Perspectives offers an exploration of issues facing the church as well as some reflective analysis of our life together as a denomination through the lens of scripture, our Reformed theology, and a constitutional and confessional framework.

We are at war. How are Presbyterians to respond? Included here is a statement from the 181st General Assembly (1969) of the United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, which reminds us that the Presbyterian Church does not teach a single response to war that all members must accept. Rather than provide additional material here, we encourage you to visit the PC(USA) Web site for an abundance of resources to help the church respond in numerous ways. Go to www.pcusa.org/iraq.

The Rev. Noelle Damico is the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s national coordinator for the Taco Bell Boycott. A minister in the United Church of Christ, she has served churches in New Jersey and New York, and has directed the UCC Justice and Peace Action Network on Capitol Hill. Noelle shares with us her daily journal during the recent hunger strike by Immokalee farmworkers in front of the Taco Bell headquarters in Irvine, California. For more information on the boycott, go to www.ciw-online.org.

In his introduction to "Ordinary and Extraordinary Discipline: Mutual Accountability in the Reformed Tradition," Joe Small writes, "What is 'uprightly ministered' church discipline? What does church discipline shaped by God's Word look like? What is the role of the church's discipline in inhibiting vice and nourishing virtue? In [this paper], Charles Wiley explores the nature of mutual accountability in the Christian community. His range covers the tradition, from Calvin's Geneva to the contemporary PC(USA), to provide a theological, ecclesial, and pastoral understanding of discipline that opens new possibilities of faithfulness." Charles is Associate for Worship, Office of Theology and Worship, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) This publication is number six in the Church Issues Series, published by the Office of Theology and Worship.

The Journal of Presbyterian History has a new look. The staff of the Presbyterian Historical Society (PHS) hopes that the new look will "prove friendlier to the eye and … enable us to showcase more effectively the work and the collections of the Presbyterian Historical Society, both at the Philadelphia and the Montreat offices." Here, we provide the editors' message for the Spring 2003 issue. For more information on PHS, go to www.history.pcusa.org.

Have you ever wondered how much work it takes to host a General Assembly? Visiting the Web site of the Committee on Local Arrangements in the Presbytery of Denver (www.denverga.org) will give you an idea of what is happening in advance of the opening of the 215th General Assembly in Denver, Colorado, on May 24th. Here, we provide a brief glimpse of two of the mission/cultural tours that are planned for visitors to the assembly and to Denver, Colorado.

Every year the Presbyterian Church struggles with enormous moral questions. In February 2002, Jack Rogers visited the Great Lakes Naval Training Center near Chicago and met with the base commander—a two-star admiral, a woman and a Presbyterian—Ann Rondeau. After the usual pleasantries she asked a penetrating question: "Are the churches discussing what constitutes a just war?" As Presbyterians wrestle with this profound question, it is helpful to ask how we as a body make such important decisions. "How Presbyterians Make Decisions," by Jack Rogers, is a helpful overview of the unique decision-making process of the PC(USA). This article is provided by Presbyterians Today.

We are always eager to know your comments about and suggestions for Perspectives.
Contact us at OGA_Communications@ctr.pcusa.org.

The dawning of Christ's resurrection light is near. May its brilliance bring the reality of peace and hope to a war-weary world-and to you.

- Sharon K. Youngs, Editor