by Gene TeSelle, Witherspoon Issues Analyst

Committee 5 on Church Orders and Ministry reported three issues in their logical order, and the committee's recommendations were followed by the Assembly as a whole.

1. It overwhelmingly approved the overture from Scioto Valley, with many concurrences from other presbyteries, to direct the Stated Clerk to collect or develop "best practices" for the examination of candidates.

2. It approved, by a vote of 53 to 47 percent, the John Knox overture, an AI designed to correct the decision of the General Assembly's Permanent Judicial Commission (PJC) that the "fidelity and chastity" sentence in G-6.0106b is binding and cannot be "scrupled."

3. The most heated debate was over the Boston overture to replace the language of G-6.0106b with new language, and to adopt a new AI declaring that past AIs concerning "ordained service of homosexual church members" (starting with the "definitive guidance" of 1978/79 in the two churches and including the AI of 1993) have "no further force or effect."

by Doug King, Witherspoon WebWeaver

The 218^th General Assembly took significant steps to make the Presbyterian Church (USA) more open and affirming toward its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members. There are, of course, many Presbyterians who are distressed – or maybe outraged is a better word – by this modest step toward justice and (we believe) authentic peace in the denomination.

Presbyterian News Service has posted a report on the responses of the Assembly to the work of Committee 11, on Peacemaking and International Issues. We offer it here, with a couple notes added by your WebWeaver.

SAN JOSE — 28 June 2008 — Commissioners to the 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) “stayed the course” of being peacemakers around the world.

From the Associated Press – Jun 20, 2008

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (AP) — A retired Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) minister challenged her denomination's position on same-sex marriage Friday by officiating the wedding of two women who wanted to be among the first couples to legally marry in California.

The Rev. Jane Spahr, recently acquitted by a church council of officiating same-sex ceremonies before California made gay marriage legal, presided over the wedding between Sara Taylor, 54, and Sherrie Holmes, 57, at the Marin County Civic Center.

The Assembly has voted by 380 to 325 (54% to 46%) to approve item 05-09, originating as the overture from Boston Presbytery, to delete G-6.0106b and substitute a new paragraph.

The Assembly has just voted to approve item 05-12 from the Church Orders committee, to adopt an Authoritative Interpretation of G-6.01068, which affirms the authoritative interpretation of G-6.0108 approved by the 217th General Assembly (2006). "Further, the 218th General Assembly (2008), pursuant to G-13.0112, interprets] the requirements of G-6.0108 [to] apply equally to all ordination standards of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)."  This is the John Knox overture.

Gradye Parsons  elected as Stated Clerk

The Assembly has just elected Gradye Parsons as the new Stated Clerk of the PC(USA) on the first ballot, by a vote of 405 (57%), to 176 (25%) for Winfield "Casey" Jones, 110 (15%) for Ed Koster, and 21 (3%) for William Tarbell.

more Observations from The Witherspoon Society

Friday, June 27, 2008
218^th General Assembly

COMMITTEE 11 – PEACEMAKING AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

On Iraq

On Israel/Palestine

Process to correct Heidelberg Catechism is started

The Assembly voted 436-280 to initiate the process of amending the Heidelberg Catechism to restore the original German text of the 1562 document. A 1962 PC(USA) translation inserted the term "homosexual perversion" into the answer to question 87 of the catechism. No other church uses the 1962 translation.  More>>

South African confession, dealing with racism, is adopted

The Assembly also voted, by a vote of 536-154, to initiate the process of including the Belhar Confession in the denomination's Book of Confessions. Belhar was written in 1986 by the Dutch Reformed Mission Church in South Africa to address the apartheid situation in that country but it also points to the persistent sin of racism globally.

FOG report referred for study

By a vote of 624-88, the Assembly voted to refer the proposed revision of the church's Form of Government back to the Office of the General Assembly "for a period of study and consultation with churches and presbyteries." The new timeline calls for a revised proposal to be submitted to the stated clerk in October 2009 for distribution to the church by mid-January 2010 for consideration by the 2010 General Assembly.

Kirkpatrick recognized for long service

Late Thursday afternoon the Assembly named the Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick Stated Clerk of the General Assembly Emeritus, recognizing his 12 years as stated clerk and 35 years of service to the PC(USA) in a variety of capacities.

