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.

To be Presbyterian is to be ecumenical. As we approach the Day of Pentecost, which is June 8th this year, we begin this issue by sharing with you the “Message of the Presidents of the World Council of Churches at Pentecost 2003.” They include in their message the reminder that “the Holy Spirit, the helper, will endow us with the power to love those different from ourselves and will knit us into one family of faith. Though we are a family rich in human diversity, by God’s grace we are called to speak with one voice, to care with one heart, and to act in unity.”

The Journal of Presbyterian History has released a special issue entitled, “Missionaries, Multiculturalism, and Mainline Protestantism.” Mark Banker, a private-school teacher in Tennessee, writes the major article for this issue. The editors for the journal comment that “more than twenty years ago as a graduate student looking for a dissertation, [Banker] came upon the records of Presbyterian missions in the U.S. Southwest. At the beginning of his research, Banker tells us with disarming candor, he held many of the negative images of missionaries and ‘anticipated some type of satisfaction in bashing’ them. Yet his inquiries gradually moved him toward a deeper appreciation of his subjects.” We provide the editors’ message in its entirety for your review—and as a way to, hopefully, pique your curiosity enough to secure a copy of the journal for yourself. For more information on the Presbyterian Historical Society in general and the Journal of Presbyterian History in particular, go to www.history.pcusa.org.

“My grandfather was Dr. Charles W. Kerr, longtime pastor of the First Presbyterian Church (1900 to 1941) in Tulsa, Oklahoma.” So begins a biographical sketch of this Scottish pastor and missionary, as told by his grandson, Stephen P. Kerr, a professor of international law and human rights in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dr. Charles Kerr took a courageous stand for social and racial justice in Tulsa in 1921 during what his grandson calls the Tulsa Race War. Dr. Kerr’s dramatic story is being set to music by a Scottish composer this year as a bagpipe opera—the first of its kind. In honor of Presbyterian Heritage Sunday, and with thanks to his grandson, we share an article from The Glasgow Sunday Herald about Dr. Kerr and the upcoming opera.

We follow the story of a past missionary with a piece written by current mission coworkers, the Reverend Marthame and Elizabeth Sanders, serving in Zababdeh, in the Occupied Territories in Israel. Marthame’s interest in the Middle East began when, as a young adult, he participated in a PC(USA)-sponsored youth/young adult work camp, working alongside Palestinian youth at the Friends School in the town of Ramallah, in the West Bank. He and Elizabeth are into their third year as teachers in Zababdeh. They have journaled regularly about their experiences and have written additional articles, like this one, to share with those of us back home. While this particular article was written last year, it seems timely still, given the current conversation about a “road map to peace” between the Israelis and the Palestinians. You can read more from the Sanders at www.come.to/zababdeh.

We include the bi-monthly articles from Fahed Abu-Akel, Moderator of the 214th General Assembly (2002) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and Cliff Kirkpatrick, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly. This is Fahed’s final article as Moderator. We pray that God’s fullest blessings will be his as he returns full-time to his ministry with international students in Atlanta. We also hope that he gets some well-deserved rest!

Ann Beran Jones is nearing the end to her year as Vice-Moderator of the 214th General Assembly (2002). What has the year been like for Ann? Find out here in her own words. We also pray for God’s fullest blessings on “ABJ” as she discovers new opportunities to put her many gifts to use in the life of the denomination.

This issue of Perspectives combines the months of May and June. The next issue will appear near the first of July. In the meantime, please pray for the 215th General Assembly that will convene May 24th in Denver, and for the entire work and witness of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in the name of Jesus Christ.

May the mystery, delight, and awe of God’s Spirit sweep you off your feet this coming Day of Pentecost and in all the days to come.

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