One of the books I’ve been reading for my D.Min. program is by Mary McClintock Fulkerson called Places of Redemption: Theology for a Worldly Church. She follows a southern multiracial congregation through its trials and triumphs as they seek to be multicultural. Her book starts with this small United Methodist congregation as a dying white … Continue reading “Hope for Redemption?”
Category: debate
Schismata in the Body of Christ
As many are aware, my denomination, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A), is embroiled in an ongoing division over ordination standards and biblical interpretation as it pertains to LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgendered) people and their place (or lack of) in the life of the Church. With the recent passage of Amendment 10-A, which amended our denomination’s … Continue reading “Schismata in the Body of Christ”
And away we go…
As my denomination, the PC(USA), heads into it’s 220th General Assembly, when ruling elders and teaching elders (a.k.a., elders and pastors) meet to hash through the issues that divide us…I mean…discern the will of God, many presbyterians (sadly, a minority) are reading up on all the overtures (read: proposed legislation) being proffered by liberals, conservatives, … Continue reading “And away we go…”
Like-mindedness at What Expense?
I find myself increasingly saddened by this seemingly obsessive focus on “like mindedness” in the Church on what seems to be all sides of most of the debates that have split the Church throughout the ages. In our age we are more aware of different ways of seeing and believing than in any other age … Continue reading “Like-mindedness at What Expense?”
Decently and In Order
By the Rev. Eric O. Ledermann January 23, 2011 First Presbyterian Church, San Bernardino, CA Matthew 4.12-23 It is human nature to want to “belong” to something—to be connected and “be known”. It is human nature to find those who share our values, those with whom we agree, those who affirm our self-identities. It feels … Continue reading “Decently and In Order”