Co-Moderators of the 226th General Assembly, the Rev. Tony Larson and the Rev. CeCe Armstrong, join Fred Tangeman for the July 3 episode of GA Daily. Photo by Rich Copley
In Wednesday’s episode of GA Daily, Fred Tangeman sat down with the 226th General Assembly Co-Moderators, the Revs. CeCe Armstrong and Tony Larson. Both Armstrong and Larson are deeply moved by the opportunity to serve the greater church in this way. It is evident in the way they each take the time to center themselves with a feeling of humility and a contrite spirit, which shows up as they not only moderate the business of the church, but also serve as a pastoral voice in this hard, discerning work.
Tangeman asked the duo to expound on what they are hearing from the voices of the Assembly as people go to microphones to speak for or against recommendations, and how that is shaping how they moderate. Armstrong said, “Well, I think one of the reasons we have such an opportunity to hear for and against, we have room for those questions, and to ask questions. … One of the first things that Tony and I used in our opportunity to get to this place is that there must be communication. Those storytelling opportunities are ways to communicate where you are, how you are.”
Armstrong went on to say that this allows alignment with God and builds relationships. She and Larson both believe that the commissioners are actively seeking the will of God and actively seeking to align the body with what God wants. In addition to hearing what’s being said on the floor but also behind the scenes, one of the best pieces of advice thus far is affirming that they are Co-Moderators for this.
The overall theme for this Co-Moderator pairing is, in fact, to be collaborative. It is the spirit of being a part of God’s great community. In symbolism for the stoles that were created for this journey, neither Armstrong’s nor Larson’s stoles are a full PC(USA) logo without both of them together. “This call into ministry is with the church,” Armstrong said.
One of the best illustrations of this connectional participation is how the head of Communion from Portugal felt welcomed when she noticed that Armstrong was wearing the colors of her country’s flag.
The GA Live conversation then shifted to congregational vitality. Larson said he looks at vitality through the lens of Matthew 25, taking on dismantling structural racism and poverty. Larson said that “when the church is willing to take risks on those things and be seen in witness and in work and building relationships with the communities most affected, that witness will bring vitality back into congregational life.”
The Co-Moderators praised the radical welcome and hospitality of the Presbytery of Utah and are excited about being invited to churches and synods in the upcoming months to continue the faith work that has begun in Salt Lake City.
Their deep-rooted love for the church, their families and each other was on full display during Wednesday's broadcast.
GA Daily airs every day via the General Assembly livestream. Previous episodes can be viewed here.