Mission statement endorsed

The Assembly unanimously endorsed "An Invitation to Expanding Participation in God's Mission," a broad-based agreement growing out of a mission consultation in Dallas last winter that promises greater cooperation to support Presbyterian mission than has been seen in the PC(USA) in many years. The Assembly urged all Presbyterian governing bodies and mission groups to accept the invitation. And the Assembly voted to rename the General Assembly Council the General Assembly Mission Council to reflect this new emphasis on Presbyterian mission.

Witherspoon Society offers some observations on issues coming to the plenary sessions of the Assembly today (Thursday) and Friday

Committee 04, Church Polity

Committee 10, Health Issues

Committee 05, Church Orders and Ministry

Committee 9, Social Justice Issues

Details >>

Witherspoon board member Catherine Snyder describes the amount of U.S. gun violence as 'obscene'

An overture to address the tragedy of America’s gun violence will go before the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly.

The Social Justice Issues Committee approved the overture, made by the Presbytery of National Capital, Monday night, June 23.

The Rev. Catherine Snyder, a Presbyterian campus minister at tragedy-stricken Virginia Tech University, told the committee that it’s “obscene the amount of gun violence this nation tolerates.”

After the mass murders at the campus April 16, 2007, Snyder said she heard from many people that it could happen anywhere. “My sisters and brothers, they are right. It could happen anywhere, because we are so crazy about our guns. The madness must stop, and Christians should be at the forefront.”

Church Orders committee votes 41-11 to recommend deletion of G-6.0106b

By a vote of 41-11 Tuesday evening, the Assembly Committee on Church Orders and Ministry recommended to the 218th General Assembly that it send an amendment to the presbyteries to delete G-6.0106b — which requires “fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or chastity in singleness” for church officers — from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Book of Order.

A number of committee members, knowing the inevitable vote was coming, didn’t return to the committee’s meeting room after the dinner break. The Rev. Emily McColl, who was on the losing side of the vote, asked committee members to call those who didn’t return for the evening, saying she was “so saddened by their absence that my heart can hardly stand it.”

She also expressed hope that congregations that simply cannot tolerate another debate over ordination standards will be allowed to “graciously leave” the denomination.

The overture approved by the committee came from Boston Presbytery.  The proposed new G-6.0106b states:

“Those who are called to ordained service in the church, by their assent to the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W-4.4003), pledge themselves to live lives obedient to Jesus Christ the Head of the Church, striving to follow where he leads through the witness of the Scriptures, and to understand the Scriptures through the instruction of the Confessions. In so doing, they declare their fidelity to the standards of the church. Each governing body charged with examination for ordination and/or installation (G-14.0240 and G-14.0450) establishes the candidate’s sincere efforts to adhere to these standards.” 

Proposal would allow ordaining bodies to consider conscientious objection to G-6.0106b

From Presbyterian News Service

On Saturday morning (long, long ago!), June 21, the Witherspoon Society presented a time of orientation for commissioners and others – offering some practical hints for working effectively in the Assembly, and some perspectives on a few of the issues that, from our justice-oriented focus, seem most important.

One of those issues, of course, is the question of whether our church will truly welcome lgbt members into its life and leadership. Witherspoon Co-Moderator Jake Young presented this perspective:

It’s time to “delete B"

It is the hope of the Witherspoon Society that this GA will either delete or change the wording of G6.0106b. Yes, this is a change of the Constitution and will require a vote of Presbyteries.

We take this position for many reasons, not the least of which is our MISSIONAL understanding that we will (quoting from our Mission Statement): “listen and learn from those who have been silenced as we seek solidarity with them,” AND we will “advocate for peace, justice, the integrity of creation, and the full inclusion of all God’s people in church and society.”

We pray for the unity of the church. But we also feel even more strongly the call to seek justice. In our humble opinion, the current state of the constitution precludes justice, particularly when it comes to clearly honoring the gifts of candidates for Elder and Minister who happen to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. We are, and have been for a long time, not only dishonoring our sisters and brothers, but suffering grave consequences as they completely, understandably leave the denomination to use their gifts in more welcoming, more just ecclesial environs.

Members of GA Committee 05 will have opportunities to reinforce the sinfully exclusive provisions of our Constitution. That would be a sad step backward.

