August 2002

Archive for August, 2002

8/29/02

Observing September 11th

We have provided a variety of resources and thoughts on this web site for various ways of observing and dealing with September 11th.

Also, a very helpful collection of resources is on the PCUSA web site. Check it out!

We now have a final announcement for Witherspoon's Southern California mini-conference on the Confession of 1967.

It will be on September 17, in Newport Beach. Former Moderator Jack Rogers and Prof. Ron White will be the featured speakers. This announcement includes a registration form to print and send in.

Dancing with the Archbishop

Sojourners' editor Jim Wallis offers an interesting view of Rowan Williams, the new Archbishop-Elect of the Church of England. This leads to thoughts on the need for people to raise their voices - through letters, calls, petitions - against the impending American invasion of Iraq.

What should we be doing about the threatened invasion of Iraq?

Please send a note, and let's talk about it!

US churches urge President to support international peacekeeping force in Israel/Palestine

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), an ecumenical coalition that includes the Presbyterian Church (USA), has sent a letter to President George Bush urging him to support an the deployment of an international peacekeeping force in Israel/Palestine.

WCC's governing body hears warnings of link between globalization and violence

WCC General Secretary Konrad Raiser and others state concerns that "the blind acceptance of market principles can exclude many people in the process of globalization."

Participation of Orthodox churches in WCC will be a major concern at the meeting of the Central Committee.

Updates on the Taco Bell boycott

New resources on the Web -- including for Labor Day Sunday

The PCUSA web page for the Taco Bell boycott has been vastly expanded. It now includes the General Assembly action calling for the boycott, background for the action, suggestions of what to do - including how to write to the President of Taco Bell.

And especially relevant right now: Resources for Labor Day Sunday, including a new hymn (to the tune of "Amazing Grace"! And commentary for the lectionary readings for this Sunday.

And a recent Presbyterian News Service report tells more of the story.

Two PC(USA) ministers will be going to prison Sept. 10 for last year's protest against School of the Americas.

Sojourners reports on three other protestors now being held under illegal conditions.

Is it your turn to stand against the "School of Assassins"? The next vigil is slated for Nov. 15-17, 2002, in Ft. Benning, GA.

The Earth Summit

If you're following reports on the World Summit on Sustainable Development, you may find these three resources helpful for yourself, or for interpreting the event to others.

These suggestions come from Peter Sawtell, Executive Director of Eco-Justice Ministries

Religious left holds conference in Texas, focusing on "Fundamentalism's Threat to Democracy"

The Dallas Morning News reported recently on a one-day gathering of about 800 people for a conference of The Texas Freedom Network. The group was kicking off its Fundamentalism Education Project with "what often felt like a revival meeting for the Religious Left," on the theme of "Fundamentalism's Threat to Democracy." Karen Armstrong, whose book The Battle For God sets out a historical explanation for the rise of fundamentalism in Christianity, Judaism and Islam, was a main speaker at the event.

A Confessing Church view of stewardship

James Tuckett, a.k.a. The Old Gray Dog, has posted on the Confessing Church website "seven principles of Christian financial stewardship taught in the New Testament." [Underlining is Mr. Tuckett's.]

You might find it interesting. Your WebWeaver notes just a few points:

1. Women may be pleased to discover that by citing the King James Version of all the NT passages, you're relieved of all stewardship obligations. This seems to be a matter for men only!

2. Principle 4 states: "Giving money to the Lord's work is a matter of personal choice." The explication of this principle implies that things like per capita payments are coercive, and therefore "legalistic and/or carnal."

3. In a "Special Message for the Congregations of the Confessing Church Movement," the Old Gray Dog advises their congregations to "Stop all undesignated giving. How can your stewardship be personal, purposeful, and thoughtful if you do not know where the money is going, how it will be spent, or what, specifically, it will be used for? This would include all denominational giving. (e.g., Special Offerings, "mission" giving, per capita)."

