It was sadly predictable that the Nominating Committee charged with recommending a candidate to fill the post of Stated Clerk for the PCUSA General Assembly named Gradye Parsons, who has served 8 years as associate Stated Clerk. For my non-PresbyReaders, the Stated Clerk is roughly the equivalent of the CEO of the PCUSA. This after a much-publicized national search for the nominee which generated at least 6 candidates for the committee to consider.
I don't know Gradye Parsons. He may be an excellent choice. However, I think that recommending a long-time insider from headquarters sends the wrong message and makes the "national search" of the committee seem perfunctory. I would much prefer a fresh face in the Stated Clerk's office--someone with good pastoral and administrative skills and experience in the local church where ministry happens. But maybe that's just me.
I don't know Gradye Parsons. He may be an excellent choice. However, I think that recommending a long-time insider from headquarters sends the wrong message and makes the "national search" of the committee seem perfunctory. I would much prefer a fresh face in the Stated Clerk's office--someone with good pastoral and administrative skills and experience in the local church where ministry happens. But maybe that's just me.
Presbyweb reported yesterday that Ed Koster, pastor/attorney/stated clerk of Detroit Presbytery, has announced he will "stand" for the position. (In PresbySpeak, "stand"="run".) Additional candidates may emerge as well. PresbyPolity Geeks will be following this election with great interest.
Stay tuned!
Stay tuned!
4 comments:
I understand that there were at least 14 applicant/candidates.
Ah yes...PresbyPolitics!
Gradye Parsons is a graduate of Gordon-Conwell Seminary and is viewed by many as experienced and a moderate. Ed Koster of Detroit, though considered more theologically liberal, is a man of great intellectual integrity who is respected by folks who stand on opposite sides of our theological divide...He is seen as someone who could build bridges and be a unifier...and, as you say, he's new...
PresbyG
Mac,
14 applicants? There was more interest in this than I thought.
PresbyG,
Thanks for the background on Parsons and Koster. I bet there will be another "standee" or two.
14 was the number given in the PNS news release. The SCNC talked to all 14 by phone and had face-to-face interviews with 5.
When Bill Clinton was looking to appoint a judge to the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, a large number of highly qualified candidates were considered. Happily, the most qualified was the wife of then-mayor and now-governor Ed Rendell. This has the same feel to it.
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