James Belle, Pastor Holy Trinity-Bethlehem Presbyterian, Philadelphia; Presbytery: Philadelphia

The Layman is asking each candidate to identify the top five issues at the upcoming General Assembly, and share your position on each. (Answers are printed exactly as received – each candidate had a 500-word limit)

The Form of Government Proposed Changes to the Book of Order
The removal of a significant section of our constitution through this proposal would give a clear signal that it is “not” an essential part of the Book of Order, and thereby, not essential to the Constitution as a whole………

The Middle East Study Committee report, “Breaking Down the Walls”
From Hebrew, we know that “Shalom” (peace) has “hesed” (justice) as an integral part of its meaning. Restorative justice thus means that “there can be no peace without justice.”………

Adding the Belhar Confession to our Book of Confessions
The Belhar Confession’s “grafting” into our constitution without a clear reason for being would be misleading and unnecessary……..

The Role of Moderator of GA in the Presbyterian Church
I believe the role of Moderator is always critical to any General Assembly. It is a listening role, which can produce learning. When we talk “at” one another, no one listens………

Youth and Young Adult Ministries to Ensure a Church for the Future
In order to be truly transformational, we must include our youth in every level of the church, bridging the gap that exists within youth and young adult ministries with young adults of post high school age………

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