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.

The World Council of Churches’ Decade to Overcome Violence (2001-2010): Churches Seeking Reconciliation and Peace has had the United States as its 2004 geographical focus with the specific theme, “The Power and Promise of Peace.” Throughout this year we have featured an aspect of this important focus and are grateful to Mark Koenig, associate for resources and publications with the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program, for sharing the material with us. In this last issue for 2004, Mark provides a recap of the focus and the many ways the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program took the lead in interpreting the emphasis to the PC(USA).

“Over the past decade I…have been studying vital liberal and evangelical Protestant churches across the country…. It was suggested that I write something on what church leaders can learn from vital liberal and evangelical Christian churches. I like to learn from both sides; some of us are ‘one-siders’; I’m a ‘two-sider’. If you are the former, read your side; but you might be surprised by what you might learn from the other side!” This is how James Wellman begins an interesting critique of “both sides” of the church. Jim is a Presbyterian pastor and assistant professor in American religion at the University of Washington. His most recent book is The Gold Coast Church and the Ghetto: Christ and Culture in Mainline Protestantism (Illinois). The article originally appeared in the September-October 2004 issue of The Spirit, a Seattle Presbytery publication.

Finally, how would Mary and Joseph have fared at a checkpoint? Not so well, according to an article featured this month by Larry Fata, a Catholic teacher and journalist from the United States, who is managing editor and communication officer of the Ecumenical Accompaniment Program in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI). The EAPPI was launched in August 2002 and is coordinated by the World Council of Churches. Ecumenical accompaniers monitor and report violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, support acts of non-violent resistance alongside local Christian and Muslim Palestinians and Israeli peace activists, offer protection through non-violent presence, engage in public policy advocacy, and stand in solidarity with the churches and all those struggling against the occupation.

As we head into 2005, you are invited to share with us theological reflections, sermons, historical papers, and so forth, for consideration for future issues of Perspectives. Send your submissions to Sharon Youngs.

May the peace and joy of the Christ child be especially meaningful for you and yours.

We always appreciate hearing from you. Simply drop us a line at OGA_Communications@ctr.pcusa.org.

Sharon K. Youngs, Editor