They will also entertain the possibility of legislative actions that may allow ordination of GLBT persons in some congregations and presbyteries, but certainly not all. This is called passing the AI. That would be a half-measure…a marginal step toward justice.

Many liberals criticize the GAPJC following their difficult decision in Bush. This recent decision appears to have closed the door that had been set slightly ajar following the AI recommended by the TTF PUP report and approved, with amendment, by the 217^th GA in Birmingham.

But – and this comes following conversations with GAPJC members – your church courts, your PJCs, are bound to interpret the Constitution as it stands. They can do no other. The solution to the problem lies in changing the Constitution. As long as we seek justice, we can and should hope for nothing less.

Even if the presbyteries ratify the change, the struggle is not over. We will not have to disband our Affinity Groups. We will still get to meet one another here in two years. Why? Because changing the constitution to remove the exclusions of GLBT persons from holding office does not magically change the GLBT phobia of Presbyterians across our denomination.

Just because we ALLOW justice, just because we REMOVE the constitutional injustice, does not mean specific congregations and presbyteries will suddenly be bound to ACT justly. We can remove the exclusion so people in St. Paul can have the minister of the Holy Spirit’s choosing, but people in other parts of the country will still be free to exclude a candidate they suspect of some non-essential or another.

That’s why this whole debate is, in many ways, utterly puzzling. Why do we have to commit injustice against so many of God’s children just so we can maintain our codified injustice? Is it, perhaps, because we have not learned what this means: “God seeks mercy, not sacrifice.” God seeks love, not punishment.

Presbyterians usually love kindness. Presbyterians typically walk humbly. But, given the current state of our beloved Constitution, it is very difficult to say Presbyterians Do Justice.

Remove B.

The rollicking More Light Presbyterians dinner on Saturday, June 21, was climaxed by a wedding, to the surprise and delight of the large crowd.

The Witherspoon Society’s Awards Luncheon, following the Sunday morning service of worship, honored outgoing Stated Clerk Clifton Kirkpatrick with the Andrew Murray Award, and presented the Whole Gospel Congregation Award to First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto.

Presbyterian News Service:

A moderator committed to communication and “transparency”

Presbyterian News Service describes Bruce Reyes-Chow as “an energetic new church development pastor in San Francisco and leader in the ‘emergent church’ movement,” saying that he “won an easy majority on the second ballot with 390 votes or 55 percent.”

A second report, based on the new Moderator’s post-election press conference, notes that his enthusiasm for blogging and constant communication over the Internet reflects a commitment to openness and transparency. Reyes-Chow spoke of his excitement for using what he called “my spiritual practice of blogging” as a way of developing much-needed communication among people under 40 in the church.
 

A blogger praises the blogger-moderator

John Shuck writes:

This was an internet election and the candidate who knew the internet best and blogged most won. That in no way takes anything way from his message and his personality or that blogging was somehow an unfair advantage. No, he is the man for the job because he has the pulse of what is happening in church today. The medium is a big part of his message.

Bruce Reyes-Chow has just been elected Moderator of the 218th General Assembly

The Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow has been elected on the second ballot, by a vote of 390 (or 55%) to 255 (36%) for Rev. Bill Teng, 52 (7%) for Carl Mazza, and 7 (1%) for Roger Shoemaker.    

God loves the world, and so can we

The traditional pre-Assembly gathering of progressive Presbyterians took place yesterday, Friday afternoon, June 20, in the large meeting room of the Ramada Limited where the Witherspoon crowd is staying for this Assembly.

The group was privileged to join in on a conversation between two women who are both engaged in living out the faith in two different ways: Rita Nakashima Brock does it as a scholar and theologian and activist, whose most recent book, Saving Paradise: How Christianity Traded Love of This World for Crucifixion and Empire, is coming out very soon. She is currently is a research associate at the Harvard Divinity School. Noelle Damico lives out the faith through social and political action, as the director of the Campaign for Fair Food of the PC(USA), with much of her work these days going to our support for the Coalition of Immokalee Workers in Florida.

Dr. Brock began by setting out some of the main themes in her new book. Early Christianity, she said, saw the church as the living out of paradise on the earth, rather than as a stairway to heaven somewhere beyond this life. Salvation was seen as a reality in this world, not the next. Baptism and the saving work of the Spirit gave people power in this world, so the long, intensive training for baptism was to give Christians wisdom in using their new power in and for the world. ...

