Commissioners' Resolution Procedures during a "Hybrid" Assembly
One of the differences between the "hybrid" 225th General Assembly (2022) and the traditional, "in-person" assemblies of prior years is that not all commissioners will be physically present at the same time. This section gives an overview of the process and supports for developing and submitting a commissioners' resolution that have been developed to facilitate connections between commissioners in the weeks preceding the assembly. Full details and step-by-step guidance are provided in the "Commissioners' Resolution" resource in the "Advocacy" hub of this site.
A Possible CR?
The possibilities for commissioners' resolutions are quite broad, but they are not unlimited. The Standing Rules specifically identify certain areas which cannot be considered as "new business" through the CR process. A CR may not:
- Propose an action that would require an amendment to the either The Book of Order or The Book of Confessions, or request the assembly issue an authoritative interpretation of those constitutional documents (A.6.d)
- It cannot relate to areas already being addressed by items of business before the assembly, or request actions on those items that could be accomplished through the usual process of amendment and debate (A.6.e)
- They should not seek to bring back before the assembly issues that have already been considered in either of the two preceding assemblies (A.6.f)
The Standing Rules also provide some specific guidance regarding possible CRs that may otherwise be permitted:
- If the resolution relates to areas for which the General Assembly has previously adopted official policies, commissioners offering the CR should both familiarize themselves with those policies and reference them (as appropriate) in the CR (A.6.c)
- If the resolution would substantially change the PC(USA)'s approved social witness policy, then the Stated Clerk is directed to refer the CR to the next assembly (A.6.h)
So, if your idea for a CR falls within these parameters, you are ready to begin looking for others who would also support the CR.