[4-5-02]

Please add my name to the many who have joined in a "call to civility." I want to support the legitimacy of the election of Jack Rogers as Moderator at last summer's General Assembly and challenge those who concluded that the Assembly was not guided by the Spirit in its decision-making.

But more than that, I want to support those calling for greater civility in our conversations around issues about which we may have differences of viewpoints, and even beyond that, for greater acceptance not only of positions but of actions of inclusivity which some may disagree with. Our peace as a church will only come when we can live together in unity regardless of our differences and allow a broader degree of ministries to exist. We may not all agree on what constitutes sin. That's all right. Let's each of us live in the freedom of our own conscience, responsible before God -- accepting and agreeing to what is absolutely essential to our faith, but allowing greater freedom in matters of difference. By and large we have been able to do this in regards to the abortion issue. We need to do this likewise in regards to our affirmation and full inclusion of gays and lesbians.

Al Gephart, pastor

University Presbyterian Church
139 E. Alameda Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85284

www.upctempe.org

Do you want to add your own name, or perhaps ask your session or other group to consider endorsing the Call to Civility?  Please just send a note!

I was deeply disturbed to read in my most recent issue of Outlook that certain parties have been taking potshots at our Moderator, Jack Rogers. It isn't too difficult for me to imagine just who that might be.

I have been an admirer of Jack Rogers for many years. I have read his books and sometimes view/listen to his videos which I own. These I find most helpful in my faith walk and in my responsibilities as an Elder in my church.

I was very, very pleased when it was announced that he would be a candidate for Moderator and that he had been elected. Subsequently I learned what a fine job he did at the podium of that General Assembly meeting.

I find Psalm 62: l-8 exposes this situation very well.

Thank you for letting us know what is going on. I shall call this to the attention of the Session of my church.

Elder Marjorie (Marge) Coombs
Presbytery of the Inland Northwest
First Presbyterian Church
Spokane, Washington

Psalm 62

1 For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken.
3 How long will you assail a person, will you batter your victim, all of you, as you would a leaning wall, a tottering fence?
4 Their only plan is to bring down a person of prominence. They take pleasure in falsehood; they bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse. Selah

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