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Covenant Network
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250 Southerners Join to Explore “Challenges Confronting the Church”A report from the Covenant Network Southeast Regional ConferencePam Byers, Executive Director, Covenant Network of Presbyterians |
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More than 250 Presbyterians from 36 presbyteries in 10 states gathered April 1 and 2 for the first Southeast Regional Covenant Network Conference, “Challenges Confronting the Church.” Historic Davidson College Presbyterian Church hosted the gathering, which was organized by Covenant Network’s Charlotte chapter and its convenor Doug Oldenburg, former President of Columbia Theological Seminary and Moderator of the 210th General Assembly. Keynoter Jack Rogers, Moderator of the 213th General Assembly and Professor of Theology Emeritus at San Francisco Theological Seminary, presented as a “work in progress” a chapter in his forthcoming book, tentatively titled Hearing the Voices of Peoples Long Silenced and scheduled for publication next spring by Westminster/John Knox Press. He carefully reviewed the Biblical basis for the church’s present condemnation and exclusion of gay and lesbian people and explained why he believes these (few) passages are not very relevant to the actual experience and witness of faithful, monogamous gay and lesbian Presbyterians. Basing his read on the principles of Biblical interpretation commended by the denomination and derived from the Confessions, Dr. Rogers asked how the six or eight verses usually adduced fit into the overall message of God’s rescue, inclusion, and salvation of humankind. He pointed to their meaning and intent in the specific context of their writing and questioned their relevance (as usually cited) to faithful, monogamous believers today. And he lifted up the first and controlling interpretive rule, reading every passage through the lens of God’s central revelation, Jesus Christ. (Because his presentation is part of a still unfinished, longer work,
the text is not yet available. Audiotapes and a text will be made available
here in the fall. |
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The packed 24 hours began with an opening worship service in which preacher Joanna Adams, pastor of Morningside Presbyterian Church in Atlanta and former Co-Moderator of Covenant Network, interpreted the Sermon on the Mount by asking, “What Will It Take to Win?” Redemption and reconciliation must be our goal, she said. Covenant Network Executive Director Pam Byers offered Prayers of the People at that service. Morning Prayers on the second day were led by members of the North Anderson Community Church in Anderson, SC (the congregation featured in the opening segment of the award-winning video Turning Points). Their new pastor Jake Young used an Easter text to discuss “Standing on the Outside Looking In.” The conference concluded with a communion service in which Kim Richter, pastor of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Asheville, NC, and Covenant Network Co-Moderator, asked “Just What Do You Think God Is Up To?” Our ongoing conversion to righteousness and reconciliation, she concluded. Participants chose two from among ten offered workshops, including Christology
led by Richard Boyce of Union/PSCE’s new Charlotte branch, The
Grace of Coming Home led by Mardee Rightmyer, Resource Director of Greater
Atlanta Presbytery, and a conversation about the Theological Task Force
on Peace, Unity, and Purity of the Church, led by Task Force Co-Moderator
Gary Demarest. Several Southeast Covenant Network chapters also provided
displays and information on their local activities |
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A special feature of the conference was the presentation on Friday night of the powerful drama, Benedictions by Judy Simpson Cook. The play concerns a Presbyterian clergywoman’s evolving understanding that the church community necessarily includes as central, faithful, and valued members a gay man and also a solid traditionalist, and explores how that community copes with deep tragedy. The Davidson Community Players’ production left many viewers shaken and moved, and several expressed interest in exploring local productions or study use. (Information is available on the playwright’s website, www.judysimpsoncook.com) The conference offered the opportunity both for an old-fashioned family reunion of the southern church and for new friendships and connections. Conferees declared themselves “refreshed,” “encouraged,” “challenged – and inspired! |
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The Covenant Network2515 Fillmore St - San Francisco - CA - 94115 |
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