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A Call to Prayer
Presbyterians for Renewal and the Covenant Network of Presbyterians have issued a joint statement called "Call to Prayer to the PCUSA." The text of the statement is as follows:
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Grace to you and peace. The 219th General Assembly again put before the PC (USA) an amendment regarding ordination standards. Following the 218th General Assembly (2008), an amendment to delete G-6.0106b was supported by 78 presbyteries and defeated by 91. Presbyterians from across the country and across the theological spectrum acknowledged that deliberations were more respectful and less antagonistic, but there is a weariness with this debate on all sides.
Presbyteries are already considering the current amendment with new language about ordination standards. While we who serve in the leadership of Presbyterians for Renewal and the Covenant Network of Presbyterians do not agree on the desired outcome of this overture, we can find agreement in the hope that elders and clergy within the presbyteries of the PC (USA) will engage in this new round of deliberations in a manner worthy of the calling to which we have been called, "with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:1-3). It is our intent to witness to the reconciling love of Christ, even and especially when we disagree.
We invite you to join us in this commitment and in prayer:
Most gracious God,
we humbly pray for your Church.
Fill it with all truth; in all truth with all peace.
Where it is corrupt, purge it;
where it is in error, direct it;
where anything is amiss, reform it;
where it is right, strengthen and confirm it;
where it is in want, furnish it;
where it is divided, heal it,
and unite it in your love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
[from the Book of Common Order of the Church of Scotland (first line adapted)]
October 22, 2010
Standing for the Moderator
Does anyone out there know when and why Presbyterians began standing when the Moderator enters the room? It's a wonderful tradition -- although of course I'm biased in its favor because it's a huge emotional rush when you enter a...- Posted at 6:53 p.m.
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October 8, 2010
Whatever Happened to the PUP Report?
Remember the report of the Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity, and Purity of the Church (PUP)? The report that urged us to seek ways to discern God's will for the PC (USA) without relying solely on yes/no, up/down votes?...- Posted at 2:52 p.m.
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September 29, 2010
The Stole
At every General Assembly, the Moderator is presented with a stole to be worn during the Assembly and the ensuing two years. The stole I received was made by the Lydia Women's Empowerment Project in Minneapolis, an outgrowth of the...- Posted at 7:04 p.m.
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September 15, 2010
Can We Talk?
The General Assembly's adoption of the Middle East report was one of the most significant actions it took. And the way the adoption occurred was, in the opinion of many, a true miracle, given the fractious atmosphere surrounding this issue...- Posted at 3:08 p.m.
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