General Assembly Update: June 16, 2025
The 194th General Assembly was called to order at 2:07 PM by retiring moderator Rev. Dr. Larry Blakeburn.
Rev. Tammy Greene, pastor host, welcomed assembly on behalf of the Presbytery of East Tennessee. Rev. Mark Hester introduced congressman Tim Burchett (R) of the 2nd District of Tennessee who then welcomed the Assembly to his district. Elder Leon Cole brought greetings from the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America. Dr. Thomas Sweet constituted the assembly with prayer. Jamie Jordan was appointed parliamentarian. The credentials committee reported 44 ministers, 40 elders, 20 youth advisory delegates were enrolled.
Three names were placed in nomination today for moderator of the 194th General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church: Rev. Jhony Montaño, Rev. Daniel Barkley, and Rev. Dr. Michael Qualls. Rev. Barkley later requested that his name be withdrawn from consideration. In the subsequent vote, Rev. Montaño received 60 votes and Rev. Dr. Qualls received 23. Nomination were then opened for vice moderator. Daniel Barkley received 45 votes and Michael Qualls received 36 votes.
Edith Old, Ministry Council Director of Ministry, introduced new denominational staff. Judith Oh, Administrative Support Associate, and Brenna Truitt, Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
Numerous resolutions were introduced from the floor. The full text will be provided as soon as it is available. Some highlights include:
- Rev. James L. Payton, Columbia Presbytery, resolution to discipline ministers who perform same sex marriages, churches allowing them in their facilities, and presbyteries failing to discipline said ministers and churches.
- Rev. Emrie Smith Rogers, Nashville Presbytery, resolution for GA review actions of the Permanent Judiciary Committee in regard to the inquiry by the Brunswick CPC (Mid-South Presbytery).
- Rev. Luz Maria Heilbron, Andes Presbytery, resolution on behalf of the three presbyteries in Colombia for the creation of a synod in Colombia.
- Rev. Luke Lawson, Grace Presbytery, resolution regarding discipline time limits.
- Rev. Jeff Clark, Murfreesboro Presbytery, resolution not to discipline persons embroiled in LBGTQ issues.
- Rev. Cynthia Fansler Burdick, Red River Presbytery, and Ellie Kennemer (YAD), Robert Donnell Presbytery, resolution for social justice and opposition to all forms of opression.
