Stepping Down from Standing for Moderator of the 220th General Assembly
With an immensely heavy heart for a host of reasons, I have informed the Stated Clerk that I am stepping down from standing for the office of moderator of the 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
On April 25th, my husband, Alvise, was admitted to the hospital for the first time in his life. On May 9th, he underwent surgery on a ruptured disc in his neck. At the same time, an MRI showed an enlarged thyroid that will require either partial or complete removal. And, of course, the thyroid treatment cannot begin until he has healed from the disc surgery.
The complexity of Alvise’s sudden health problems, and the likely length of treatment and recovery, have made it clear that standing for moderator and serving in the office would be impossible for me at this time—at a time when my husband needs me most.
I am very grateful for the confidence of all who share my vision for the PCUSA, especially Jeff Krehbiel whose joy at standing with me was such a gift. I know the church I love is in God’s sure hands.
Alvise and I covet your prayers as we face this life challenge together and our own spirits stumble. We rely upon the PCUSA to be Christ’s steadfast and loving arms holding us up. Thank you so very much for that.
May the peace of Christ be always with you,
Reverend Janet Edwards
28 Responses
Dear Janet. I have been one of your harshest critics. But I would not wish this on you or your husband. I do pray (and actually have been) God’s blessing on you both.
How refreshing that you have your priorities in order! Certainly – I will hold you and Alvise in the light as you move through this segment of life’s journey. Courage and strength be yours in the days ahead.
Dear Janet,
You and Alvise are on my mind and heart. Thank you for your service, wisdom, and love for our church.
Blessings,
john
Prayers for healing and God’s presence. Thank you for your courage and commitment.
Janet,
I’ll join others in prayers for Alvise’s speedy recovery and your strength beside him.
You did the right thing to be at his side. God bless you for it.
Jim Berkley
Roslyn, WA
We are holding you all in prayer.
Prayers for healing, strength, and comfort.
Covering you in prayer – and thanking you for the fearless work you do. Healing prayers to Alvise.
Janet,
May the God of all grace, our Lord Jesus Christ, walk with you and Alvise during this troubling time, bring His peace, and the power of the Holy Spirit for strength and courage. I pray that this trouble will draw you closer to each other and to our Lord and savior.
Prayers from that part of the church that meets in Clive, IA. Blessings to you in a courageous decision and a difficult time.
Janet — The diverse family of faith we call the PC (USA) has held me up during these last few weeks, and it will hold up you and Alvise as well. Prayers surround you.
Janet — Just as the diverse family of faith we call the PC (USA) has held me up during these past weeks, so too it will hold up you and Alvise. Prayers are surrounding you.
Janet, will keep you and yours in prayer. God’s uplifting and sustaining mercy to Alvise and to you.
Fine statement, Janet; fine priorities. Now adding your family to my prayer-list.
Janet,
Our prayers are with you and your husband. May the peace of God be with you both during this time of struggle, pain, and healing.
Yours in Christ,
Robert McClelland
Time to be a pastor in your own fam! Thanks for your witness thru good priorities.
Janet: Your letter and explanation is truly inspirational. Your life and love is so much more important to your partner any time especially at this particular time. This surely will inspire your supporters to work even harder to that your vision of our church is carried forward.
Ted Coppock, Presbytery of Des Moines
Rev. Edwards My prayers are with you and your husband. May God be with you both and I know that God will take care of you both. yours in Christ, Bro. Eckert White
Prayers for you both, your loved ones, and your faith-family. Thank you for the important and uncommon faith you’ve displayed in this.
Blessings.
Dan
Dear Friends,
From Alvise and me, please receive our deepest thanks. So much more could be said but I want to leave it at that.
Peace be with you all, Janet
Janet – Please know that you and Alvise and the boys are in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs and love coming your way from Oklahoma.
V–
Grace and Peace to you and your family, Janet. Our prayers our with you.
Dear Janet:
May Alvise and you be embraced in God’s gracious and healing arms. We are praying you both here in NYC.
PEACE
We have appreciated your blogging and leadership in the PCUSA struggle for full inclusion of all members at all levels. Our prayers and those of all our friends are with you in these difficult times. We look forward to Alvise’s healing and your return to active leadership.
Janet,
I so deeply needed and appreciated everyone who prayed for us during my wife’s cancer and through my false terminal diagnosis.
I’ll be glad to pray for you and add you to my intercession list.
“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted.” Psalm 34.18
Bruce
Bellingham, WA
Janet…thoughts and prayers and love be with you at this time….
So sorry, Janet & Alvise. I just saw this today – several weeks late. Thinking of your family and praying for Alvise’ recovery. Our love to you in this time of stress, and prayers for your peace and health recovery.
You did the right action; God is just removing you from consideration as Moderator.