The Presbytery of Transylvania
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| As part of its continuing search for ways to broaden its mission work in the presbytery, the Presbytery of Transylvania is blessed to have formed a monthly Christian-Muslim dialogue group. At the outset, the group, which was formed in 2002, met in homes of members. The membership includes Muslims from two area mosques, Roman Catholics, Orthodox Christians, Presbyterians, and other Protestants. As the group became larger, with as many as twenty-five people attending, the meeting moved to Hunter Presbyterian Church in Lexington.
The meetings take place the fourth Saturday of each month and consist of having a topic presented by a guest or one of the members, with a small group discussion following the presentation. Everyone then shares in a potluck meal. Some of the topics discussed have been the role of Mary in the Quran; Christian, Jewish, and Muslim fundamentalism; the role of women in Islam; and Christian Zionism. The group is exploring joint Christian-Muslim social action in areas such as homelessness, hunger, and social equity. In November 2004, the group sponsored a conference with the purpose of seeking to improve relations between the two religious groups. Among the leaders were the imam from a local mosque and the Rev. Gary Brooks, co-pastor of Hunter Church. The most exciting event occurred in November 2004 when the group hosted two Egyptian leaders—Muslim and Christian—who came for four days as part of the PC(USA) Interfaith Listening Project. The Presbytery of Transylvania serves 95 churches and has 11,689 members. Pikeville College and Centre College are within its bounds. |
Presbytery Staff |
 “I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32). |
 Ps. 96, 132, 134, 147:1–11 Hos. 3:1–5 Acts 21:15–26; Luke 5:27–39 |
