Candidates for Moderator respond
to questions:
Elder Sandra Hawley
[5-15-01]
Question:
In the debate about Amendment
O, it has been argued that the recently adopted G-6.0106b reflects
"essential" parts of our polity and should therefore be
applied to our theology about marriage. What would you say are the
"essential tenets" of the Reformed tradition (not just
"from the book," but from your own convictions!), and how do
they guide you in dealing with G-6.0106b?
I grew up in a small town Iowa church, and was
nurtured in a very strong, basic reformed and Presbyterian faith. I was
taught belief in a loving and sovereign God, in Jesus Christ as my
personal savior and head of the church, in the Holy Spirit as guide and
presence in my daily life, and in Scripture as God's word revealed
giving direction for my life. I was also taught the priesthood of all
believers, which I consider an invitation and charge to be involved in:
• my own faith and spiritual growth;
• my faith community as a member and leader;
• the world as an agent of God's love.
For me, these remain the most basic and essential
tenets. Others could be included but as "reformed and always being
reformed" there can, and will be changes in the way we structure
our lives together, in our church polity, and in the confessions we
consider most important. Thus, discussions and considerations of all
sections of the Book of Order, including G-6.0106b, must
include our belief that the "confessional statements are
subordinate … to the authority of Jesus Christ and the Word of God, as
the Scriptures bear witness to him." (G-2.0200)
Question:
In light
of recent demands that our GAC affirm Christ as the only way to
salvation, how might we reconcile the statements in our confessions that
say God's love extends to all people, with other statements that say
salvation is only through Christ?
When I became a member of this church I made a
statement that I believe more strongly every day of my life, "Jesus
Christ is my Lord and Savior." Some people around the world cannot
make that statement because they have not heard the Good News of Jesus.
The Spirit has not yet moved others to faith. Jesus tells us not to
judge others. In that spirit, we are called to continue in conversation
with all faiths around the world and work together respectfully for
justice and peace for all people in all places no matter what their
beliefs.
We are also called to demonstrate the love of Jesus
Christ daily in everything we do. We are commissioned to be passionate
about our faith, to learn everything we can about God's love given
through Jesus, and to tell others the story of Jesus and how God's love
has affected our lives. Personally I believe that Christianity has a
story so compelling it is virtually impossible not to believe. Beyond
that we must trust God to change hearts. Anything less on our part
limits the grace of God.
Question:
The
213th General
Assembly will begin with a workshop on racism. Do you believe that
racism is a real problem in our Presbyterian Church? How would you move
us toward fulfilling the mandates of recent Assemblies to develop more
racial-ethnic congregations?
Unfortunately, racism persists around the world and
therefore must be part of our focus in the church. Too often we don't
fully understand the issue of racism or any of the other
"isms" of age, gender, class, etc. I applaud the workshop on
racism as an opportunity to raise consciousness of the issues involved
and begin to change attitudes and therefore behavior, both in the church
and outside.
I also applaud the workshop as a means to continuing
progress toward the mandates of racial ethnic church growth, helping us:
• better understand and appreciate some of the
differences in cultures and expectations;
• determine ways to identify, train and support
racial ethnic leadership in a predominately anglo church culture;
• raise awareness in presbyteries of the issues
involved in racial ethnic and multicultural church development.
Question:
Questions
of sexuality continue to dominate our life as a church. Do you see any
creative ways to work through these questions? Is there a "third
way" that you would encourage us to follow?
This Assembly has a huge task and a great
responsibility before it as we deal with issues that are difficult and
divisive. We will hear arguments on all sides of those issues. As
commissioners we are instructed to travel to the Assembly with open
minds and open hearts. We are to be led by the Holy Spirit in our
discussions, our listening, and our decision making.
I believe there is a "third" way, but it is
not a way that any one of us can define or take credit for. It will be
revealed to us by the Holy Spirit through prayer and study and
discernment of God's will for the church. Amazing, unpredictable things
have happened at every General Assembly I have attended and I don't
expect this Assembly will be any different. I do not believe God is
finished with us yet and if we are willing to listen for and respond to
the Holy Spirit, we will be led in loving and creative ways to work
through the difficulties we face.
On the web: www.sandrahawley.com
E-mail: ssshawley@aol.com
