wfn.org | GA moderator calls for a 'commission' to seek reconciliation, unity

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Note #6527 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

14-May-2001
01170

GA moderator calls for a 'commission' to seek reconciliation, unity

Rhee endorses proposal to pursue "a more excellent way"

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - General Assembly moderator Syngman Rhee has endorsed a
proposal to create a "theological commission" to try and steer the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) through the turbulence that threatens the
church as the 213th General Assembly prepares to convene here June 9.

	In a prepared statement that Rhee submitted to the Presbyterian News
Service, he said "perhaps it is time once again to establish a 'commission'
to help us in seeking a 'more excellent way.'"

	He noted that a similar commission was established by the 1925 Assembly
when the Presbyterian Church was threatened with schism in what was called
the "Fundamentalist-Modernist Controversy.

	John Calvin Presbytery has submitted an overture to this year's Assembly
calling for the creation of such a commission.

	The full text of Rhee's statement, which he told the Presbyterian News
Service he is also submitting to the Presbyterian Outlook and the
Presbyterian Layman:

	Last year, prior to the 212th General Assembly, as a candidate for
moderator, I identified some of the issues facing our church, including
mission and evangelism, spiritual renewal and nurture, and the ministry of
reconciliation. Now, a year later, after visiting in 45 presbyteries, 59
churches, 77 church organizations, 8 different countries, 28 General
Assembly-related committees and organizations including eight seminaries, I
rejoice in the work the Holy Spirit is doing in the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.) in the areas of mission, renewal, and reconciliation. God is
working in our Presbyterian family through faithful Christians in their own
communities and all over the globe.

	In looking forward to the 213th General Assembly, I have looked back to
other times in the life of our denomination when disagreements and conflicts
seemed ready to tear our church asunder. I note especially the 1925 General
Assembly wherein a special commission was appointed "to consider the
spiritual condition of the church and to make ... proposals which may
promote purity, unity, peace, and progress." In subsequent Assemblies,
proposals concerning the evangelical faith of the church and calling it to
be the body of Christ were unanimously affirmed. The Apostle Paul, facing
numerous divisions in the Corinthian church, also called upon the followers
of Christ to pursue "a more excellent way."

	Perhaps it is time once again to establish a "commission" to help us in
seeking this more excellent way, a way guided by the Spirit of Christ
seeking mutual understanding and enabling us to speak the truth in love.
This "commission" might enable us to discern the way the Spirit is leading
us in the future, a way that we as Presbyterians can walk together, if not
in unanimity, at least in unity. I am convinced that this way can only be
discerned through much prayer in the unity of the body of Christ, which is
the church. We must sit down together, we must pray together, we must
discern together, we must act together, seeking all the while the mind of
Christ, that our actions may reflect, not our own agendas, but the will of
God. This requires of us humility more than honor; listening more than
lecturing; being loving more than being right.

	I believe that the power that holds us together is far greater than those
forces which seek to divide us. God has called the church into existence,
and it is God's power which even now sustains us and unifies us. This same
power is available to us now, at this time, in this place, to claim as our
own and to proclaim to the world that nothing in all creation can separate
us from each other and from the love of God in Jesus Christ. This more
excellent way, the way of love, the way of Christ, is our promise and our
calling. God grant us the faith, hope, and love to seek this way.

	I am grateful to the commissioners of the 212th General Assembly for their
prayers and support throughout this year, and felt them with me as I wore
the pulpit gown signed with their names and their good wishes. I give thanks
to God for Rebecca McElroy, who accepted my invitation to serve as
vice-moderator this year and served faithfully and effectively to
demonstrate our oneness is Jesus Christ. I am most grateful to my family for
their loyal support and prayer, particularly to Haesun, my wife, who has
given herself totally for my ministry this year by coordinating all of my
appointments and travel arrangements. My special thanks to Valerie Small for
her faithful and effective work and to Dr. Louis Weeks, the president of
Union-PSCE, and others for their wonderful support.

	It is my sincere prayer that as we move toward the 213th General Assembly
in June 2001, that we commit ourselves to being one in Christ, speaking the
truth in love as we seek the will of God for our church.

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