A new book of essays has been released by Westminster John Knox Press in celebration of Rev. Dr. Clifton Kirkpatrick, Stated Clerk Emeritus of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Edited by Neal D. Presa, That They May all Be One: Celebrating the World Communion of Reformed Churches was published for the historic Uniting General Council, which merged the World Alliance of Reformed Churches and the Reformed Ecumenical Council earlier this month in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A list of over twenty-five contributors — including pastors, theologians, and ecumenists — have written essays for the book on what it means to live in unity and communion in the twenty-first century through the lenses of mission and justice. The implications will have a lasting influence on the shape of the Reformed witness through the World Communion of Reformed Churches, as the thoughts expressed in this volume collectively contribute towards a future vision of the broader ecumenical movement. 

The book has garnered notable praise so far:

"Simply inspirational. That is an apt description of both the contents of this book and the ecumenical leader it honors."— Setri Nyomi, General Secretary, World Alliance of Reformed Churches

"To be Presbyterian is to be ecumenical! This book is a tribute to the ministry of Cliff Kirkpatrick who lives out that understanding every day of his ministry."— Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

"This book presents an up-to-the-minute report on progress toward visible unity in Christ and an ecumenical witness to the world, with intimations of exciting developments ahead."— Olav Fykse Tveit, General Secretary, World Council of Churches

"The essays are a fitting tribute to a great ecumenical leader and will be a source of inspiration to pastors and leaders who want to think deeply about God’s call to the church in the twenty-first century. — Cynthia Campbell, President and Professor, McCormick Theological Seminary and past president of the Association of Theological Schools

"The breadth and depth of the essays tell us something about the unity of the twenty-first century ecumenical movement, but they also tell us something about the ability of one human being: Reverend Clifton Kirkpatrick—a vessel for unity and mission today." —Bernice Powell Jackson, President (North America region), World Council of Churches

To purchase this resource, visit The Thoughtful Christian website.