wfn.org | New Stated Clerk holds first press conference

[PCUSA.NEWS@ecunet.org]

05-July-1996 
 
GA96108 
 
    New Stated Clerk holds first press conference 
 
 
ALBUQUERQUE - In his first press interview, newly elected Stated Clerk, 
Clifton Kirkpatrick, flanked by his wife, Diane, and daughter, Elizabeth 
Kirkpatrick-Brucken, said that the unity of the church was his primary 
goal. Other goals included getting out in the church, participating in the 
retreat of the General Assembly staff, and filling staff vacancies in the 
Office of General Assembly. What is desirable about the office of Stated 
Clerk is the opportunity to be a healer and unifier. On the other hand, the 
deep tensions and divisions of the church are the least desirable aspects 
that a Stated Clerk faces. 
 
    When asked his position on the ordination and human sexuality question 
before the church, he declined to state his personal position, saying: "The 
position of the clerk is to support the position of the church; but the 
church needs everyone, whether homosexual or heterosexual." 
 
    In response to a question about the issues before the church, 
Kirkpatrick commented on the increasing racial, ethnic make-up of society, 
the need to be an evangelizing church and at the same time to express 
concerns for the questions raised by sustainable development, peace and 
justice. 
 
    On ecumenical relations he acknowledged the impact of crucial financial 
concerns on all denominations. But then he observed that the response to 
the need of burned churches has opened new avenues of ecumenical 
cooperation and support. 
 
    He admitted that the action of the Assembly toward his friend, Jim 
Brown, might add an extra burden of providing visible leadership in the 
church for the time being. 
 
 
Bob Bolt 

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