February 2001

Here are "headlines" and links from the beginning of February, 2001.

Added on 2/25/01

The Rev. Robert Rogers comments on the extreme reactions to Dirk Ficca's talk at last summer's Peacemaking Conference, and decries the demands for "false certitude." We are, he says, in danger of replacing the living truth of Christ with a sinful attempt to claim possession of all the answers.

A resolution calling for study of the issue of reparations for slavery has been put forth in the United Church of Christ. It states the issue well, and includes a helpful list of resources.

Added on 2/24/01

Barbara Kellam-Scott, the Moderator of Semper Reformanda, has sent an open letter to Mr. John Detterick, Executive Director of the General Assembly Council, as the GAC meeting continues in Louisville. Her focus is on the continuing debate about Dirk Ficca's address at last summer's Peacemaking Conference.

For reports from the GAC meeting in Louisville, visit the PC(USA) web site, and/or Presbyterian Outlook.

Major items:

Response to Ficca attacks affirms Lordship of Christ, defends "open dialogue" in conferences
The General Assembly Council, responding to a controversy over a conference speaker’s statements, which some critics have alleged to be heretical, on Feb. 24 approved a document that affirms "the Lordship of Jesus Christ and our salvation through Christ," but also defends "the propriety of open dialogue at GAC-sponsored conferences."

Jeffrey Bridgeman elected chair of General Assembly Council
The Rev. Jeffrey Bridgeman, 44-year-old evangelical pastor from Solvan, California, was elected chair of the General Assembly Council (GAC) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) on the second ballot today. The Rev. Adelia D. (Dede) Kelso of Pearl River, Louisiana, was elected vice chair, also on a second ballot. They begin their one-year term following the General Assembly in June.

GAC approves guidelines for racial-ethnic growth
With racial-ethnic membership in the Presbyterian Church (USA) at just 6 percent, the General Assembly Council on Friday, Feb. 23 unanimously approved recommendations outlining strategies for enhancing racial-ethnic diversity in the denomination and cultural-sensitivity seminars for presbyteries and middle governing bodies.

Responding to a statement by Korean Presbyterians in support of Amendment O, More Light, Shower of Stoles, and That All May Freely Serve call for dialogue with National Korean Presbyterian Council.

A number of responsible leaders have been urging a national consideration of some form of reparations to African-Americans in very partial compensation for the evils of slavery. At a Fisk University forum, speakers affirmed the appropriateness of reparations. Gene TeSelle reports.

David Bos responds to criticism by the Rev. Ron Scates, on PresbyWeb, that in urging a new "Auburn Affirmation," he has neglected the document itself.
For the full correspondence, check PresbyWeb.

Added on 2/23/01

GAC updates:

Committees focus on their various areas;

Worldwide Ministries hears from Gloria and Ross Kinsler, ponders future action on globalization and growing rich-poor gap

Theologian Shirley Guthrie offered a theological perspective on the state of the Presbyterian Church, as he spoke to a joint meeting of the General Assembly Council and the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly on Tuesday. He sees a real possibility that God is at work in our church today in judgment on our endless arguments (with "self righteous people on all sides arguing with other self righteous people"), and our unwillingness to do justice.

Responding to reports on the GAC discussion of Dirk Ficca's address at last summer's Peacemaking Conference, one visitor comments:

Dear Persons,

I've read the hype.
Now I've read the address.
What's the big deal?
Sounds like something Jesus would say, doesn't it?

Thank you.

Pax et bonum,

The Rev. Mr. Larry V. R. Bunnell

The Tampa Bay chapter of The Witherspoon Society has prepared a brochure offering brief reasons for opposing Amendment O, along with a list of resources.

Presbyterians are working with others to move to the next phase of the Jubilee campaign, with a new focus on AIDS treatment, social and economic justice.

Seeing ourselves as others see us:

A Glasgow journalist, writing before the inauguration of George W. Bush, described the rise of "militant theocrats" and "God's terrorists" (people and groups that have committed murder and other acts of violence in their opposition to abortion) to new power in Washington. He also mentions Marvin Olasky, one of Bush's advisors in developing the "faith-based organization" initiative.

Preaching on purity? Do it with care.