4. So how will a good Christian man know where to designate his bountiful offerings? Old Gray Dog recommends "The Outreach Foundation and the Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship." [Emphasis in the original.]

The Justice Policy Institute has released a new report on the growing American prison system, which indicates that state spending on prisons is growing at 6 times the rate of spending for higher education.

8/26/02

A little thought for the day:

"If knowing answers to life's questions is absolutely necessary to you, then forget the journey. You will never make it, for this is a journey of unknowables - of unanswered questions, enigmas, incomprehensibles, and most of all, things unfair."

- Madame Jeanne Guyon

(Mme. Guyon was a celebrated French mystic of the 17^th century. You can read more about her in the Catholic Encyclopedia. Where today, at least, you'll also find a handy link for the Ave Maria Single Catholics, just in case you're looking for one. The group claims 6033 members, 110 marriages, and 37 engagements!)

Source: Sojourners 2002 (c) http://www.sojo.net

People For the American Way seeks support for election reform, with a clergy letter to Congress

California professor: Israel's policy toward Palestine aims at "urbicide" -- destroying the fabric of their society

Stated Clerk Clifton Kirkpatrick has pointed out in letters to synod and presbytery stated clerks that the denomination's constitution "provides no right of defiance." He says, however, that "the right of dissension" is assured in the Presbyterian Constitution. This comes in response to open letters, first from the Rev. Stephen Van Kuiken of Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, and then from two leaders of two congregations in the Presbytery of Hudson River.

If you have thoughts on this statement, or on the situations to which the Stated Clerk is responding, please send a note!

On forest fires and "national security" -- Extraordinary events don't provide a good basis for public policy

Environmentalist Peter Sawtell sees this sensible idea as a reason for questioning Pres. Bush's new policies on opening our forests for commercial cutting, and on the Administration's plans for long-term infringements on civil rights, justified by 9/11.

One frequent visitor to this site has shared two extensive comments on the Assembly's Christological statement. [8-26-02]

In one, he argues against the dismissive attitude toward persons who make honest efforts to interpret the theological affirmations of the church, in particular the ordination vows, as simply "believing what they please." Honest believing, he says, always involves interpretation in the light of one's own setting and experience.

In the other, he suggests that the statement adopted by the Assembly involves far more serious issues than were considered in the debate.

More on Cynthia McKinney's primary fight in Georgia

A few weeks ago we took note of a congressional primary race in Georgia as it reflected increasing efforts by American Muslim and Arab groups to counter the large amounts of money being poured into the contest by pro-Israel Jewish groups. This was, as some notes from our visitors commented, a complex choice.

The pro-Israel candidate, former state judge Denise Majette, defeated incumbent Cynthia A. McKinney for the Democratic nomination.

The L.A. Times commented on August 22^nd that this and another Georgia primary vote seemed to reflect voters' preference for "moderate" party loyalists rather than outspoken loners, whether on the right or on the left.

Think we need help with Business Ethics?

Here's a brand new course outline -- from no less a source than a Texas professor!

8/22/02

Historian Howard Zinn offers a compelling case against US invasion of Iraq

San Joaquin's appeal in Morrison case dismissed

Redwoods appeal in Morrison ordination case to be heard Nov. 1

In a pivotal court case on ordination standards in the Presbyterian Church (USA), the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission (PJC) has dismissed an appeal by the Presbytery of San Joaquin seeking to overturn decisions made by the Synod of the Pacific's court, relating to the ordination of the Rev. Katie Morrison, now a staff member for More Light Presbyterians.

One nation under God - or under many gods?

The Rev. John Shuck, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Billings, MT, recently published an opinion piece in the Billings Gazette. With the title "Respond with hospitality to growing diversity," Shuck simply highlights from his own experience the fact that our "Christian nation" is becoming much more diverse than that -- and suggests hospitality as our best response.

More on observing September 11:

Moderator's call for prayer

The Rev. Fahed Abu-Akel, moderator of the 214th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA), has called on Presbyterians to mark the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks with prayer and reaching out to others.

