. Yet our need for good order often outweighs the need for full engagement. Perhaps for fear of what might happen or what work might be added or just simply running out of time. (Why can’t we generate work for presbyteries instead of committees/forums?)
You see I believe some things like the Faith Action Programme needed conference style presentation and conversation. To be fair, the internet crash and tenor of reporting didn’t help either. It needed more than a report in a blue book mixed with another report, and then somehow incorporating but not incorporating Faith Impact and Faith Nurture. Of course I might have just lost the thread somewhere!
There is no doubting the passion and hope contained nor the need to move forward. But we were so busy being told what to think and do that the plan/programme wasn’t something shared or given but something done to us, by those who think they know best. I cannot fault their desire but their style of presentation was locked in a past they are desperately telling us to leave behind. Reform has to happen everywhere including the General Assembly and the nature of ‘reporting’. Even the word ‘reporting’ implies done not being done.
I am a GenX and behind me comes generations of collaborators, thinkers, those for whom culture has shifted and changed with them and by them. Information is not hoarded or even overloaded. They scan more information in 5 minutes than the blue book of 10 years ago could hope to hold. Words are limited whereas visuals are far more important. People are ‘judged’ not on their look or sexuality or belief but on the way they treat others. Our milestones over friendship, ecumenism and the same-sex marriage will have a lasting impact on them more than anything else.
For now I return to my congregation, indeed my massive presbytery and wonder whether we will just keep ticking boxes and managing decline. Or will we find a find a way to inspire, enthuse, encourage and bless the world because we are God’s people, indeed his Church? And will the General Assembly one day do the same? Lord, I hope so.
