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concluded.
Grover Cleveland believed that the Presbyterian Church was one that was fully capable of
dealing with tough, contemporary issues. “He expressed the wish and hope that ‘the Presbyterian
Church will always be at the front in every movement which promises the temporal as well as the
spiritual advancement of mankind.’”
He seemed to be embarrassed by the estrangement of the southern and northen churches.
President Cleveland said, “Even the soldiers who fought for the North and South are restored to
fraternity and unity. This fraternity and unity is taught and enjoined by your church, when shall she
herself be united, with all the added strength and usefulness that harmony and union ensure?’” (“From
the Archives: Thirty years ago – April 7, 1975,” The Presbyterian Outlook, April 11/18, 2005, p. 20)
The soldiers of the Civil War who were practicing Christians in the Presbyterian Church were
bold to meet together. They gathered in prayer and praise. They did not, on that occasion reunite the
church – that would not happen for another 100 years. But they did find common ground. They found
areas of agreement. It was a start.
These shared beliefs are the foundation for our unity. We will face times of trials. We will want
to fight. We will want to avoid controversy. We will want to engage in processes that will bring us new
resolutions.
The process of discussing issues where we disagree may be entirely frightening. May we trust
that where we fail, God will succeed in keeping the body of Christ whole.
Amen.
CHILDREN’S MOMENT
OLD MACDONALD HAD A CHURCH
(April 24, 2005 – Difference, disagreement)
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