This new rule insures that those making decisions on materials will be well-informed. The approval of Overture 00-28, dealing with demonstrations at the GA meeting, allows demonstrations outside the building, but disallows demonstrations within the building. Should a demonstration occur in plenary session, the moderator shall declare it out of order and if the demonstrators fail to disband, the moderator may then recess the meeting. However, it does nothing to inhibit those who wish to express their viewpoints outside the building. A change in the standing rules concerning the overture process requires presbyteries and synods to consult with the GA agencies whose work and budget would be affected by a proposed overture.
Consultation can be constructive.
This new wording is not intended to discourage presbyteries from submitting overtures. Any previous policies and statements shall be superceded by the adoption of the most current policy. The assembly disapproved the overture and appended a note stressing the unity in Christ that exists in the church. On recommendation from the Theological Issues Committee the assembly also approved a study of Eschatology, the Millennium and the Second Coming, but declined to authorize a study of Abortion from a biblical perspective. It approved a report from the Monitoring Task Force which pointed out some improprieties in the dissemination and interpretation of the church's abortion policy by some entities of the church.