Moderator candidates answer Layman questions Charles W. Kim

Charles W. Kim The Presbyterian Layman Friday, March 26, 1999 Each of the four candidates for moderator of the 211th General Assembly has responded to a request from The Presbyterian Layman that they briefly answer questions about Scripture, organizational funding, and demonstrations on the floor of General Assembly. 1. Briefly summarize your understanding of the nature and authority of Scripture. I believe in the sovereignty of God as attested to in the Holy Scriptures. As a Presbyterian I accept the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be, by the Holy Spirit, unique and authoritative witness to Jesus Christ in the Church universal, and God’s Word. The Scripture is God’s word written by men of faith inspired by the Holy Spirit. It is the source and basis for the revelation of the triune God to us. Through the Scripture we encounter Jesus Christ that allows us to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. Jesus Christ is the center of Scripture and the Holy Spirit enables us to discern God’s purpose for us. The Scripture is central to our worship and the standard by which we measure our faith and discipleship. The challenge is to interpret the Scripture using our theologies and traditions as instruments to find a living relationship with God and through that relationship grow into responsible, caring and loving individuals as expressed in Christ’s teachings. We must rely on God’s Spirit to guide us in both understanding and the application of the Scripture. We must seek to interpret and communicate in relevant terms the message of a redeeming God of grace and love. 2. Should the PCUSA provide funding and staff for organizations and agencies that promote beliefs and behaviors that contradict our confessions and constitution? Prior to any funding by the PCUSA, a committee or task force composed of a broad spectrum of the church should make a thorough study of the organization, its purpose and policies. After funding the organization, if the church finds that the beliefs and behaviors of the members of the organization or agency are contradictory to our confessions and constitution, then there must be a thorough review of facts and reevaluation before continuing or terminating the funding. It is imperative that the reevaluation be just and unbiased. If the facts prove that their policies are totally contradictory to those of the PCUSA, then funding should be terminated. Under certain circumstances, it may be justified to approve continuation of the funding on a conditional, limited basis, particularly if the organization plans to revise its policies to be consistent with our confessions and constitution. In such a case, the organization should be advised by and be made accountable to the appropriate branch of the PCUSA and periodically reviewed and evaluated. Our Reformed tradition allows us to be continually reforming for the good of the PCUSA. Moreover, we are a very open and democratic body of Christ that listens to all views of the concerned members. We must be open minded and receptive to changes that will nurture the members and strengthen the PCUSA. 3. If you were elected moderator, how would you respond to a request from individuals or an organization to hold a demonstration on the floor of GA in order to protest or influence a GA decision? Generally, I believe that there should not be a demonstration on the floor of the General Assembly. However, each circumstance may require a different response. I might consider favorably with the request if there is a valid justification. On the other hand, if the GA has already taken action on the particular agenda after a lengthy discussion, as a firm believer in consensus, I feel that allowing the demonstration on the floor of GA would exacerbate the feelings and dishonor the action of the majority. If one advocacy group is allowed to hold a demonstration, other groups should be given the same opportunity. The danger in demonstrations is the political tone that emerges and I firmly believe that politics has no place in a gathering of Christ’s followers who are trying to fulfill His mission. Issues are important because they are expressions of our faith and God’s love for all humankind. However, we must not allow any issue to endanger the unity of our beloved PCUSA through demonstrations. As moderator I will focus on resolving the issues in an orderly and peaceful manner through constructive dialogue, encouraging unity and strengthening our common belief in Christ as the Savior and Lord of the church. We must continue to pray and trust God to work miracles through our conscience at the most unexpected times and places. Kim, an elder, was endorsed by Long Island Presbytery.

Moderator candidates answer Layman questions Frank Diaz Freda A. Gardner Walter J. Ungerer

The Presbyterian Layman March/April 1999

Home · Archives ·News History of the Lay Committee ·Feedback Online Reviews ·Resources ·Links