News of note
Revised Manhattan Declaration
‘app’ submitted to Apple
The Layman, December 13, 2010
Authors of the Manhattan Declaration have submitted a revised version of its “app” (short for application) for iPhones and iPads, in response to Apple pulling the offering in late November following complaints that it was offensive.
According to an announcement on the Manhattan Declaration Web site, the new version does not contain a questionnaire that asked users about their opinion on same-sex relationships and abortion. The Manhattan Declaration, which has been signed by nearly 500,000 supporters, upholds the traditional understanding of marriage, the sanctity of life and religious freedom.
Colson said, in an article by The Christian Post, that the app was resubmitted minus the poll as a sign of goodwill.
“The questionnaire was removed because it was an interesting add-on to the app, but was certainly not its heart and soul,” according to a statement on the Manhattan Declaration Web site. “The main purpose of the app was to give users the opportunity to read, sign and share the Manhattan Declaration.”
Two N.Y. churches vote to merge
Due to dwindling resources and membership, two downtown Binghampton, N.Y. congregations will merge into one in 2011, according to an article on Pressconnects.com.
The congregations recently affirmed the proposal with the new merged congregation to be known as The United Presbyterian Church of Binghampton. Both congregations will put their property on the market, and will later determine future plans for worship.
The plan must next be approved by the Susquehanna Valley Presbytery.
Mo-Ranch president announces retirement
David W. Jordan, president of the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s Mo-Ranch Assembly conference center in Hunt, Texas, has announced plans to retire in the fall of 2011. A nationwide search is underway for a successor, according to a Mo-Ranch news release.
Before coming to Mo-Ranch, Jordan was vice president for academic affairs and dean of
the faculty for 15 years at Austin College, a Presbyterian-affiliated liberal arts college in
Sherman, Texas. He also served on the faculty of Grinnell College. He holds a Ph.D. from Princeton University and is a graduate of Davidson College.
Since 1949, Mo-Ranch has been a camp and conference center affiliated with the Synod of the Sun. Purchased from the estate of former president of Conoco Oil Company Dan Moran, Mo-
Ranch occupies 500 acres along the North Fork of the Guadalupe River.
Survey will assess electronic hymnal resources
The Presbyterian Committee on Congregational Song (PCOCS) is seeking participants in a new survey as part of research for the forthcoming Presbyterian hymnal.
The survey will assess the use of electronic hymnal resources, the interest level in electronic hymnals or worship planners, and the preferred types of electronic resources. This feedback will help determine the kinds of electronic components that will accompany the new hymnal, which is scheduled for release in 2013.
The PCOCS survey, which can be completed online, consists of 23 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
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