Synod Permanent Judicial Commission (PJC) Gathering and Trial | April 2024

The Synod PJC met April 15-17 2024 for its first in-person trial since Covid.  One post Covid change is that the PJC now meets for trials and appeals in a church rather than in a hotel. Meeting in a church is far less sterile than a hotel.  It reminds everyone as they go through what is often a difficult process who we are, whose we are, and the sacredness with which we hold judicial matters within the church.

This trial took place at the Central Presbyterian Church in Summit, New Jersey and was an open meeting.  Not only was this a perfect space in terms of the various rooms we needed, but the staff was so welcoming to us throughout our three days.  The Interim Pastor, Rev. Jan Ammon, stated that she believed offering the church space to the PJC was a way to live out the fact that we are a connectional church.  It certainly felt that way.  Holding a trial in a church requires finding audio/visual people who can provide a high quality recording of the proceedings and a caterer to keep the PJC well fed as they work hard for three days. Thanks to recommendations from church staff and the Presbytery of Northeast New Jersey, we were able to find wonderful people to work with the Synod.  Because of the length of the trial, the PJC is still in the process of completing their Decision and Order.  We hope to hear from them soon.  Thank you all who participated in this trial and the meeting of the PJC.