wfn.org | [PCUSANEWS] Theological Task Force on the Peace, Unity and

[PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ecunet.org>]

Note #7513 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

02438

Report to the church from the Theological Task Force on the Peace, Unity and
Purity of the Church

Editor's note: Because of the importance of the work of the Theological Task
Force on the Peace, Unity and Purity of the Church, the Presbyterian News
Service has agreed to publish the task force's own reports to the church from
its meetings in addition to our own news stories. - Jerry L. Van Marter

"The road to Peace, Unity and Purity passes through Jerusalem, Nicaea and
Chalcedon onto the paths and highways of the global village of the 21st
century," in the words of co-moderator Gary Demarest of the Theological Task
Force at the conclusion of the group's meeting October 24-26 in Louisville. 
Co-moderator Jenny Stoner stated, "Throughout the meeting, which studied the
social and religious context of today's Presbyterian church and the roots of
the church's understanding of Jesus Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit was
much in evidence in the growing sense of community among the 20 members who
were selected because of their diversity."

Moving through the plan it established for itself in earlier meetings (see
www.pcusa.org/oga/theo-task-force), the Task Force used this meeting to
explore trends in US social and religious life and to begin engaging
foundational theological themes as a basis for its consideration of the
controversial issues on its agenda. The planning team for this meeting
included Task Force members Victoria Curtiss of Ames, Iowa, Barbara Wheeler
of New York, New York, Mark Achtemeier of Dubuque, Iowa and Milton J (Joe)
Coalter of Louisville, Kentucky.

The Task Force first heard a comprehensive report from Barbara Everitt Bryant
of Ann Arbor, Michigan, who served as director of the 1990 U. S. Census. 
Bryant compiled data outlining changing trends in population mobility,
ethnicity, age distribution, gender, labor and "social capital." 

 She then analyzed several sets of data collected by the Presbyterian Panel.

An informational paper on the Presbyterian religious context compiled by
Milton J Coalter of Louisville Presbyterian Seminary focusing on the issues
of peace, unity and purity suggested that changing trends in U. S. religious
practices are nearly as challenging and complex as demographic ones.  Of many
changing contours in the national religious landscape, the Task Force noted
especially the trend toward "localizing" religious practice and
congregational affiliation.

The Task Force spent two extended sessions considering issues of Christology
presented by newly-appointed member P. Mark Achtemeier of the University of
Dubuque Theological Seminary.  Achtemeier's initial presentation unpacked
doctrinal issues first approached at the Council of Nicaea in 325 and
codified in the Nicene Creed. 

 Achtemeier characterized the Nicene Creed as the "theological linchpin of
classical Christianity, the ecumenical heart of the church and the
presupposition of Presbyterian confessions and polity."  His second
presentation examined "the work of Christ" and focused on the nature of
salvation and dimensions of the cross in Trinitarian theology.

The Task Force also heard a report from Clifton Kirkpatrick, Stated Clerk of
the General Assembly, based on his paper, "Common Faith, Common Mission." 
The clerk highlighted his hopes for ways in which the development of polity
within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) might complement from the theological
work of the Task Force.
In other business, the Task Force

*	Heard a report about educational resources led by Scott Anderson of
Sacramento, California, including the formation of a resource project team; 

*	Was led in worship at different times by Task Force members Martha
Sadongei, Jong Hyeong Lee, Josi Luis Torres-Milan, Barbara Bryant, Mary Ellen
Lawson and Sarah Sanderson-Doughty;

*	Noted with deep sadness the death of original Task Force member
Elizabeth Achtemeier of Richmond, Virginia, who died on October 25.  Several
times throughout its meeting, the Task Force offered prayers of gratitude for
the significant contributions of Elizabeth Achtemeier to the life and witness
of the Presbyterian Church.

The Task Force, which was mandated by the 213th General Assembly (2001) to
address issues of contention facing the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), will
next meet February 20-22, 2003, to consider issues of scriptural authority
and interpretation as well as the theology and practice of confessions in the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

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