Also:

Pax Christi USA has posted links to a helpful collection of liturgical and other resources, along with a statement by Pax Christi and Catholics for a Peaceful Tomorrow.

Click here for earlier postings of resources and ideas.

New resource list on health care issues

Families USA's Health Action Network has collected information on several new reports and other resources available on the Web, relating to issues and policies in America's health care system.

More comments on Christology

Kent Winters-Hazelton's observations on the General Assembly's approval of "Hope in the Lord Jesus Christ" as a Christological affirmation has provoked some interesting responses on PresbyWeb as well as here.

8/19/02

Is Pres. Bush saying, like his father, "What we say goes"?

Arch Taylor, retired Japan missionary, shares a letter he recently sent to the Louisville Courier-Journal, laying out briefly and powerfully the alarmingly unilateral and aggressive policies of the present Bush administration.

Related to this, you may want to read a report of a recent speech by former weapons inspector Scott Ritter, speaking out loudly against invasion.

An evangelical pastor agrees with Kent Winters-Hazleton's comments on the General Assembly's Christological statement, saying that some seem determined to fight for "their pet words, syntax, or whatever."

Are you planning some observance of September 11th?

We've added more resources to our page of resources and ideas, including a very helpful meeting on PresbyNet/Ecunet, and a book being produced and distributed to all churches by

As we have noted previously, the next vigil at the School of the Americas will be held on Nov. 15-17, 2002. The Presbyterian Peace Fellowship is making arrangements for accommodations and travel for participants. Contact them for more information.

8/15/02

Ghost Ranch Seminar seeks alternatives to violence

A seminar, sponsored by the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship and the Witherspoon Society, gathered for a week at Ghost Ranch to explore "alternatives to violence." Doug Bartlett reports that discussions focused on the growing threat of new generations of nuclear weapons, primarily because of American insistence on developing ABM's and "star wars" weaponry.

Comments on the Christological statement

Kent Winters-Hazelton, incoming president of the Witherspoon Society, compares "Hope in the Lord Jesus Christ," the Christological statement adopted overwhelmingly by the 2002 General Assembly, with the statement adopted by the 2001 Assembly. He wonders why the earlier statement was so scathingly rejected by conservatives, while almost all of them (but not all!) seem willing to support the newer one. What's the difference between them, he asks.

On not "believing what we please"

And another contributor, a frequent visitor to this site, who wishes not to be identified, sent these thoughts after observing the the deliberations of the GA committee that recommended approval of the document, "Hope in the Lord Jesus Christ."

He raises provocative questions about charges from the right that people are being allowed to believe what they please and do what they please.

He argues that if belief and conscience are not wholly under a person's control, that person should not be penalized for believing or acting in accord with his or her own experience and conscience.

Warning of 'semi-dictatorship' as violence grips Colombia

Another report from the troubled nation of Colombia, this one from Ecumenical News International, highlights the concerns of churches and other human rights groups as the U.S. escalates its military aid to the new president.

A great resource on the Confession of 1967

Church & Society, the Presbyterian "Journal of Just Thoughts," has published a special issue with papers from the February 2002 conference on the Confession of 1967, plus added essays.

We recommend this as an excellent resource for personal theological study, as well as for group study.

8/10/02

Church freedom vs. the common interest?

PresbyWeb recently took note of a report from Southern California that a federal judge has blocked the city of Cypress in its effort to condemn church-owned land to allow for the building of a new Costco store. Gene TeSelle comments that this points to a major legal controversy brewing.

Check the latest collection of church bulletin bloopers!

For instance, this version of Ps. 103 for those of us with slight memory problems:

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget all His benefits.

8/8/02

What's going on in Colombia?

A celebration in the midst of growing violence.

Presbyterian mission co-worker (and Witherspooner) Alice Winters has just sent this brief note which suggests something of the anguished conflict going on there (in which the U.S. has a large role, of course). And at the same time, she is involved in the opening of a new Reformed University.

