General Assembly Reflections by Deborah Merritt

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DebmerritToday was the last day I worked with the Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations Committee.  I was blessed to be seated at the table with five other dedicated and Lord-loving Christians as we sought to discern God’s will for our committee work.

We studied on the Confession of Belhar, a 21st Century South African confession from which we can learn a lot and which I think will excite Philadelphia Presbyterians.

So far, I’ve encountered six Princeton Seminary Classmates, Nathan Byrd, a former FPC Germantown intern from 1995-1996 (when I was still a member there), and my former pastor, Bill Levering.  I’ve also made new friends and marveled at our simultaneous unity and diversity.  In talking with other commissioners, I’ve discovered mutual friends and experiences that just go to show how connected we are.  It’s been a very happy time for me.

With love to all my Philadelphia sisters and brothers,
Deborah Douie Merritt