Three compete for moderator of 214th General Assembly Fahed Abu-Akel The Layman Volume 35, Number 3 Posted June 3, 2002 By growing up as a Palestinian Arab Christian in Galilee, Israel, Fahed Abu-Akel says he gained insight into understanding Islamic and Judaic cultures – and hospitality. Hospitality became his career. A Presbyterian minister, Abu-Akel is the founder and executive director of the Atlanta Ministry with International Students, which welcomes students of different faiths from around the world. As moderator, Abu-Akel says he would challenge the denomination and local congregations “to reach out to people of other faiths. Interfaith relationships will enhance our mission work in the USA and around the world, help us clarify and explain our own beliefs, give our people a strong cross-cultural learning experience and subtly teach respect, awareness and unity despite our diversity.” In response to conflict in the denomination, Abu-Akel says he would: “Lift up the name of Jesus above every name.” Uphold the teaching of the Scriptures, the Book of Order and The Book of Confessions. Be a leader, bridge-builder and peacemaker. Bring leaders together for prayer and support with a goal of finding reconciliation and healing in Jesus Christ. Biographical Capsule Ministry: Founder and executive director of the Atlanta Ministry with International Students, Inc., which ministers to 5,500 students at 22 colleges. Theology: Describes himself as a moderate. Other: Presbytery moderator; commissioner to two previous General Assemblies; numerous mission trips. Amendment 01-A view: Opposed. Theological education: Master of Divinity, Columbia Theological Seminary; D.Min., McCormick Theological Seminary. Family: wife, Mary. Little known fact: Grew up in Kuffer-Yassif, Galilee, Israel, the son of Palestinian Christians “who not only memorized Scripture but also nurtured in their eight children a love for Scripture and Jesus Christ.” Priority if elected: “Mission is the Great Commission of the church. We are the church, and by witnessing both in Word and in Deed about God’s saving power in Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, we bring hope to a broken world.”

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