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[PCUSANEWS] The Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity and


From PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ECUNET.ORG>
Date Wed, 2 Jun 2004 10:17:03 -0500

Note #8256 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

04261
June 2, 2004

The Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity and Purity of the Church

General Assembly backgrounder

by Jerry L. Van Marter

	The Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity and Purity of the Church,
, created by the 213th General Assembly (2001), is bringing its "mid-term"
report to this year's Assembly. The task force is scheduled to make its final
report in 2006.

	The group also will conduct a pre-Assembly conference on Saturday,
June 26, and introduce the second of a series of video tapes it is producing
for Presbyterians, "Seeking Peace, Unity and Purity," during special sessions
on June 27 and June 30.

	The 20-member group, having achieved a remarkable sense of community
despite its broad theological diversity, has recommended that sessions and
presbyteries "create intentional gatherings of Presbyterians of varied
theological views" to discuss divisive issues in the church and try to
replicate its experience.

	The task force, which meets three times a year, was born out of
tensions in the Presbyterian Church (USA), chiefly concerning the issue of
sexual-conduct standards for ordination. The 2001 Assembly, discerning that
theological issues were fueling the rancor, directed the task force to "lead
the Presbyterian Church (USA) in spiritual discernment of our Christian
identity in and for the 21st century."

	The Assembly asked the task force - appointed by then-Moderator Jack
Rogers and his two immediate predecessors, Freda Gardner and Syngman Rhee -
to address the issues of Christology, Biblical authority and interpretation,
ordination standards and power.

	The task force, co-moderated by the Rev. Gary Demarest of Los Ranchos
Presbytery in southern California and Elder Jenny Stoner of Northern New
England Presbytery, developed three goals for its work:

* Deepen our understanding of our Christian and catholic identity and clarify
key themes of the Reformed, theological and constitutional heritage;

* Study and evaluate sources of health and promise as well as the causes of
dissension and unrest in the church; and

* Recommend ways for the church to move forward in peace, unity and purity.

	The work of the Theological Task Force will be considered by Assembly
Committee 08 -
Theological Issues and Institutions.

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