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General Assembly 2004
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Candidates for Moderator |
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The Rev. Dr. David McKechnie
A member of New Covenant Presbytery, Dr. McKechnie is
pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Houston, TX.
Website:
http://davemckechnie.org/
Click here for
background report.
[posted 5-21-04]
 | The Christian Century has published
many articles on the theme "How My Mind Has Changed." What would you
say are the most significant changes in your mind - and heart - in
recent years? |
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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.
 | What have you learned from the Theological Task
Force? How would you as Moderator help to build peace, unity, and purity
in our church? Would greater specificity about the "essentials of the
Reformed faith," as sought by several overtures this year, help in this
process? |
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.
 | There are many who feel that adding G-6.0106b to the
Book of Order was a mistake, and most Presbyterians expect it to be
removed within a matter of years. When it is removed, how can we avoid the
tensions that we have recently seen in the Episcopal Church?
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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.
 | The nature and definition of marriage and the family
is a matter of considerable debate both in our national life and in our
church. How would you like to see our church deal with marriage and
family, both in pastoral care to individuals and families, and in the
national debate? |
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 216th 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 we move into an era of economic globalization and
of U.S. dominance in military and diplomatic affairs, what
responsibilities do we have as the PC(USA) in the life of our nation?
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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.
Justice issues demand that we speak to them and act with
integrity. However, prior to speaking or acting, is the issue of prayer. I
deeply believe that the awakening of the social conscience begins with
prayer. Our prayers never end with Amen. They continue as we open our eyes,
unfold our hands and get up off our knees. The beginning of healing is
always an accurate diagnosis. |
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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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