Moderator of the Domestic Engagement committee, Ruling Elder Commissioner Dustin Wilsor, convenes the committee in its first online meeting on June 25, 2024. Photo by Randy Hobson
Moderator of the Domestic Engagement committee, Ruling Elder Commissioner Dustin Wilsor, convenes the committee in its first online meeting on June 25, 2024. Photo by Randy Hobson.
The Domestic Engagement Committee began its work on Tuesday with a schedule that included consideration of three main agenda items related to artificial intelligence, internally displaced persons, and Utah’s wildlands. Moderator Dustin Wilsor and Vice-Moderator Jenny Wells deftly led the committee through significant discussion, consultation with various resource persons, and a number of proposed amendments items before passing all three items, two with no amendments.
After time for orientation, questions, and morning worship focused on Hebrews 10:21-25, attention turned to opening hearings. Six people addressed the committee, two speaking in favor of each DOE-08 (On Adopting "Protecting Utah's National Monuments and Wildlands for Ecology and Justice”), DOE-02 (On Supporting An Amendment to the United States Constitution to Abolish the Exception in the 13th Amendment That Permits Those Who Are Convicted of a Crime to be Enslaved), and DOE-03 (An Overture Calling for Action so that Children May Live Free from Gun Violence).
After open hearings concluded, the committee dove into discussion on item DOE-07: A.I. & Faith Recommended Study Sponsored by the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy. The overture proposes the formation of a team to study the ethical implications of artificial intelligence technology for society and the work of the church and write a policy in response. It also proposes that the team work with Research Services, and that existing related policies be used to guide work on A.I. in the meantime.
Most of the discussion focused on both the financial implications and what exactly is included in the term “A.I.,” and how to recognize the ever-changing landscape of such technology while directing the creation of a specific policy. Both Jacob Douylliez of ACSWP and the Rev. Jimmie Hawkins of the Office of Public Witness spoke as resources to the committee, offering insights as to how A.I. matters for the work of MRTI and the OPW. Commissioners shared their own experiences of encountering A.I. in their churches and their professional lives.
Two amendments were proposed to further clarify the language of the overture regarding the scope of A.I. and a desire to include ecumenical partners. However, one did not receive the second necessary for a vote, and the other was defeated. Ultimately, the committee passed the overture as written with 36 votes in favor and 5 against.
After a break for lunch, the committee moved on to consider DOE-01: Internal Displacement Crisis within the United States. The committee heard from overture advocates from South Louisiana Presbytery, which originated the overture. The advocates highlighted the particular realities of tribal nations who are currently facing internal domestic displacement due to climate change, industrialization, and gentrification.
Susan Krehbiel of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, along with Douylliez of ACSWP and Hawkins of OPW, clarified that while the PC(USA) does have clear policies on externally displaced persons but has been unable to advocate or direct work toward the needs of internally displaced persons due to lack of clear policy. The committee debated about the need for a separate policies for internally and externally displaced persons before approving an amendment to the overture which added the following language:
“The Presbytery of South Louisiana overtures the 226th General Assembly to [direct] ACSWP, in coordination with OPW and the immigration office of OGA (, and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance) to [advocate for the rights and just treatment of those internally displaced in the U.S., using previously created policies around immigration and human rights, while also] develop[ing official] policy positions for internally displaced persons within the United States and its territories similar to those addressing the concerns of externally displaced persons.”
Ultimately, the committee voted to approve the overture as amended by unanimous vote.
The final business item of the day was DOE-08: On Adopting "Protecting Utah's National Monuments and Wildlands for Ecology and Justice." After viewing a video offered by overture advocates from the Presbytery of Utah, the committee briefly discussed the actual intent of the overture before voting in favor of the overture as written by a vote of 37 in favor and 3 against.
Moderator Wilsor noted that a commissioner’s resolution had been added to the committee’s docket and will be considered on a future date. That overture calls for advocacy work against solitary confinement.
The committee will resume its work Wednesday morning.