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 begin this issue by joining a number of other media outlets that are featuring a letter from the Message Committee of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) at the conclusion of the 24th General Council of WARC that was held in Accra, Ghana last month. Included with the letter are liturgy pieces and a summary of the General Council’s reports and decisions. Information about WARC can be found at www.warc.ch.

Numerous articles and editorials have been published across the country in response to the 216th General Assembly’s actions regarding Israel/Palestine. One article, “A prayer for Presbyterians,” by Rabbi Marck Gellman and Monsignor Thomas Hartman (known as the “God Squad”) contained inaccuracies to which the Rev. Thomas H. Yorty was moved to respond. We feature his response here. Yorty is pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Buffalo, NY.

“Rather than choosing to be pro-Israel or pro-Palestine, faithful people should be discerning how to be pro-gospel and therefore pro-justice, pro-mercy, pro-grace, and pro-peace, standing alongside the many brave Palestinians and Israelis, Jews, Muslims, and Christians, who daily and doggedly strive together for a shared future.” Thus wrote the Rev. Marthame and Elizabeth Sanders near the end of their recent itineration during which they shared their experiences of serving as mission volunteers for nearly four years in the Palestinian Christian village of Zababdeh in the West Bank. They have just begun a year as missionaries in residence at 100 Witherspoon, here in Louisville, KY.

The Form of Government and the Book of Discipline in the original Book of Order had roughly 11,000 words. Now the total is over 70,000. This and other interesting observations about the church’s first constitution (1789) are shared here by the Rev. Gradye Parsons, director of operations for the Office of the General Assembly. We also include the 1789 Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America.

Finally, in connection with our ongoing attention this year to the World Council of Churches’ Decade to Overcome Violence (2001-2010): Churches Seeking Reconciliation and Peace, we conclude with timely information about the upcoming International Day of Peace. The United Nations General Assembly established September 21 of each year as the International Day of Peace –– a day of global ceasefire and non-violence to commemorate and strengthen the ideals of peace within and among all nations and peoples.

May the peace of Christ be with us all.

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

Sharon K. Youngs, Editor

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