These groups met for six sessions during the recent Lenten season, and their purpose was to 1) engage clergy and laity to covenant together for theological discussion, using the TTF’s first video “Seeking Peace, Unity, and Purity” as their primary curriculum, and 2) help participants experience open and honest dialogue among fellow Christians of differing theological convictions as an attempt to witness to the challenge of Psalm 133:1 (How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity) and Ephesians 4:1-2 (I, [Paul], therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace). It is worth noting that at least two of the original four groups have agreed to meet beyond the initial six-session arrangement.
Participants have found this experience challenging and helpful. “I believe that some significant bridges were built in our time together in the Theological Reflection Group. There was clearly a great degree of theological diversity in our group. As such, our conversations were often “spirited,” but also respectful, and honest and held in a way that allowed for the group participants to be able to share their views “among friends.” I am richer for the experience am thankful to have been able to meet and spend time with others that I may not have the opportunity to spend with otherwise. I am also more informed about the theological “mix” that exists in the church today …” said one pastor.
Our presbytery has also been inspired through the presentations of members of the TTF. At our annual POJ Moderator’s Conference, Dr. Frances Taylor Gench was our guest speaker in 2004 and Dr. Mark Achtemeier in 2005. This conference follows a format of presentation, small- group discussion, supper, question/answer session, and closing worship. In the fall of 2004 at our annual Church Leadership Conference, Dr. Jack Haberer led us in both plenary and small-group sessions for this overnight retreat. At our 2005 Leadership Conference, Dr. Gary Demarest will lead us in a reflective discussion on the TTF’s final report.
Is there more for us to do? Absolutely! I wish I could say that folks turned out in droves for these opportunities for dialogue. Nevertheless, feedback from those who did participate leads us to believe that these are meaningful, helpful, and necessary venues for getting people together to build relationships and, hence, build bridges. It is very easy to demonize those with whom we might vehemently disagree; it is much more difficult to do that with those with whom we have actually developed a personal relationship. It seems to me that we Presbyterians haven’t been too good at pursuing the latter.
Yes, there are many chasms that presently divide us, both locally and nationally, in the PCUSA. But many of us remain hope-filled, and are grateful for the ministry being done by the TTF. We anticipate learning from their hard work in such a way that we at the presbytery and congregational level can continue to be bridge-builders, thereby being more faithful to our calling as church officers (“Do you promise to further the peace, unity, and purity of the church?”, BOO, G-14.0207) and faithful in our response to Paul’s mandate to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” May we open ourselves to that same Spirit’s movement throughout our entire denomination!
Tim Hoyt Duncan, Associate for Leader Development
Presbytery of the James Glenallen, Va.
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