Co-Moderators of the 225th General Assembly (2022), The Rev. Ruth Faith Santana-Grace and Rev. Shavon Starling-Louis, at the 225th General Assembly in Louisville, KY. Photo by Rich Copley.

Co-Moderators of the 225th General Assembly (2022), the Rev. Ruth Faith Santana-Grace and the Rev. Shavon Starling-Louis, at the 225th General Assembly in Louisville, KY. Photo by Rich Copley.

The Co-Moderators of the 225th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) have appointed members to the Task Force to Explore the Theology and Practice of Ordination. This work will include looking at commissioned ruling elders, church structure, membership, accountability and chartering. The group will also make recommendations for needed changes to the 226th General Assembly when it meets next year.

In a letter announcing the appointments, the Revs. Shavon Starling-Louis and Ruth Faith Santana-Grace wrote that the Holy Spirit continues to be poured out on the church today.

“We are grateful for how the powerful breath of heaven empowers and sustains us for a time such as this,” the letter reads. “In light of the nature of our changing church, we are confident their work will inform our denomination as we seek to be faithful and relevant for a new generation of believers.”

Task Force members include:

  • Deborah Boucher-Payne, Teaching Elder, Missouri Union Presbytery/At-large
  • Renda Brinson, Ruling Elder, Charlotte Presbytery/At-large
  • Cheryl Carson, Ruling Elder, Central Florida Presbytery/At-large
  • Sean Chow, Teaching Elder, San Diego Presbytery/At-large
  • Hope Lee, Teaching Elder, National Capital Presbytery/At-large
  • Mary Lloyd, Ruling Elder, Detroit Presbytery/At-large
  • Bobby Musengwa, Teaching Elder, Tampa Bay Presbytery/At-large
  • Paul Roberts, Co-Moderator, Teaching Elder, Greater Atlanta Presbytery/COTE
  • Juan Sarmiento, Co-Moderator, Teaching Elder, San Fernando Presbytery/At-Large
  • Alejandra Spir-Haddad, Ruling Elder, Ohio Valley Presbytery/At-large
  • Lance Wiesmann, Ruling Elder, Maumee Valley Presbytery/At-large

“Important work is ahead for this group. As the church continues to reform, it is imperative that we explore our perspectives on ordered ministries,” said the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the PC(USA). “Leaders in new immigrant fellowships and new worshiping communities should be given opportunities to actively participate in the governance and life of the church.”

The Task Force will work with denominational staff, including the 1001 New Worshiping Communities leadership. It is expected to schedule its first meeting soon.