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PCUSA Perspectives |
The latest issue of Perspectives,
the PCUSA on-line journal, is now available.
[12-18-03]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.
Click on the link below to enjoy new articles in the December
Perspectives.
http://www.pcusa.org/oga/perspectives/index.htm, including:
"A Church of All and for All"
World Council of Churches
"A God's Eye View"
Susan R. Andrews
"Geography"
Gradye Parsons
"Christmas Message"
Konrad Raiser
Here's a summary of this issues contents:
 | We begin with "A Church of All and for All: An Interim
Statement," prepared by the Ecumenical Disabilities Advocates Network (EDAN)
of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in cooperation with the council's
Faith and Order team. It is called an interim statement because the
Central Committee has commended it to WCC member churches for study,
feedback, and action. A portion of the statement reads, "In days gone by,
people with disabilities were actually kept behind walls, inside
institutions. Now we are all a part of mainstream society. It is estimated
that some 600 million people are persons with disabilities. Yet people,
especially persons with disabilities, still find themselves isolated. Now
there are walls of shame; walls of prejudice; walls of hatred; walls of
competition; walls of fear; walls of ignorance; walls of theological
prejudice and cultural misunderstanding. The Church is called to be an
inclusive community, to tear down the walls."
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| Next, we share with you a sermon by the Rev. Susan R.
Andrews, Moderator of the 215th General Assembly (2003) of the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The Moderator, along with Vice-Moderator
Charles Easley, recently returned from an exciting and deeply moving trip
to Africa. In her sermon, the Moderator shares some of her reflections.
Check pcusa.org for additional reflections in the weeks ahead.
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| Our own Gradye Parsons, strategic director of
operations for the Office of the General Assembly, recently preached the
sermon, "Geography," in a Louisville congregation. Sharing the story from
the Book of Ruth, he says, "There is more bad news. Mahlon dies and
Chilion dies. Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth become a household of widows. The
question is, will it be a Moabite house occupied by a Jewish mother-in-law
or a Jewish house occupied by Moabite daughters-in-law?" You'll want to
read more...
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| We close by sharing with you the annual Christmas
message from Konrad Raiser, general secretary of the World Council of
Churches. Raiser, who is a pastor, professor, theologian, and member of
the Evangelical Church of Germany, concludes an eleven-year mandate as
general secretary at the end of this month. In his message, he writes,
Peace on Earth is not a mere wish but a commitment. Through the birth of
Jesus, peace has been given to us . . . It is God's gift to us . . . The
Bible has a global conception of peace which is about life in right
relationships, the well-being of all, not only human beings but also the
whole of creation. Peace reigns when - according to the will of God - all
have enough of the basic necessities of life." |
Advent peace to you,
Sharon K. Youngs, Editor |
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An index of
our reports
from
BECOMING NEIGHBORS:
An Invitation
to Global Discipleship
A Witherspoon conference
on global mission and justice
September 16 - 19, 2007
Louisville, Kentucky |
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Check out our report from the
Conference
on
Terror, Torture,
and Security |
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