Added on 2/21/01

from the GAC meeting in Louisville:

Dirk Ficca statements will be considered; budget prioritization on evangelism and discipleship will impact programs

The Executive Committee of the General Assembly Council, meeting in Louisville on Monday, Feb. 19, decided that the full Council should decide what actions are needed in response to protests from 19 sessions and one presbytery about statements made by Dr. Dirk Ficca at last summer's Peacemaking Conference.

You may want to look at the full text of Ficca's address.

Conservatives are pressing for definitive action to engage in pre-censorship of all speakers at church events; the Lay Committee presented a petition to the executive committee Monday signed by 1,548 people, asking for "a full accounting of faith among the leadership of the PC(USA)." Consider: Do you want another side to be heard? You might try to send a message to the office of John Detterick for transmittal to the GAC when they return to this issue on Saturday, Feb. 24.

The budget prioritization process initiated last fall by GAC executive director John Detterick will begin to impact specific budgets. Detterick has been urging low-priority program areas to seek help by linking with high-priority areas. Check out some earlier stories on this issue, too.

The Presbyterian Outlook has the latest report from Louisville.

Soulforce supporters in Florida will be demonstrating on Saturday, February 24, outside the meeting of Tampa Bay Presbytery, as that body votes on Amendment O.

Added on 2/20/01

From a recent visit to three nations in Africa, Jana Hanna reports on the human crisis of AIDS in that continent, and asks how we might respond. [2-20-01]

Added on 2/19/01

The Rev. Dr. Harold Dean Trulear, one of the designers of Pres. Bush's new Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, spoke recently in Nashville about his hopes and strategies for the program. Gene TeSelle reports, and explains his concerns.

Added on 2/17/01

Lynne Reade shares a gentle suggestion that "homosexuality" is people, who love and are loved, and are part of our family.

Pastor calls for skepticism about claims for the effectiveness of religious organizations in social service

Charles Henderson, host of the "Christianity - General" section of about.com, and Presbyterian pastor, responds critically and in detail to what he sees as exaggerated claims about the efficiency of faith-based organizations, compared to governments, in providing help to the poor.

Resistance to Amendment O doesn't necessarily signal general support for gay/lesbian concerns

An Outlook report by Leslie Scanlon points out that a number of people and presbyteries are rejecting Amendment O, the ban on holy unions, not because they are committed to a more inclusive church, but because they are concerned about the limitation of pastors' freedom to minister to gay and lesbian parishioners.

Searchable versions of our Book of Order and Book of Confessions are now on the PCUSA web site. Check out a handy tool! Or just save this link for future use. http://horeb.pcusa.org/search/boo.htm

Added on 2/16/01

Iraq bombing draws protest and prayers from a recent visitor there.

Roger Reid, a Presbyterian elder from Syracuse, New York, returned very recently from a visit to Baghdad, along with a delegation that included the Rev. Len Bjorkman, co-moderator of the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship. He sent an e-mail which we are glad to share here.

Just for fun:
A couple nice examples of the joys of language.

Added on 2/15/01

Faith-based Charity ... is still charity

Jane Hanna, President of The Witherspoon Society, considers the ambiguities of the new Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, seeing the threat to diversity and the danger that any "charity" will neither empower nor respect the recipients of aid. [2-15-01]

Eleven congregations in Hudson River Presbytery have sent letters of dissent to their presbytery, affirming their intention to be truly inclusive even if that means violating G-6.0106b, the "purity and chastity" amendment.

A Feb. 14 report from Presbyterian News Service sees the voting as still very close. Jerry Andrews of Chicago, chair of the Presbyterian Coalition, is stepping up efforts to get conservative pastors to get more elders to presbytery meetings.

Plans are announced for Earth Day Sunday, the Sunday after Easter, with an emphasis on children and youth.

Added on 2/13/01

The Witherspoon Society has responded positively (if not speedily) to the "Call to the Church" issued by 113 middle governing body executives.

Is it charitable choice or culture wars?

Comments by President Bush suggest that his new Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives is really a way to channel federal funds into one side of our "culture wars." Gene TeSelle offers some thoughts and some questions.

The new emphasis on linking religion and government raises new concerns about freedom of religion. Gene TeSelle reviews a recent article on the subject.

Local groups are getting organized

One key to serving our Presbyterian Church and our society is strong local groups through which we provide support for one another. Anew group has formed in northern New Mexico which is affiliated with More Light Presbyterians, in which many Witherspooners are involved.

If you have news of local activities, please let us know!

