2024 GA Commissioners Reflect on Their GA Experiences

The 226th General Assembly of the PCUSA concluded on July 4th. We asked commissioners Anne Sivley and Leanne Strommen to reflect on their experiences. Their responses shed light on the polity and process and what it means communally and personally to serve the denomination at this bi-annual gathering.

Teaching Elder Commissioner, Leanne Strommen

PLR: What was most rewarding about your GA experience?

Anne: First of all, I felt very honored to represent Los Ranchos as a Commissioner for the first time. As a lifelong Presbyterian and having taken on many roles throughout the years, it was so exciting to see how our denomination decides on our beliefs, practices, relationships, and develops policies and to be able to voice my opinion through voice and vote. The fact that we had Presbyterians represented throughout our United States as well as Puerto Rico and beyond was powerful. The worshipping together daily before business in itself was almost overwhelming with abounding energy and excitement that was emanating with the speakers and hundreds in the convention hall. I loved the diversity among us. I also was able to connect with longtime friends as well as make new ones.

Leanne: I loved all of it! Worship was powerful and the preachers were stirring. I enjoyed meeting new folks and learning about them and the many ways they serve. But what I especially valued was being a part of some very important work that will shape our denomination’s witness to God’s kin-dom in the US and around the world. In particular, I am humbled and proud that I could add my vote to the unanimous approval of Domestic Engagement 03 – An Overture Calling for Action so that Children May Live Free from Gun Violence.  The overture proposed seven concrete steps including prayer, gun storage safety, ending gun marketing to children, promoting gun security technology, and voting, and calls upon “every congregation in the PC(USA) to take some specific action of love and responsibility for children as part of the movement to prevent gun violence.” We heard powerful testimony about the effects of gun violence. I want to be a part of a church that speaks out for the safety of our children and I feel like, in a small way, I had a part in bearing that witness.

God’s People Gather

PLR: What did you find challenging?

Anne: The days were lengthy with much business packed in and sometimes the votes taken were the result of a number of amendments with much debate and discussion. It was a challenge to keep up with all the reading and information that came with each motion or overture. However, being a positive person helped me to accept that this was just part of the responsibility of being a commissioner and to just do the best I could.

Leanne: Being assigned to a seat in the front row! Seriously! I am a devoted back row sitter because I like to read the room. Anyone speaking on a motion was behind me and I had to rely on the video screen to see them and that was challenging for me.

Opening Worship

PLR: What is your overall impression of the process and the decisions made?

Anne: I was impressed with the overall process beginning with the committee meetings online before I traveled to Salt Lake City. Being very familiar with Zoom helped me to follow and participate with ease. The repetitive sessions on how to operate the system of voting, making amendments, etc. as a precursor to the in-person body of the GA in Utah were extremely helpful. I thought it strange but so necessary when our moderators gave the guidelines as to the various ways we were to respect one another’s points of view. Actually, all our discussions went very smoothly. I thought the special speakers were amazing and the display of all the work on huge screens was powerful thanks to the awesome technology. The days went quickly but efficiently with the consent agenda for non-controversial items to be approved. Those that were controversial actually went smoothly for the most part. I was pleased with our decisions. 

Leanne: I was impressed by how business was conducted in a way that determined the will of the majority while protecting the rights of the minority. We Presbyterians get teased for our devotion to procedure and sometimes we get bogged down in the minutiae. This happened even at GA at times. But by and large, good order helped bring about thoughtful decisions.

Los Ranchos Commissioners and Staff Gather for an Evening Meal

PLR: Is there anything else about the experience on your mind or heart?

Anne: Actually I am so thankful to have been able to attend and participate in our GA.  I appreciate so much Tom Cramer and Sandra Kim for their constant thoughtfulness and expert assistance as they helped to maximize our experience as we were both [Leanne and I]  first-timers. I enjoyed attending the Synod dinner, as we were able to connect with folks in our area and for the Presbyterian Women’s {PW) breakfast. However, I wish that I could have had more opportunities to connect with others across the spectrum as I learned more about PWs across our nation. Actually, I look forward to possible future GAs.

Leanne: I was afraid I would be lost and overwhelmed by what I didn’t know or understand about the workings of our larger denomination.  But I leaned into my newness and allowed the Spirit to guide me. Folks spoke very passionately for and against the motions and the co-moderators were incredibly skillful as they allowed debate and brought us to a vote. I was able to follow along and discern my own mind, which was very gratifying. Plus how many folks can say they did the Electric Slide at General Assembly?! Frozen chosen? I don’t think so!