I believe good leaders are perpetual learners. I have learned that embracing new concepts is a must for my personal growth. Globalization demands that Christians broaden their perspective on political, social, economic and spiritual issues. AIDS is not somebody else's problem, it is our problem. The power of the screen has significantly changed our methods of communication. With few exceptions, the Church has missed this opportunity to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ via technology. Daily I am reminded that we are all made in the image of God. As a result, my own conscience has been pricked and I have become more sensitive to people's pain.

I deliberately attended the most recent meeting of the Theological Task Force in Dallas. I wanted to see for myself the process and its content. I was profoundly impressed by their compassion for each other. Community is happening. They are doing serious theology. They are not avoiding the tough issues but indeed wrestling with them. In spite of disagreements, I sense that these folks are cognizant of being participants in the Body of Christ. I left that meeting with a desire to trust them in the process and pray for their discernment.

I dare not predict the future. I know that G-6.0106b will be discussed at this General Assembly. I would prefer to let the Theological Task Force do its work before any action is taken on this issue. Their report will be published in the summer of 2005. Action will then be taken at the 2006 General Assembly.

The weakness in the Episcopal system is their hierarchal clergy. The strength of the Presbyterian system is the importance of each person's opinion and the checks and balances. Pastors in our denomination work hard at building community not just followers.

Nothing is of greater influence on our lives than the family experience. Family matters! Some of the Biblical models of family are positive. Some of the Biblical models are not. They are a lot like us. I do know that Jesus had an overriding concern with relationships. As a pastor, I can affirm that people living in close proximity do not necessarily make a family. There are deliberate decisions that must be made. A close emotional bond between parents and children is the most important factor in reducing teen smoking, drinking, drug abuse, violence, sexual immorality and suicide. The church has an obligation to promote those close emotional bonds.

The Statement on Marriage endorsed by the Roman Catholics and the Southern Baptists is worthy of our perusal.

I look forward to the report on Transforming Families that will come to the 216^th General Assembly.

In my present pastorate, families who had children with special needs were not part of our children's ministries. For that reason, we created Grace Place; Sunday School classes, Vacation Bible School and camp programs for children with special needs. Its effectiveness is real. To date, thirteen churches in the Houston area have emulated our model.

As Moderator, I will not expect people to agree with me on every issue, but I will do my best to represent other people's point of view fairly.

As Presbyterians, it is our responsibility to speak truth to power. We can choose to be prophetic or pathetic! I take Acts 5:29 seriously, "We must obey God rather than human authority." Our denomination has a strong heritage of providing leadership in public life. We need to be encouragers of political involvement. The plight of the marginalized must be on our agenda. The beginning of healing is an accurate diagnosis. Presbyterians have the ability to do that.