Noelle Damico picked up the conversation, looking through the lens of her own work with the struggle for justice for agricultural workers. She expressed her appreciation to the Witherspoon Society, and the whole PC(USA), for supporting these efforts, and for help in reaching the recent agreement with Burger King. The campaign continues beyond this victory, though, as the Coalition of Immokalee Workers is now going the challenge Subway, Chipotle Mexican Grill, and Whole Foods Market, to join in similar efforts to respect the rights of farmworkers.

The Witherspoon board arrived in San Jose Wednesday afternoon. Mostly, except for one of our number whose plane was delayed leaving Newark, which allowed him to enjoy the Salt Lake City airport floor overnight, and to arrive here Thursday morning.

We spent most of Thursday in meetings – planning for our events during the Assembly, and thinking more long-term about Witherspoon’s budget and programs for the coming couple years.

Today – Friday – commissioners and others are gathering, registering, wandering about like lost souls. (Saved souls, no doubt, but still a bit lost right now.)

No news to report yet, but you might go to the JustPresbys website for a few recent items of background and commentary that we posted last night – about overtures to correct the Heidelberg Catechism (an analysis by Dr. Jack Rogers, and a call for making the change, signed by 32 Presbyterian seminary professors), and an interview with outgoing Stated Clerk Clifton Kirkpatrick.

Three challenge committee nominee Gradye Parsons for top post

by Jerry L. Van Marter, Presbyterian News Service

LOUISVILLE — June 17, 2008 — Three challengers have stepped forward to stand for stated clerk of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly against the Stated Clerk Nominating Committee’s choice, the Rev. Grayde Parsons.

One of the four will succeed the Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick — who declined to seek a fourth four-year term. The election will take place Friday, June 27 during the upcoming 218th PC(USA) General Assembly in San Jose, CA. Nominations for stated clerk will formally be made on the second day of the Assembly, Sunday, June 22.

The candidates standing against Parsons — who as Director of Operations for the Office of the General Assembly has for the past eight years served as one of Kirkpatrick’s top deputies — are the Rev. Edward H. Koster, stated clerk of Detroit Presbytery; the Rev. Winfield “Casey” Jones, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Pearland, TX; and the Rev. William P. Tarbell, pastor of Saluda (SC) Presbyterian Church.

Stony Point Peacemaking Colloquium
Gospel Values and Gun Violence
September 15-17

Learn about gun violence and explore ways the church can respond and live out its role to bring peace where there is violence. Leading thinkers and organizers will update and equip us; workshops will provide hands-on analysis and action ideas; together we will explore how Gospel values can transform our culture's acceptance of gun violence and help us build a culture of peace.

For a brochure with details and a registration form >>
(Adobe Acrobat required)

Why worry about gun violence?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3,006 children and teens were killed by firearms in 2005. Children's Defense Fund has issued a report analyzing the data and suggesting steps that could protect children.

The World Food Crisis

The current Washington Report to Presbyterians addresses the world food crisis. Articles are:

Some of you may have noticed the gradual disintegration and disappearance of our website over the past few days.  Well, we finally gave up and moved to a new website hosting service, and we hope things are better now.  There are still a few glitches to be worked out, but we'll keep at it.

She recorded her reflections in her on-line blog, Journal of a Young Activist.

Scroll down past the first couple items to “Seminary behind bars” for her thoughts about the experience.

The Rev. Ray Bagnuolo, who describes himself as a gay Presbyterian minister of Word and Sacrament, is currently serving as interim pastor of Palisades (NY) Presbyterian Church.

Over the past few months he has posted six carefully considered and documented papers dealing with the ongoing debate about ordination of lgbt Presbyterians.

[News release from The Nation magazine.]

Be sure to watch PBS' Now tonight, Friday, June 13. The show explores a scandal first uncovered in The Nation -- how military doctors are purposely misdiagnosing soldiers wounded in Iraq, labeling them mentally ill in order to deny them medical care and disability pay.

The program features Nation reporter Joshua Kors' interview with Sgt. Chuck Luther, who was wounded by mortar fire, then jailed until he agreed his wounds were caused by a "personality disorder." Kors' original piece of reporting for The Nation on the issue, recently received a National Magazine Award, the industry's highest honor.

