Reflections from the 227th General Assembly
By Rev. Kiersten Hill
Rev. Kiersten Hill, Commissioner to 227th General Assembly served on Gender and Sexuality Justice Committee
Serving as a Teaching Elder Commissioner at the 227th General Assembly was a true joy and privilege. During my time there, I served on the Gender and Sexuality Justice Committee. While our committee considered nine distinct items of business, I’d like to highlight a few key developments and takeaways that speak to where our denomination stands today.
Standing for Accountability and Survivor Support
First, several key overtures regarding sexual abuse, accountability, and survivor support—specifically GEN-03, GEN-04, and GEN-05—were passed on the consent agenda. Seeing these items approved with broad alignment reflected a meaningful denominational commitment to these critical issues.
Supporting Gender-Affirming Care
Our committee also discussed several items pertaining to the inclusion of our LGBTQIA+ siblings. A standout moment occurred with the passage of GEN-02, in which the General Assembly declared that the PC(USA) supports access to all medically necessary, evidence-based gender-affirming healthcare for all individuals.
A particularly moving moment during this process came directly from our Young Adult Advisory Delegates (YAADs). After meeting to draft an amendment, they advocated to remove the explicit phrase "including minors" from the overture's original text. Their rationale was thoughtful and protective: time and again, minors bear the brunt of painful debates surrounding healthcare access. Because "all individuals" already includes minors, removing the specific phrase helped insulate young people from becoming targets of public dispute.
When GEN-02 reached the plenary floor, it passed without a single statement made against the declaration.
"My eyes welled up with tears after GEN-02 passed, because I realized that no one made an argument against minors receiving gender-based care. As a parent of a trans child, I can’t express how meaningful that was to me."
— A fellow committee member's reflection
Nuance in the Search and Call Process
Another significant discussion centered on GEN-06, a recommendation from the Advocacy Committee for LGBTQIA+ Equity (ACQ+E). The proposal directed the Unified Agency to create a mechanism in the call process allowing congregations to indicate their readiness to call LGBTQIA+ candidates.
While intended to support candidates, the floor debate brought crucial nuance to light. Commissioners—including queer candidates currently seeking or preparing to seek calls—shared personal stories highlighting how explicit opt-in or opt-out mechanisms might inadvertently create unintended gatekeeping or harm. Though the recommendation ultimately passed, the dialogue provided valuable, raw insight into the complexities faced by LGBTQIA+ leaders across our church.
Looking Forward: Theological Frameworks
Finally, the assembly approved GEN-09 ("Beyond Changing Families: Flourishing Relationships and Belonging"). This initiative directs the development of two comprehensive theological frameworks addressing:
Human sexuality and gender
Relational dimensions, including marriage and family structures
These frameworks will be reported back to the 228th General Assembly, continuing our denomination's ongoing commitment to welcome, include, and celebrate all of God’s children.
A Final Note of Gratitude
Attending General Assembly was an incredible experience that deepened my appreciation for Presbyterian polity, blessed me with wonderful new friendships, and filled me with renewed hope for the future of the PC(USA).
If you ever have the opportunity to serve or attend a future General Assembly, I cannot recommend it highly enough!