The General Assembly has called the whole church into a Peace Discernment Process. Our peacemaking program is based on a 1980 policy paper, “Peacemaking the Believer’s Calling.” Thirty-three years later, it needs to be re-examined, since our historical context has changed (though the Gospel has not.) The question is this: might there be a 3rd way, be-tween the poles of “Just War Tradition” and “Pacificism.” Might there be a way to organize for Nonviolence? Everyone is invited. The Steering Team will take our responses into their own discernment process to report to the 2014 General Assembly, and any policy suggestions that emerge from GA 2014 will circulate throughout the church for discussion and amendment before a final vote at GA 2016.
One can participate either in a local congregation, if someone is willing to take the lead and organize it “at home.” Or in this Presbytery there is an opportunity for those who want to participate to come to Union Presbyterian Church, Schenectady, on SATURDAY, April 13 from 9 to 3 with lunch provided by the Task Force. We will have facilitators and scribes ready for those who come. BUT reservations are nec-essary so we know how many groups of 8 to 10 to plan for. Please call Sue Braymer at the Presbytery offices, or email her that you are coming.
To learn more about the Peace Discernment Process, visit our national website: www.pcusa.org and type in the search line: peace-discernment. From there you will be able to link to the Interim Report, which is required reading before participation; and the Facilitator’s Guide, should you wish to take leadership in your own congregation. Questions? Call Rev. Bebb Stone, Interim, Schoharie UPC, 518 295 8931.
