wfn.org | Moderator Finds Better Morale in Church

[PCUSA.NEWS@pcusa.org]

20-June-1997  
GA97116 
 
              Moderator Finds Better Morale in Church 
 
                       by Nancy Rodman 
 
SYRACUSE--Moderator Patricia G. Brown, during a brief press conference 
Friday, acknowledged an improved climate in the Presbyterian Church 
(U.S.A.) which she traced to the leadership of Frank Diaz and Youngil Cho, 
respectively interim director and chair of the General Assembly Council 
(GAC).  "We are loving each other as family, able to agree to disagree, and 
therefore better able to move along with the business of God." 
 
    Asked about the Assembly's approval of the Lutheran-Reformed Dialogue, 
Brown replied, "I'm ecstatic!  This is a historical moment that was a long 
time coming.  We have many ways to work and celebrate together.  This is a 
wonderful move toward unity." 
 
    Brown declined to say that the ecumenical movement is in trouble 
following the defeat by the presbyteries of the proposed COCU amendment 
this year.  Rather, she said that people are concerned with what is 
happening on their particular turf and that is where their energy is 
directed.  She sees no move to avoid ecumenical relations. 
 
    Brown chose not to answer questions about Amendment B because the 
Assembly had not yet acted on related matters, but she said that the 
Assembly is also focused on other issues.  "Yes," she said, "there is talk 
about Amendment B, but there is also talk about the Great Ends of the 
Church." 
 
    When asked about the Presbyterian Church's goal to reach a 20% increase 
in racial ethnic membership by 2005, Brown said that she puts a face on the 
challenge.  When racial ethnic members are affirmed by the denomination, 
there is a ripple effect that leads to increases in membership and 
involvement. 
 
    "I wish I knew!" Brown laughed when asked what her first trip as 
moderator will be.  She expects to travel soon to a Native American 
celebration and to the Presbyterian Women Triennium in Louisville. 

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