Supreme Court rules terrorism suspects at Guantánamo can appeal to civil courts in US

The New York Times report begins:

Foreign terrorism suspects held at the Guantánamo Bay naval base in Cuba have constitutional rights to challenge their detention there in United States courts, the Supreme Court ruled, 5 to 4, on Thursday in a historic decision on the balance between personal liberties and national security.

“The laws and Constitution are designed to survive, and remain in force, in extraordinary times,” Justice Anthony M. Kennedy wrote for the court.

Their full report >>

People for the American Way has sent this announcement to its members:

Today the Supreme Court gave us a narrow 5-4 victory for habeas corpus over the Bush administration in Boumediene v. Bush. People For the American Way Foundation filed an amicus brief in the case, and because you've stood with us in the fight to save habeas and other fundamental civil liberties, I thought you'd be interested in the statement I sent to the press:

The Supreme Court has rebuked President Bush's vision of the presidency as an office of limitless power, and declared that the president of a free nation cannot simply lock people up and throw away the key like some third-world dictator. This is a stinging blow to the administration's lawless policies and its allies in Congress.

It's chilling that the case was decided on a single vote, 5-4. One more Bush Justice on the Court, and the decision would likely have gone the other way. That's why it's so important for Americans to realize that in this election year, the Supreme Court is on the ballot. John McCain has already promised the GOP that he would nominate Justices to the Court exactly like those Bush has brought to the bench. This year, we must reverse the tide, and begin to restore a Supreme Court that upholds our individual rights and the laws that keep us free.

Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Scalia both offered their own frightening dissents, also joining each other’s along with Justices Alito and Thomas. If there was just one more Justice on the Court in the mold of these conservative Justices, the fate of this fundamental constitutional right would have been decided very differently. Habeas corpus was on the line today – but tomorrow it will be free speech, religious liberty, reproductive rights, equality for all, voting rights – every essential right that's a part of the American way. That's what's at stake with the Supreme Court on the ballot this November.

A huge THANK YOU to you and the other 37,500 People For activists who took action with us to save habeas -- your support allows People For and People For Foundation to fight these fights. We are so grateful you'll be by our side as we fight together to Save the Court!

On June 4, we posted a link to a recent article by Peter Canellos, proclaiming that the “mix of politics, religion appears a recipe for disaster,” followed by a response to the article by Elder James Green.

We've just received another thoughtful comment, from the Rev. Betty Hale, who writes:

I agree with both Canellos of the Boston Globe and Elder Green of Milwaukee – the headlines have certainly highlighted Christian ministers in some of their worst moments, and the YouTube clips of Rev. Wright regrettably omit the points he was making. I've been thinking recently how we don't seem to have a national spiritual voice to turn to these days, and that for myself – in addition to Witherspoon! – Rabbis Arthur Waskow of the Shalom Center and Michael Lerner of Tikkun are the leaders I especially look to. Especially moving are two recent emails from Rabbi Waskow that I'm forwarding; and below – on a whole different level! – is my "Wright" Letter to the Editor (Durham Herald-Sun) after the "Press Club" weekend. I hope Sen. Obama and Rev. Wright will soon be able to devote the time necessary to heal the misunderstanding between them.

Betty Hale

I believe the Rev. Jeremiah Wright is a prophet out of the tradition of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Amos. They were known for harsh rhetoric, too: The earlier Jeremiah was accused of treason and thrown into a well; Isaiah, tradition has it, was sawn in two. None of us likes to have our errors spoken of, but Rev. Wright speaks of ours, whatever our shade of skin. Like the prophets of old, he likewise calls for transformation and reconciliation, a term I count 17 times in his prepared remarks at the National Press Club.

I recommend we all read a transcript from the Press Club – and watch the whole 9/11 sermon, in which he was urging us to respond to 9/11 in a way different from Psalm 137, which revengefully speaks of dashing one's enemies' babies' heads against the rocks – lashing out, not caring what innocents get hurt. Instead, Wright says, he was hearing from God that these first days are a time of self-examination, starting with himself.

I grant, Rev. Wright does not speak in the measured tones of diplomacy, nor did his forebears – but I believe he is correct that he stands in the prophetic theological tradition, and we will benefit from his invitations to transformation and reconciliation.

