They don't recall

Feathers are flying in the 2.5-million-member Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). For months, some conservatives have pressed for an unprecedented special session of the General Assembly, the church's top governing body, to deal with continuing defiance of the PCUSA's constitutional ban on homosexual clergy by some presbyteries and churches. Last week their recall effort was dealt a severe setback.

To recall last year's 214th assembly back into special session, they needed to present petitions signed by at least 50 commissioners (delegates)—pastors and elders—of the 554 who participated. On Jan. 14, physician Alexander Metherell of Newport Beach delivered 57 signatures to PCUSA headquarters in Louisville (26 pastors, 31 elders). He asked officials to schedule the assembly in 60 days, as per church rules.