219th GA: Presbyterian Voices for Justice Commissioner Orientation/Breakfast

Formerly the Witherspoon Commissioner Orientation, this breakfast, held in the Hilton Minneapolis Ballroom D, offered progressive Presbyterians everything they need to know in order to be effective participants in the General Assembly legislative process. The continental breakfast included an opportunity for commissioners and observers to share, worship, meet other commissioners, and to be energized for the week. The event was jammed pack with information about GA Issues as well as helpful hints about how to a Presbyterian Voice for Justice during the General Assembly.

Approximately sixty Commissioners and other participants attended.  Welcomed by Presbyterian Voices for Justice (PVJ) Coordinating Team member the Reverend Sylvia Thorson-Smith, “We are the People Glenn Beck has warned you about”, people who care about and talk about Social Justice.

As participants enjoyed their Continetal Breakfast, four briefers spoke about issues and business being considered by the Assembly.  Gloria Albrecht spoke on behalf of issues related to the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy (ACSWP), Presbyterians Affirming Reproductive Options (PARO), and Presbyterian Health, Education and Welfare Association (PHEWA).  Michael Adee, Field Director of More Light Presbyterians, addressed issues affecting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered people. Marylin White, representing the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship (PPF) addressed issues related to the work of Committee 13, Peacemaking and International Issues.  Donald Mead, also speaking on behalf of PPF, highlighted work related to Committee 14, Middle East Peacemaking Issues.

That all four presenters represented organizations other than PVJ illustrates PVJ's inclusive posture orf reaching out to and working with other progressive organizations and groups in order to organize, inform and motivate all progressive Presbyterian Voices for Justice.