2 new candidates announced; 3 now vie for moderator
The Layman Online, November 28, 2005
Two new candidates have been announced for moderator of the 217th General Assembly, making a total of three thus far who will vie for the post during the General Assembly’s meeting in Birmingham, Ala., in June.
The three – all ministers – are Kerry Carson, who was endorsed by the Presbytery of North Central Iowa; Deborah Block, who was endorsed by the Presbytery of Milwaukee; and H. Timothy Halverson, who was endorsed by Peace River Presbytery.
BlockBlock’s candidacy was announced Nov. 23. She is a member of the board of directors and a former co-moderator of the Covenant Network, a group that seeks the repeal of the “fidelity/chastity” ordination clause in the Book of Order. Block also serves as a trustee of Carroll College; is vice-chair of the board of McCormick Theological Seminary; serves on the board of the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation; and is the moderator of her presbytery.
She has been the pastor and head of staff of Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Milwaukee since 1997. Previously, she served the church as co-pastor (1987-1997), associate pastor (1979-1987) and assistant pastor (1978). Block, a graduate of Louisville Theological Seminary, received a doctor of ministry degree from McCormick Theological Seminary in 1989.
“This presbytery is an important part of the story of women’s ordination and leadership and I feel called to tell that unfolding story,” Block said in a statement released by the presbytery. “There is much to be learned from the long struggle for women’s ordination. It was slow and it was difficult, but it was where God was calling the church. Where would we be without these gifts?”
“I have had numerous opportunities over the past years to be involved in conversations addressing the difficult issues in our church, to sit at table, build friendships, celebrate common faith, and work toward shared understanding,” she said. “I hope to convey that continuing spirit of respect and faithfulness across the church.”
HalversonHalverson, whose candidacy was announced Nov. 18, has been pastor of Faith Presbyterian Church in Cape Coral, Florida, since 1997.
“In a left-right world, we have forgotten the center,” Halverson told the Presbyterian News Service. “And the center of the PCUSA, yesterday, today and tomorrow, is Jesus Christ.”
Halverson, a native of Akron, Ohio, is a graduate of Muskingum College and Yale University Divinity School. He earned a doctor of ministry degree from Eastern Theological Seminary in 1982.
Previously, he served congregations in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Illinois. He is the chair of the presbytery’s Committee on Ministry, and has served on the boards of community groups addressing addiction, homelessness and community-development issues.
CarsonCarson, whose candidacy was announced August 20, is the minister of the 188-member First Presbyterian Church in Conrad, Iowa, one of 1,311 Confessing Church congregations in the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Carson, a native of Portland, Ore., earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in music from Central Washington University. Formerly a public school teacher, he became director of music for a congregation and later decided to study for the ministry. He earned his master of divinity degree from Louisville Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky.
Asked what led to his decision to run for moderator, Carson said, “I have had a burden for the national church, even though I have not been a player. I think we’ve gotten away from what’s important: How we can share the good news about our Lord Jesus Christ? I thought I might have a chance to call the church back to that first level of responsibility.”
Carson described himself as a evangelical, but said he has been able to work with others who do not consider themselves evangelical. He is a member of the presbytery’s council and is chairman of one of its programming units.
Carson has been Conrad’s pastor for nine years. During that time, the membership has increased by 28 percent. Carson’s wife is a physical therapist, and they have two children.