To the Editor:

I have two things to say about the announcement by Ed Koster that he is running for PC(USA) stated clerk.

1. As an overture advocate two years ago to the GA committee considering the PUP report, I was impressed by two individuals who opposed the (un-amended) version of the report --not apparently because of their theological views but because of their devotion to our church's Constitution and to the rule by law. These two people of integrity were Rev. Daniel Saperstein, Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of Peaks and Plains (currently a member of the ACC) and Rev. Ed Koster, stated clerk of Detroit Presbytery. At the time I asked myself if I could be equally faithful to the Constitution even when I would not necessarily want to do so for theological reasons, and I pledged myself to try to do so. I am impressed that Ed Koster sees the Constitution as something, in the words of the GA Standing Rules, to "preserve and defend" rather than as something to simply interpret away in ways congenial to himself.

2. In the news release which announces his candidacy, Mr. Koster is quoted as saying: "I believe that while our leadership has been faithful and competent, it has increasingly strayed from the core of the church. If I am called to serve, I believe I can make a difference." I think in this balanced statement, Mr. Koster is exactly right. While leadership in the OGA is competent and faithful, it is light years away from the grassroots of the church. Surely, all things being equal (and of course they are not!) it would be better to have someone who comes fresh out of work in presbytery or parish instead of a candidate whose "deformation professionelle" is having been an insider for too long.

In Christ,