As editor of a magazine that speaks to the whole church, I feel compelled to talk with Presbyterian friends in particular groupings of conviction – while allowing the rest to overhear the conversation. I begin with those celebrating the adoption of Amendment 10-A. In the next issue, I’ll write to those grieving its adoption. Finally, I’ll address those who stand in the middle.
LOUISVILLE, KY.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Big Tent conference will be held in Indianapolis after all, now that potential conflicts with proposed immigration legislation have been worked out.
Vote may be prelude to ‘seismic’ change
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has dropped its prohibition on ordaining sexually active gays and lesbians — prompting some to rejoice in a move towards equality and others to lament what they see as the denomination’s spiritual decline.
by Gregory A. Love
Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books. 259 pages.
reviewed by DIETER U. HEINZL
In a time when the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) continues to debate what might be causing the decline in membership in American mainline denominations, Gregory Love takes a page from Karl Barth’s playbook to remind us of the Christian’s vocation: pointing to the risen Christ who reconciled all creation (which happens to include us human beings) to God’s self through his death on the cross.
edited by elizabeth Steele halstead, Paul Detterman,
Joyce berger and John witvliet
grand rapids, mich. william b. eerdmans. 288 pages.
Reviewed by Roy W. Howard
This extraordinary biblical commentary is like no other. What kind of commentary combines poetry, art, prayer, exegetical comments and theological reflections along with liturgical insights that strengthen communal worship?
Middle Governing Bodies Commission wants to engage PC(USA) in setting vision for the future
“Midnight In Paris” is Woody Allen at his best: witty, affable, ironic and whimsical.
The great thing about prequels is that it includes everybody. You don’t necessarily have to be a big fan of the “X-Men” comic book series to understand what’s happening – and, hopefully, it doesn’t disappoint the die-hard fans too much if the backstory doesn’t meet all their high expectations.
C. Ellis Nelson, who contributed to the shaping of Presbyterian theological education and Christian education over a 60-year career and who influenced seminarians for many decades, has died in Texas.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) – The Southern Baptist Convention reported declines last year in several categories traditionally used as markers of denominational vitality, according to annual statistics released June 9 by LifeWay Christian Resources.
MADISON, Wisc. (Special to the Outlook) PresHouse is thriving on the campus, but new tax legislation may shut it down.
I saw an ad in Sunday's Orlando Sentinel taken by some members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) who raise questions about the direction of our denomination. Recently, a majority of presbyteries, regional governing bodies of elders and ministers, agreed to amend the constitution of our church to remove explicit language about sexual behavior outside of marriage with more inclusive language about appropriate character for those who are ordained as church leaders.
Thirty years ago, his doctoral dissertation was titled, "Presbyterian Pluralism: Competition in a Protestant House." The vote on the nFOG stands in..
SANTA ROSA, Calif. (Special to PNS) The Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, moderator of
the 218th General Assembly (2008) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), wonders
what wisdom is possessed by Presbyterians who may not travel in the movers and
shakers crowd at General Assembly or keynote national conferences, or even lead a
regionally influential congregation.
UPDATED JUNE 7, 2011 – A majority of presbyteries have now approved the proposed new Form of Government for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), so it will become part of the PC(USA)’s Book of Order – bringing what some contend is a more streamlined and flexible way for the denomination to operate.
SEATTLE (PNS) Like a massive ocean liner on a vast sea, the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.)’s Middle Governing Body Commission has begun the long slow turn from
gathering data from the church to formulating recommendations for the mission and
function of presbyteries and synods in a rapidly changing church and world.
Some evangelical Presbyterians from the Presbytery of Santa Barbara are proposing a plan of action in response to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s recent decision to change its ordination standards.
NAIROBI, Kenya (ENI) A film about Kimani Ng'ang'a Maruge, an 84-year-old
man who enrolled in primary school in 2003 so he could learn to read the Bible, has
inspired the creation of an educational charity for unprivileged children around the
world.
TOKYO (ENI) Japan's Christian Council has decided to establish an office to
coordinate relief operations in Japan and from abroad in response to the devastating
earthquake that struck in February, causing a tsunami and problems at nuclear power
plants.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Special to the Presbyterian News Service) Colombian and U.S. Presbyterians are calling on people in both countries to join a fast in protest of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement.
Presbyterian elder and longtime Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) leader Youngil Cho, 77, died May 22 in Raleigh, N.C. A funeral service was scheduled for May 28 at the Korean Presbyterian Church of DuRaleigh.
They did it again. I should have seen it coming when Barbie grabbed the remote control and switched to the Hallmark Channel.
LOUISVILLE, KY. (PNS) Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly Stated Clerk Gradye Parsons joined a number of U.S. religious leaders April 19 for the second annual Holy Week prayer breakfast at the White House hosted by President Barack Obama. Obama is the first president to host a prayer breakfast in the White House marking Easter and Holy Week.
LOUISVILLE, KY. (PNS) Acting on a recommendation from the 217th General Assembly (2006), two Presbyterian groups have signed a partnership agreement that will help their older adult ministries stay connected.
The Rev. Donald Shriver Jr., an ethicist and former president of Union Theological Seminary, was featured in a two-part PBS documentary called “Forgiveness: A Time to Love and a Time to Hate.” It aired on Palm Sunday and Easter.
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