"I commend Clifton Kirkpatrick for his characteristic graciousness in displaying the courage to step aside to allow new leadership to emerge."--James D. Berkley, IRD's Presbyterian Action Director
Contact: Loralei Coyle, 202-682-4131, 202-905-6852 cell, lcoyle@ird-renew.org; Radio Interviews: Jeff Walton, jwalton@ird-renew.org; both with Institute on Religion and Democracy
WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 /Christian Newswire/ -- On August 10 Clifton Kirkpatrick announced his decision to step down from his position as Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) at the conclusion of his term of office in June 2008. Kirkpatrick will bring to a close twelve years of service as Stated Clerk during a long period of denominational decline and uncertainty. The Stated Clerk is responsible for the Office of the General Assembly which conducts the ecclesiastical work of the church.
James D. Berkley, IRD's Presbyterian Action Director, commented:
"I commend Clifton Kirkpatrick for his characteristic graciousness in displaying the courage to step aside to allow new leadership to emerge. The last decade under his leadership has been a difficult and disappointing time for Kirkpatrick, and indeed for Presbyterians as a whole. We have witnessed large decreases in membership, painful divides over beliefs and practices, and agonizing staff and program cuts, including curtailing the number of missionaries sent into the world.
"This announcement is a kindness. By pulling the plug on any potential incumbency now, Kirkpatrick is allowing other able leaders to step up to guide this denomination once again into greater biblical fidelity and increased effectiveness as a Christian body. It also gives Kirkpatrick, as the present Stated Clerk, the ability to ensure a level playing field for the June 2008 election, since all nominees will be able to engage the issues without battling the rather intimidating influence of an incumbent as a fellow candidate.
"I want to thank our Stated Clerk for his untiring service and to wish him well as he prepares the Office of the General Assembly for his successor and turns his face toward his future ministry. While Presbyterian Action stated back in March that 'the disheartening state of our Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) indicates the need for leadership change in the position of Stated Clerk of the General Assembly,' it was never a pleasant message to bring.
"I appreciate Clifton Kirkpatrick's Christian faith, enthusiastic ministry, and kindhearted humility, and I look forward to a more fulfilling future, both for him and for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)."