Elizabeth B. Hale
Former chaplain in long-term care

The two notes from Rabbi Arthur Waskow are:

•          Litany of Ashes, Stones, & Flowers – a service designed especially for use on Memorial Day, incorporating the names of Americans and Iraqis who have been killed in the Iraq war. It makes use of a pot or basket of ashes, one of stones, and one of flowers, and a large bowl of water – or a body of water (lake, river) -- at the place of the service. This litany was created by Rev. Patricia Pierce of Tabernacle United Church, Philadelphia, and Rabbi Arthur Waskow of The Shalom Center in Philadelphia.

Jewish activists for peace, both in the U.S. and in Israel, respond to Barack Obama’s speech to AIPAC, the America Israel Public Affairs Committee.

Veteran Israeli activist and commentator Uri Avnery, writing in Gush Shalom, wondered why Barack Obama should have given a speech at the AIPAC conference that, as he put it, “broke all records for obsequiousness and fawning,” going so far as to revive support for a refusal of Palestinian sovereignty over the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Nationwide effort coincides with ‘Torture Awareness Month’

Evan Silverstein of Presbyterian News Service reports:

Southside Presbyterian Church in Tucson, AZ, has erected a new sign in front of its rustic, southwestern-style, adobe building just like the one Nauraushaun Presbyterian Church has placed in front of its modern, red-brick edifice in Pearl River, NY.

The new additions are 3-foot by 9-foot black vinyl banners that declare in white letters that “Torture is wrong.”

The Arizona and New York congregations are among at least 30 Presbyterian churches from all corners of America, along with one presbytery, that will display banners this month condemning torture as part of the “Banners Across America” initiative.

The effort is the brainchild of the Presbyterian-founded, church-backed National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT), which is calling June “Torture Awareness Month.”

So far nearly 300 congregations from across the faith spectrum in all 50 states and Washington, DC, have joined the cause by hoisting the black-and-white banners proclaiming “Torture is wrong” and “Torture is a moral issue.”

The Great Evangelical Decline — maybe?

On June 6, we posted a brief reflection on recent comments by Christine Wicker, author of The Fall of the Evangelical Nation: The Surprising Crisis Inside the Church, who claims that “Evangelical faith has been dropping since 1900, when 42 percent of the U.S. claimed that distinction. Every year, Religious Right evangelicals, such as those who lead the Southern Baptists, are a smaller proportion of the country.”

We invited comments, and received some suggestive thoughts from the Rev. Michael Ryan Walker, who is serving as the Theologian in Residence at Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas, TX. Formerly the Executive Director of Presbyterians For Renewal, he is currently a Ph.D. Candidate in History of Doctrine at Princeton Theological Seminary.

He writes:

Doug,

I enjoyed your piece reflecting on Wicker's book on the Religious Right. Most of all, I appreciated your open-ended question about whether or not those in the "more progressive religious groups" should consider ways of creative collaboration with evangelicals for the sake of church renewal.

One important thing that might help more progressive folks to think this through would be to think in categories other than those of the so-called "culture war." It is true that the battle lines in the church often reflect the battle lines in the culture, but that ought not be the case, for the church ought to do more than unselfconsciously reflect the patterns of the culture in which we find ourselves. Thankfully, we don't just have to think wishfully about this, because there are a great many "evangelicals" in the PC(USA), including myself, who would recoil at the thought of being labeled as part of the "Religious Right."

The rest of his note >>

And another thought:

The numbers may be accurate

And if there is one, what does it mean?

by Doug King, your WebWeaver

Here’s a view of the Religious Right you haven’t seen here before: 

Evangelical faith has been dropping since 1900, when 42 percent of the U.S. claimed that distinction. Every year, Religious Right evangelicals, such as those who lead the Southern Baptists, are a smaller proportion of the country. Every year, their core values are violated more flagrantly by the media, scientific discovery and mainstream behavior. Every election, politicians promise to serve them and then don't because evangelicals lack the power to make them.

What all this means is that we were duped.

All the hype proclaiming an evangelical resurgence was merely that - hype, a furious shout from a faith losing its grip, manipulation by a relatively small group of dedicated, focused, political power-seekers.

Christine Wicker, formerly religion reporter for the Dallas Morning News, has recently published a book which explores what she sees as the precipitous decline of evangelical churches, especially since the 1950s – a trend which has been ignored as the American people have been convinced they saw growing power on the Religious Right.

