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Contact person: Gary Demarest at (626) 914-4833, or Jenny Stoner at (802) 586-6913

Press Release

October 29, 2002

"The road to Peace, Unity and Purity passes through Jerusalem, Nicaea and Chalcedon onto the paths and highways of the global village of the 21st century," in the words of co-moderator Gary Demarest of the Theological Task Force at the conclusion of the group's meeting October 24-26 in Louisville. Co-moderator Jenny Stoner stated, "Throughout the meeting, which studied the social and religious context of today's Presbyterian church and the roots of the church's understanding of Jesus Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit was much in evidence in the growing sense of community among the 20 members who were selected because of their diversity."

Moving through the plan it established for itself in earlier meetings, the Task Force used this meeting to explore trends in U.S. social and religious life and to begin engaging foundational theological themes as a basis for its consideration of the controversial issues on its agenda. The planning team for this meeting included Task Force members Victoria Curtiss of Ames, Iowa, Barbara Wheeler of New York, New York, Mark Achtemeier of Dubuque, Iowa and Milton J (Joe) Coalter of Louisville, Kentucky.

The Task Force first heard a comprehensive report from Barbara Everitt Bryant of Ann Arbor, Michigan, who served as director of the 1990 U.S. Census. Bryant compiled data outlining changing trends in population mobility, ethnicity, age distribution, gender, labor and "social capital." She then analyzed several sets of data collected by the Presbyterian Panel.

An informational paper on the Presbyterian religious context compiled by Milton J Coalter of Louisville Presbyterian Seminary focusing on the issues of peace, unity and purity suggested that changing trends in U.S. religious practices are nearly as challenging and complex as demographic ones. Of many changing contours in the national religious landscape, the Task Force noted especially the trend toward "localizing" religious practice and congregational affiliation.

The Task Force spent two extended sessions considering issues of Christology presented by newly-appointed member P. Mark Achtemeier of the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. Achtemeier's initial presentation unpacked doctrinal issues first approached at the Council of Nicaea in 325 and codified in the Nicene Creed. Achtemeier characterized the Nicene Creed as the "theological linchpin of classical Christianity, the ecumenical heart of the church and the presupposition of Presbyterian confessions and polity." His second presentation examined "the work of Christ" and focused on the nature of salvation and dimensions of the cross in Trinitarian theology.

The Task Force also heard a report from Clifton Kirkpatrick, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, based on his paper, "Common Faith, Common Mission." The clerk highlighted his hopes for ways in which the development of polity within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) might complement from the theological work of the Task Force.

In other business, the Task Force

• Heard a report about educational resources led by Scott Anderson of Sacramento, California, including the formation of a resource project team;
  
  
• Was led in worship at different times by Task Force members Martha Sadongei, Jong Hyeong Lee, José Luis Torres-Milán, Barbara Bryant, Mary Ellen Lawson and Sarah Sanderson-Doughty;
  
  
• Noted with deep sadness the death of original Task Force member Elizabeth Achtemeier of Richmond, Virginia, who died on October 25. Several times throughout its meeting, the Task Force offered prayers of gratitude for the significant contributions of Elizabeth Achtemeier to the life and witness of the Presbyterian Church.

The Task Force, which was mandated by the 213th General Assembly (2001) to address issues of contention facing the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), will next meet February 20-22, 2003, to consider issues of scriptural authority and interpretation as well as the theology and practice of confessions in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).