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.

Here’s a glimpse of this issue’s contents:

“Since I have been involved in the larger church for a number of years, I might think that there would not be much at General Assembly that would surprise me. Conversely, since I come from a small church (100 members), I might expect that everything about General Assembly would be astonishing. Yet, my experience as a commissioner to the 215th General Assembly provided me with both familiar and fresh appreciation of what it means to be Presbyterian.” Thus, we begin this issue by taking a look back. Kathryn Baker, elder commissioner from the Presbytery of Boise to the 215th General Assembly, offers a brief reflection on her experience as a commissioner.

In “Conflict Management 101,” a sermon she preached last month, the Rev. Dr. Susan R. Andrews, Moderator of the 215th General Assembly (2003), reflects on the conflicts in the early church and the conflicts of our present time. She says, “Yes, my friends, God has already torn down our walls of hatred and prejudice with the very sacrifice of God’s own broken heart. In our day and age, if those walls of judgment and hatred have been rebuilt, it is no one’s fault but our own.”

From the ecumenical perspective this month comes a word about an important, ongoing conversation. As Churches Uniting in Christ was inaugurated early in 2002, an Episcopal/Presbyterian Bilateral Dialogue was begun to address specific issues that these two communions bring to the table concerning recognition and reconciliation of ministry. Elder Freda Gardner of the PC(USA) and Bishop Douglas Theurner of the Episcopal Church (EC) serve as co-chairs of the dialogue. The dialogue group met earlier this summer with a congregation in Cincinnati where Episcopalians and Presbyterians are together engaged in ministry. The congregation is pastored by the Rev. David Hawley PC(USA) and the Rev. Patricia Merchant (EC). The Rev. Dan Krutz provides us with a glimpse of this congregation in “Indian Hill Visit.”

One of the realities of the U. S. society in the 21st century is the rapid growth of immigrant groups. Congregations, middle governing bodies, and various organizations across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are hard at work in ministry and partnership with immigrant and racial ethnic groups. One organization that has been very intentional in this area is Presbyterian Women. A Presbyterian Women/Racial Ethnic Dialogue was begun in 1998. One of the women who joined the dialogue was Catrelia Hunter, vice president for advancement at Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina. We feature here an article by Hunter that was originally published in the March/April 2002 issue of Horizons, the magazine and Bible study of Presbyterian Women. Also included is an interview with Salam Lebbos, the Middle Eastern American member-at-large, and information on the new dialogue resource.

May we draw fresh perspectives for our own lives and the life of the church from this month’s offerings.

We are always eager to know your comments about and suggestions for Perspectives.

Contact us at OGA_Communications@ctr.pcusa.org.

- Sharon K. Youngs, Editor