LOUISVILLE (PNS) Although I had been to a number of countries in Africa in past years, these past two weeks provided my first visit to South Sudan and Ethiopia. I found both countries to be filled with unique beauty—both in natural surroundings and particularly in the eyes and spirit of the people. I witnessed many challenges, including those at a refugee tent city I visited. Thousands of families were living in these tents because they had to flee from their homes and communities in Sudan due to safety. Political struggles, religious differences, and tribal affiliations were all sources of division and hostilities. In one location alone there were approximately 190,000 refugees, most living in cramped tents with no running water, power supply, or privacy. Some of the residents welcomed me with warm words of gratitude for the ways the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has and continues to stand with them in times of extreme hardship. At the same time I saw hope, both in the work of … [Read more...]

LOUISVILLE (PNS) This morning when I awoke and peered outside the window, the rhododendron forest in which I reside looked dead. All of the slick, green leaves that remain in place all winter were closed up so tightly that they appeared to have no life. When I looked at the thermometer out our kitchen window I noted that it was 4 degrees, and the wind was howling. The television weatherman reported that the wind chill factor was minus 20 degrees. I reflected on those rhododendron leaves. It is amazing how they tell us the weather conditions before we step outside. They close up when it is cold, and they open up when the weather is mild. They even flower when it is beautiful weather for a period of time each summer. How much this reminds me of our denomination. It is so easy for each of us, in challenging times (like freezing weather) to withdraw and to shrivel up and appear that we have no life. It is easier to resist the criticism and the harsh winds by retreating rather than … [Read more...]

LOUISVILLE (PNS) I celebrate the PC(USA) as a denomination that unequivocally affirms the Lordship of Jesus Christ as our Savior. Each new member, when joining the church, confesses that she or he accepts Jesus as their personal Savior. In fact, they could not be members if they do not confess that as their position. Do we state that everyone has to be a Christian to be saved? I thank God that I am not called upon to provide God’s answer to that question, for only God can give the answer. God is the judge; that is God’s job. But I do know that all members of the PC(USA) say they believe Jesus is the mandated key to salvation, and for that I celebrate our denomination. I am grateful that the PC(USA) believes in the authority of the Scriptures as being God’s word. Anyone who is ordained a teaching or ruling elder in our denomination affirms that this is his or her belief. Does that mean we all agree on every interpretation of God’s word? No. Does anyone? But it does mean that we … [Read more...]

LOUISVILLE (PNS)  At a recent meeting of newly elected moderators of presbyteries across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), I was asked to share my thoughts concerning ways a person might serve in the role of “reconciler” in a presbytery or church where there were divisions. The following were my comments: Pray first. Pray alone before you begin the conversation. Then offer to open the conversation in prayer. Such grounding lays a framework that removes the issue from the people involved and invokes Christ to join you. It also helps you to “get over yourself” so that your agenda isn’t the primary focus. Listen and show respect. Everyone has the right to be heard, no matter what their position. It may be appropriate to establish ground rules of respect before you begin, so that people won’t use their time attacking one another. Hearing anger and pain is every bit as important as hearing successes and joys. Don’t take sides if you are in the role of reconciler. Recognize what it … [Read more...]

Lebanon has received a flood of refugees from neighboring Syria and Iraq that dwarfs the “border crisis” in the United States. Lebanon is a country of 4 million inhabitants; in the last three years, they have absorbed an additional 1.5 million refugees from Syria and 750,000 refugees from Iraq. This has increased the population of the country, smaller than the state of Connecticut, by 50 percent. Obviously this puts an enormous strain on the resources of a country that has had its own share of challenges, including a 15-year civil war that just ended in 1990, a series of terrorist attacks and suicide bombings, and attacks and occupation by neighboring Israel on and off over the last 20 years. How does a country and a church practice radical hospitality in an inhospitable context? Powerfully and beautifully. The Presbyterian Church in Lebanon (called the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon (NESSL), is responding to the call to love their neighbor as their self and opening … [Read more...]