The Reverend Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), is delaying registration for the upcoming 224th General Assembly (2020). The Stated Clerk released a statement Thursday afternoon.
“Registration for the General Assembly, previously scheduled to open on March 9, will now be delayed to no earlier than March 24,” he said. “While continuing the planning for GA224, my staff, along with the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly, are closely monitoring the situation involving COVID-19 (the coronavirus) and we are developing contingency plans in response if needed.”
The number of confirmed cases of the virus continues to grow worldwide with the latest estimate at more than 90,000. As many as 18 U.S. states have been affected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms 162 cases across the country. In addition, travel restrictions and bans are under consideration.
The General Assembly is the largest gathering of the PC(USA) and is scheduled for June 20–27 in Baltimore. As many as 2,000 people are expected to attend.
Nelson says he is excited about this year’s General Assembly, adding that staff is working to ensure a powerful and meaningful gathering.