We've received a number of kind comments for our reporting from the Coalition Gathering, along with a few suggestions to fill in some of our reports.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

David Hackett, a staff member of Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship, who was also at the Gathering, sent this:

Doug and Witherspoon Friends,

I'm finding your reports on the Gathering VIII interesting reading, and accurate. I'd add another comment to your report on Jin Kim's presentation, "Korean pastor says he'll stay - because racism is the issue, not sex." Not only did Jin's address receive the strongest applause, you might mention that he received a near total audience standing ovation (the only speaker to get that, especially in contrast to the few individuals that stood presumably in ovation for other speakers).

Jin's strong call and challenge to the Gathering's participants and to the Evangelical wing of the church to take racial justice seriously was notably well-received, it seems to me. In workshop sessions following Jin's presentation there was abundant reference on the need to follow up on the concerns Jin raised. And Jin told me he was waylaid every five steps by people wanting to talk to him after that talk, so many that he was half an hour late to a workshop. This indicates to me that here is a point where persons from various positions on the theological spectrum of our church can benefit each other by talking about mutual desires to combat racism and work alongside each other for racial justice.

Dave

David Hackett, Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship
hackett@pff.net
www.pff.net

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And here's one we'll post just because it's a nice, encouraging comment!

Thanks for your gracious, well written, kind spirited report on the Gathering. I enjoyed reading it, found it informative, and especially was pleased for the lack of polemic and vitriolic that has so often clouded the various reports and discussions occurring across our church. Well done for taking the high road, fairly reporting what you saw, with your own personal opinions, and the gracious spirit with which it was done. May more of our reports, from every side of the church, reflect your approach.

God Bless!

Mark

Mark R. Patterson, PhD
Community Presbyterian Church
1555 Poli Street
Ventura, CA 93001

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We'll post other notes as we have time.

And we hope you'll add your thoughts -
just send a note of your own.

Unless you indicate otherwise, we'll feel free to post it here.