In response to your recent “open letter” series, the problem with any label is that most of us don’t fit neatly into categories. Take “conservative-evangelical” and an emerging generation of PC(USA) pastors from Fuller Theological Seminary.

The persistent question of the role of religion in politics has surfaced again in the recent appearance by both presidential candidates at Rick Warren's Saddleback Church.

I am writing in response to your "open letter" to your "centrist-ecclesiast friends" in the August 18/25 issue of The Presbyterian Outlook.

The references to Rome and Corinth in your question about whether the Bible prohibits only "predatory … pedophiliac … and/or poly-amorous" same-sex behavior made me wonder whether you meant to suggest that Paul had only those behaviors in view when he wrote letters to the churches in those two cities. Clarification would be helpful on this important and contested issue.

In response to (the) Rev. Wimberly's article on the 218th GA decisions on Israel/Palestine, I would like to point out that he begins his arguments at the wrong place. He states that the "injustice in the troubled region" has a "complex and convoluted nature," which is a common myth.

After your first two open letters I had something to say about fence sitting, and now that your third has appeared, I’ll say what I was going to say: You’re not fence-sitting, you’re positively dancing up there! My question is, “How long can you keep it up?”

1. For years those members who campaign in an unrelenting cause to ordain gay and lesbian persons as well as gay marriage, put their agenda first and foremost ahead of the present and future wellbeing if the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

I am intrigued by the controversy over Question 87 of the Heidelberg Catechism. One of the translators of the 1962 translation was my favorite seminary professor, the late theologian Dr. Allen O. Miller of Eden Theological Seminary.

As editor of a magazine that speaks to the whole church, I feel compelled to speak to friends of various convictions — while allowing all others to overhear the conversation. Two weeks ago I began with the group that has most nurtured my faith: conservative-evangelicals. Last week, I wrote to those who have broadened my vision: liberal-progressives. This week, I address those who have grounded my churchmanship, centrist-ecclesiasts.

SAN FRANCISCO — In just a few weeks since the end of the218th General Assembly, it is safe to say that serving as moderator already has been an incredibly meaningful experience.

Let me say from the onset of this letter that I am a middle-aged parishioner in a very typical Presbyterian church on Merritt Island, Florida. As a family we are relatively new members. My wife is a devout Christian while I am still trying to figure it all out.

As editor of a magazine that speaks to the whole church, I feel compelled to speak to friends of various convictions — while allowing all others to overhear the conversation. Last week I began with the group that has most nurtured my faith: conservative-evangelicals. This week, I write to those who have broadened my vision: liberal-progressives. Next week, I’ll address those who have grounded my churchmanship, centrist-ecclesiasts.

The August 4th Outlook helped me better understand the dynamics and problems of the 2008 General Assembly. The editorial helped me identify what I was feeling — like a 12-year-old embarrassed by a parent!