A mild word of warning: Her book, The Fall of the Evangelical Nation: The Surprising Crisis Inside the Church, is dismissed by the reviewer for Publishers Weekly as “a tendentious, confused book about the alleged demise of conservative evangelicalism.” I have not seen the book, but she has published a brief version of it on The Huffington Post. And it makes me think.

In this article Wicker points to “just three of the many reasons” for the decline ...

Read the rest of this summary and comment >>

Read Wicker's article >>

So what do you think?
What are your thoughts about "the decline of the religious right"?
And how might progressives be responding to it?
Just send a note,
to be shared here.

On June 4, we posted a link to a recent article proclaiming that the “mix of politics, religion appears a recipe for disaster.”

Elder James M. Green, of Milwaukee, responded with these comments:

The media have trivialized and distorted religion in the current campaign, especially in their "treatment" of Jeremiah Wright. The fact that religious leaders of all faiths have not spoken out firmly in reply (e.g., has any leader other than Bill Moyers supported Wright's prophetic ministry?) may mean that most religious leaders think that religion – especially prophetic statements of religion such as Wright's – is irrelevant.

I still think Wright should be supported by people of faith, especially Christians and Jews, in a non-partisan fashion. A full reading of his interviews, press conferences, and sermons (at least the ones in question) leads me to find nothing substantial to question about his ministry.

 I am, by the way, encouraged that many are beginning to look at the whole question of "American Empire" – especially some process theologians such as John Cobb and David Griffin (American Empire and God's Commonwealth for example) and Biblical scholars such as John Dominic Crossan.

And if there is one, what does it mean?

by Doug King, your WebWeaver

Here’s a view of the Religious Right you haven’t seen here before: 

Evangelical faith has been dropping since 1900, when 42 percent of the U.S. claimed that distinction. Every year, Religious Right evangelicals, such as those who lead the Southern Baptists, are a smaller proportion of the country. Every year, their core values are violated more flagrantly by the media, scientific discovery and mainstream behavior. Every election, politicians promise to serve them and then don't because evangelicals lack the power to make them.

What all this means is that we were duped.

All the hype proclaiming an evangelical resurgence was merely that - hype, a furious shout from a faith losing its grip, manipulation by a relatively small group of dedicated, focused, political power-seekers.

Christine Wicker, formerly religion reporter for the Dallas Morning News, has recently published a book which explores what she sees as the precipitous decline of evangelical churches, especially since the 1950s – a trend which has been ignored as the American people have been convinced they saw growing power on the Religious Right.

A mild word of warning: Her book, The Fall of the Evangelical Nation: The Surprising Crisis Inside the Church, is dismissed by the reviewer for Publishers Weekly as “a tendentious, confused book about the alleged demise of conservative evangelicalism.” I have not seen the book, but she has published a brief version of it on The Huffington Post. And it makes me think.

In this article Wicker points to “just three of the many reasons” for the decline ...

Read the rest of this summary and comment >>

Read Wicker's article >>

So what do you think?
What are your thoughts about "the decline of the religious right"?
And how might progressives be responding to it?
Just send a note,
to be shared here.

On June 4, we posted a link to a recent article proclaiming that the “mix of politics, religion appears a recipe for disaster.”

Elder James M. Green, of Milwaukee, responded with these comments:

The media have trivialized and distorted religion in the current campaign, especially in their "treatment" of Jeremiah Wright. The fact that religious leaders of all faiths have not spoken out firmly in reply (e.g., has any leader other than Bill Moyers supported Wright's prophetic ministry?) may mean that most religious leaders think that religion – especially prophetic statements of religion such as Wright's – is irrelevant.

I still think Wright should be supported by people of faith, especially Christians and Jews, in a non-partisan fashion. A full reading of his interviews, press conferences, and sermons (at least the ones in question) leads me to find nothing substantial to question about his ministry.

 I am, by the way, encouraged that many are beginning to look at the whole question of "American Empire" – especially some process theologians such as John Cobb and David Griffin (American Empire and God's Commonwealth for example) and Biblical scholars such as John Dominic Crossan.

"The time for a sense of entitlement is over. We are not entitled to anything; I repeat: We are not entitled to anything. Each day, each moment, each breath, each bite of food and drop of water, each smile or warm hand on our shoulder, if we are fortunate enough to have them, are precious gifts to be savored, treasured, and given thanks for."