Added on 2/9/01

Voting on O:

As of February 9, 2001, we have reports of votes on Amendment O from 72 presbyteries. 24 have voted in favor, 48 against the ban on holy unions. The latest are St. Andrew, Pittsburgh, South Alabama, and Pueblo (all voting Yes); Albany and Dakota (voting No).

You'll find more details on another page.

Alexa Smith of Presbyterian News Service surveys observers from right and left about the current voting on Amendment O. Both sides say it's another close one; conservatives are redoubling their get-out-the-vote efforts.

Bush's "faith-based initiative" threatens "a revolution in church-state relations"

Commentary by Gene TeSelle, based on notes from a speech by Candidate George W. Bush in July, 2000.
[2-9-01]

Foundation to develop faith-based care

Program will send volunteers to homes of elderly to assist with their daily tasks.

Now, here's an interesting alternative to Pres. Bush's proposals for government support to faith-based organizations.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the largest health care foundation in the United States, is planning to expand its Faith in Action program, spending up to $100 million over the next six years. Grants will go to 2,000 new interfaith programs that will deliver services to the elderly and disabled. The aim will be to send tens of thousands of volunteers into the homes of people who need help getting to the doctor, arranging home repairs, paying bills or shopping for groceries.

Grants will go to a variety of religious groups, with strict rules against proselytizing. There is an interfaith element in the program as well.

You may want to check out the Foundation's web site directly.

Thanks to onReligion.com

Added on 2/8/01

Eight Presbyterians will be gathering this weekend in Baltimore to consider updating the Auburn Affirmation, which responded to the doctrinal debates of the 1920s by rejecting any narrow definition of the theological principles that undergird the denomination and ended over a decade of dominance by fundamentalists.

The team of writers that will gather includes David Bos, who proposed this effort last September; the Rev. Bear Ride, director of the Peace Center at United University Church in Los Angeles and a member of the board of the More Light Presbyterians;the Rev. Letty Russell, retired Yale Divinity School professor; the Rev. Bob Brashear of New York City; and longtime activist Elder Virginia Davidson of Rochester's Downtown Church. The Rev. Robert McAfee Brown of Palo Alto, Calif., who was mentioned in earlier reports, is no longer listed as one of the expected participants.

Added on 2/7/01

The Oxbow group of unofficial progressive organization related to Protestant churches met in Washington, DC, on February 4-6, with four Witherspoon representatives in attendance.

Major decisions:

	Changing the group's name to Protestant Justice Action
	Adopting three major foci for action in Washington, in the immediate future: (1) vouchers, charitable choice, and the President's initiative on "faith-based organizations"; (2) reproductive choice; and (3) reparations.

The Presbytery of Santa Fe has passed two overtures, one calling for freedom of conscience in dealing with G-6.0106b, the other for the granting of waivers to congregations that "cannot apply the requirements of G-6.0106b justly and equitably."

The Layman offers a different view, that conscience must not be left free.

The Presbyterian Partnership of Conscience reports a growing movement calling for a second Affirmation in the tradition of the original Auburn Affirmation.

Added on 2/5/01

Equal Partners in Faith expresses concern about dismantling of the church-state wall of separation.

A Christian statistician raises questions about faith-based social action programs

[2-5-01]

As momentum builds in support of President Bush's office for faith-based social programs, some are raising questions about constitutional church-state issues. But one professor at Calvin College has other concerns.

Dr. Fred DeJong teaches statistics at Calvin College, and is himself active in faith-based programs. But he is concerned that the high expectations for religious programs are not based on valid data. Even the Lilly Endowment of Indianapolis, one of the nation's leading sponsors of research on religion, acknowledges that "We haven't done a lot of research in this area, and I don't know why," according to spokesperson Gretchen Wolfram.

Other observers are quoted as questioning the reports results of specific programs, especially in Texas.

You'll find the article in the Dallas Morning News.

Do you want to go back in time??

To wander through earlier headlines and links:

from the first part of December, 2001

from November, 2001

from October, 2001

from September, 2001

from August, 2001.

from July, 2001

from June, 2001.

from May, 2001.

from April, 2001.

from March, 2001.

from February, 2001.

from January, 2001.

from December, 2000.

from November 2000
including reports on

	Covenant Network conference
	Re-Imagining Conference

articles from the Spring 2000 issue of Network News

from mid-September through October, 2000.

from July through mid-September, click here.

from January through June 2000.