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:

We begin with “A Church of All and for All: An Interim Statement,” prepared by the Ecumenical Disabilities Advocates Network (EDAN) of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in cooperation with the council’s Faith and Order team. It is called an interim statement because the Central Committee has commended it to WCC member churches for study, feedback, and action. A portion of the statement reads, “In days gone by, people with disabilities were actually kept behind walls, inside institutions. Now we are all a part of mainstream society. It is estimated that some 600 million people are persons with disabilities. Yet people, especially persons with disabilities, still find themselves isolated. Now there are walls of shame; walls of prejudice; walls of hatred; walls of competition; walls of fear; walls of ignorance; walls of theological prejudice and cultural misunderstanding. The Church is called to be an inclusive community, to tear down the walls.”

Next, we share with you a sermon by the Rev. Susan R. Andrews, Moderator of the 215th General Assembly (2003) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The Moderator, along with Vice-Moderator Charles Easley, recently returned from an exciting and deeply moving trip to Africa. In her sermon, the Moderator shares some of her reflections. Check pcusa.org for additional reflections in the weeks ahead.

Our own Gradye Parsons, strategic director of operations for the Office of the General Assembly, recently preached the sermon, “Geography,” in a Louisville congregation. Sharing the story from the Book of Ruth, he says, “There is more bad news. Mahlon dies and Chilion dies. Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth become a household of widows. The question is, will it be a Moabite house occupied by a Jewish mother-in-law or a Jewish house occupied by Moabite daughters-in-law?” You’ll want to read more….

We close by sharing with you the annual Christmas message from Konrad Raiser, general secretary of the World Council of Churches. Raiser, who is a pastor, professor, theologian, and member of the Evangelical Church of Germany, concludes an eleven-year mandate as general secretary at the end of this month. In his message, he writes, “Peace on Earth is not a mere wish but a commitment. Through the birth of Jesus, peace has been given to us . . . It is God's gift to us . . . The Bible has a global conception of peace which is about life in right relationships, the well-being of all, not only human beings but also the whole of creation. Peace reigns when – according to the will of God – all have enough of the basic necessities of life.”

Advent peace to you, Sharon K. Youngs, Editor

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

Contact us at OGA_Communications@ctr.pcusa.org.