And speaking of Colombia ....

A Presbyterian delegation will visit Colombia in March of 2003, to gain insight into the impact of U. S. aid on that deeply conflicted nation. The Presbyterian Peace Fellowship and the Witherspoon Society are sponsoring the visit, under the auspices of Witness for Peace. Please consider joining this important venture!

"Leave no child behind": Taking the slogan seriously

Marian Wright Edelman, Founder and President of the Children's Defense Fund, has expressed her dismay at President Bush's expropriation of the Fund's slogan. For over a year the CDF consulted experts to assess children's needs and weigh various policies.

The result is the Act to Leave No Child Behind (S 940, HR 1990), introduced by Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Representative George Miller (D-GA).

Read more about it, check out their "action guide,' and see what you can do!

Earth-friendly Back-to-School Tips

Simple Ways to Preserve our EcoSystem this September

The founders of the EcoMall, Tom Kay and Marianne Schnall, offer suggestions for earth-friendly back-to-school shopping as well as activities for youngsters, educators and parents seeking to make a difference in the health of our planet especially at the start of each new school year.

8/7/02

How shall we pray after 9/11?

Responding to the request for material for a commemoration of September 11^th, Gordon Shull of Wooster, Ohio, sent a "letter to congregations," which was adopted by the Synod of the Covenant in November, 2001. The Synod's Committee on Social Justice and Peacemaking originally drafted the letter.

8/6/02

THE WITHERSPOON SOCIETY ANNOUNCES A NEW INITIATIVE:

SPACE FOR GRACE

Please take a look at a new graphic designed to express this theme, including the first details about

"THE CALL FROM TOMORROW:
Whole Gospel Presbyterians Act in the Third Millennium"

A major conference on the future of the progressive witness in the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Featured speakers :
Wendell Berry, prize-winning author and farmer
Jack Rogers, moderator of 213th PC(USA) General Assembly
Mary Fulkerson, professor at Vanderbilt Divinity School
Joseph Hough, President, Union Seminary, NY
Doug Ottati, Union Seminary/PSCE

When: March 6 - 8, 2003
Where: Louisville, KY

How shall we remember September 11^th?

We've just received a note asking for ideas, worship materials and other resources for churches or groups that want to commemorate the events of September 11^th, and all that has come after. One congregation is planning a peace vigil. What are you going to do? What help can you offer to others?

Please send a note, and we'll share everything here!

Check out the responses we've received.

JusticeWorks: Renewing the Church's Social Witness

Protestant Justice Action is promoting a national conference March 28-30, 2003 at Union Avenue Christian Church in St Louis.

This conference is designed to strengthen connections among Protestants concerned about social justice in areas of health care, sexuality, military spending, economic justice, welfare reform, and criminal justice.

8/5/02

Spirit for a Quarreling Church: Insights from Krister Stendahl

Sue Spencer, a professional writer, once heard a lecture by Prof. Krister Stendahl at Union Theological Seminary in New York, 'way back in 1973. Stendahl was then Dean and Prof. of Divinity at Harvard Divinity School, and later was consecrated as the Lutheran Bishop of Stockholm.

Sue thought of Stendahl's daring view of the Bible and the Church recently as offering insight for the troubles of our church in our own time. She has transcribed an old tape of the lecture, and offers some of Stendahl's words here, along with her own reflections on them.

They speak well to us today!

8/2/02

The Confession of 1967 will be the focus of another Witherspoon mini-conference, this time in Southern California, September 17, 2 to 8 p.m.

Do you want to go back in time??

Just wander through earlier headlines and links:

	from the 214th General Assembly
	from July, 2002
	from June, 2002
	from May, 2002
	from April, 2002
	from March, 2002
	from February, 2002
	from January, 2002

And go to the Archive index page for items from 1999 through 2001.

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Click here to run a Google search.