227th General Assembly update

Written By Seattle Presbytery

It’s been over two weeks since the 227th General Assembly concluded in Milwaukee and it’s only now that we can decompress and begin to process the business undertaken by the assembly and unwind from the concentrated Presbyterianism of those long days. 

Seattle Presbytery was well represented by commissioners Grace Wang (RE Overlake Park PC), Brandon Tacadena (RE Lake Burien PC), Rev. Jeny Carlson (Northminster PC), and Rev. Maggie Breen (Calvary PC), plus Young Adult Advisory Delegate Alex Turner (BelPres).  

Committees spent significant time learning, discerning, and making recommendations to the larger body. In turn, the assembly tackled both large and small issues.  

Significant actions of the assembly included: 

  • Setting the site for the 228th General Assembly in San Juan, Puerto Rico. 

  • Approving a unified budget that includes a new per capita rate of $13.04 in 2027 and $12.72 in 2028. 

  • Passing resolutions denouncing Christian Nationalism as a theological error and the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza as genocide, as declared by the United Nations and several other mainline denominations. 

  • Approving a commission to investigate the restructuring of World Mission 

  • Deciding to hold an all in-person assembly in 2030. 

A summary of the rest of the GA business can be found here.  

Congratulations and wishes for good luck to our own Scott Lumsden who was elected to serve on the newly created Presbyterian Life & Witness board (combination of the former Presbyterian Mission and Office of General Assembly). 

Along with all things General Assembly, the presbytery has been busy this summer with two separate administrative commissions (ACs) acting on behalf of the entire body; one is assisting with the dissolution of Steel Lake Presbyterian Church and the other the dismissal of West Side Presbyterian Church. You will hear more about their work at the fall presbytery meeting (October 19th). 

Our much-anticipated presbytery yearly partnership trip to Barranquilla, Colombia will take place January 21-28th, 2027. Be sure to check your calendars and note that application for registrations will open Sept. 1. We look forward to this growing partnership and leadership development opportunity. 

Here's hoping that you find moments of rest, restoration, and joy in the remaining weeks of summer.

Grace and peace, 

Rev. Eliana Maxim
Co-Executive Presbyter

Seattle Presbytery http://seattlepresbytery.org
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