Download the minutes of GA12 - Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa ...

Minutes of the General Assembly 2012
of Marriage) Amendment Bill asks the Doctrine Core Group, after
appropriate consultation across the Church:
(a) To prepare a discussion paper on the theology of marriage
within the Presbyterian Church, and explore its implications for
public covenants of same-gender relationships;
(b) To circulate the paper widely and specifically to Presbyteries,
Te Aka Puaho, Synod of Otago and Southland, Pacific Island
Synod, Asian Council, The New Thing network, Presbyterian
Affirm, requesting responses to the Doctrine Core Group;
(c) To summarise responses and bring recommendations to the
General Assembly in 2014.
There was debate. Voting, by secret ballot, was 49% in favour and 51 % against.
The motion was declared lost.
Proposal: A living wage for all in Aotearoa New Zealand
The Rev Dr Margaret Mayman, on behalf of Wellington Presbytery, moved en bloc, and
it was seconded:
[12.081] That the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand affirms and
supports the Living Wage Aotearoa New Zealand Campaign.
[12.082] That the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand encourages
congregations, church schools, and social service agencies with a
connection to the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand to
examine their employee remuneration packages and work towards
payment of a living wage.
There was debate. Both motions were carried.
Proposal: The Church’s declaration on vulnerable children
The Rev Ryhan Prasad, on behalf of Wellington Presbytery, moved, and it was
seconded:
[12.089] That the Church commits itself in Christ to do justice, to love
compassionately, and to walk with humility before God in our care for
children by:
(a) Training church leaders to identify need.
(b) Actively supporting those who work with and for children.
(c) Advocating for vulnerable children as a Church and with other
Church Leaders.
(d)
(e)
Acting wherever we can to care for vulnerable children
Raising awareness in our congregations and communities of
the plight and needs of children in our midst.
The Rev Dr Mark Keown moved, and it was seconded, that the motion be amended by
an additional clause “supporting and strengthening the families.”
The amendment was agreed.
[12.089] [Amended] That the Church commits itself in Christ to do justice, to love
compassionately, and to walk with humility before God in our care for
children by:
(a) Training church leaders to identify need.
(b) Actively supporting those who work with and for children.
114 Session 8