Peter S. Canellos, Washington bureau chief for the Boston Globe, takes another look at the current mixing of religion with politics, and sees a fairly ugly picture. He begins:

The 2008 primary election campaign began with candidates scrambling to embrace religious leaders, and it's ending with candidates rushing to repudiate them. An election cycle that was supposed to usher in the marriage of religion and politics may be hastening its divorce.

From the evangelical ministers who questioned the fitness of a Mormon to be president, to the religious-right activists who denounced John McCain as godless, to the McCain-backing radio preacher who said Hitler was fulfilling God's will, to Barack Obama's longtime minister who blamed the United States for the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, to Obama's Catholic adviser who last week mocked Hillary Clinton, the clergy haven't just made a bad show of it: They've behaved like small-minded bigots.

These preachers have managed the amazing feat of making all the politicians involved in the campaign seem, by comparison, more tolerant, more reasonable, and less self-interested.

Peace Fellowship publishes analysis of peace-related overtures

McClellan promises to donate portion of book profits to Iraq veterans.

Yesterday, we shared here a call from MoveOn, for signatures on a petition calling on former White House press secretary Scott McClellan to donate the proceeds from his new book to veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. This morning on NBC’s Meet the Press, McClellan promised to give a portion of the profits to these men and women. Watch the video.

Observations on the legalization of same-sex marriage in California

Many progressive Presbyterians are heartened by the action of the California Supreme Court on May, legalizing same-sex marriages. An article in The Nation puts this action in the wider context of U.S. politics and culture, while also pointing out that for Californians, it’s not such a big change, after all.

Richard Kim writes: 

The California gay marriage debate illustrates important national trends . . . Growing numbers of Americans favor gay rights, including some form of partnership recognition for same-sex couples, especially when framed as economic and legal rights. This is particularly true of young voters . . . [b]ut this trend also holds true for voters of all ages . . .

Read the full article >>

From Witness in Washington Weekly, published by the Washington Office of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), June 2, 2008

From Witness in Washington Weekly, published by the Washington Office of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), June 2, 2008

Education attacks poverty at its roots, and strengthens families, communities, and nations. In addition to equipping a child with the knowledge and skills needed for a productive life, a basic education offers even deeper and wider returns for health, economic growth, and security, particularly in countries emerging from crisis. The Education for All Act authorizes an increased financial commitment, $1 billion for FY 2008, for U.S. efforts to achieve universal basic education.

Three Good Things to do during Torture Awareness Month to halt US-sponsored torture:

2008 PEACEMAKING CONFERENCE
REGISTER ONLINE

Sowing Mustard Seeds:
Working for God's Justice-Confronting Poverty
July 15-19
Chapman University Orange, CA

NEW -- One-Day Walk-in Commuter Registration Form  (Adobe Acrobat required)

After June 16, call Dayna Oliver, Conference Registrar at 888-728-7228, ext. 5936 to register. Registration closes June 20.

The title of the cover story is:

Presbyterians are among those battling a worldwide resurgence of slavery

John Sniffen writes: 

The United Nations estimates that 27 million-plus men, women and children are held in modern-day slavery all over the world. By comparison, researchers estimate that 15 million Africans were forcibly taken to the Americas from the 16th to the 19th centuries. This year marks the 200th anniversary of the U.S. ban on the trans-Atlantic slave trade. But, sadly, today even more people endure the horrors of slavery. 

The full cover story >>

The June/July issue also includes two items that are not available online --

GA actions ratified (or not) by  the presbyteries   

A number of the most important actions of the 219^th General Assembly have now been acted upon by the presbyteries, confirming most of them as amendments to the PC(USA) Book of Order.

We provided resources to help inform the reflection and debate, along with updates on the voting.

Our three areas of primary interest have been:

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PVJ's Facebook page

Mitch Trigger, PVJ's Secretary/Communicator, has created a Facebook page where Witherspoon members and others can gather to exchange news and views. Mitch and a few others have posted bits of news, both personal and organizational. But there’s room for more!

Voices of Sophia blog

Heather Reichgott, who has created this new blog for Voices of Sophia, introduces it:

John Harris’ Summit to Shore blogspot

John Shuck’s Shuck and Jive

Got more blogs to recommend?