John Peterson Will Take International Vision and Appreciation for Diversity to ACC Position
Episcopal News Service. April 7, 1994 [94076]
When the Very Rev. John L. Peterson, dean of St. George's College in Jerusalem, becomes the new secretary general of the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) at the end of the year, he will take with him to London a broad international experience -- and a determination to help the Anglican Communion grasp and celebrate the richness of its diversity.
Steeped in Old Testament theology and deeply committed to the current peace process between Israelis and Palestinians, Peterson said in an interview that "it has been exciting to participate in the life of the church at this crucial time, with such dramatic changes happening every day."
Peterson first came to the Middle East during his junior year in college, studying in Beirut and participating in archeological projects. He then studied Old Testament at Harvard and wrote his doctorate in Chicago at the Institute for Advanced Theological Studies after further archeological exploration, getting to know the land and the people.
"A major part of my role at the ACC will be that of a teacher -- exciting people about what it means to be an Anglican and part of a worldwide community," Peterson said in his office at the college. "I love teaching -- sharing the excitement of Scripture and how it relates to daily life, life in the marketplace."
Peterson played host to Presiding Bishop Edmond Browning and his wife Patti during their recent pilgrimage through the Middle East and led them through the crowded streets of the Old City following the path of Jesus on the way of the cross, the via dolorosa. He draws energy from the incredible mix of peoples and cultures and describes the college as a "window... a laboratory in the land where God's divine drama unfolded." Peterson said that he agreed with President-bishop Samir Kafity of the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East who likes to refer to the college as a "bridge to the church -- with plenty of two-way traffic."
Kafity and the diocese nominated Peterson for the ACC job and are particularly proud to send "one of their own" to such a powerful position in the church. "This land has not only nurtured me and my family, but this city draws people from all over the world, giving me a tremendous feeling for the breadth of the church," Peterson said with an intensity that is one of the hallmarks of his personality. "People come here because they are on a quest for their roots, because they want to experience something of the humanness of Jesus. For 12 years I have had the wonderful opportunity to help bring Scripture to life for them. And I certainly hope that in my new position I will be able to translate this understanding of the Body of Christ -- the church -- because ultimately all of us stand in front of the empty tomb."
Building on the work of his predecessor, the Rev. Canon Sam Van Culin, Peterson hopes to communicate the richness and diversity of the Anglican Communion through "informed prayer," drawing on the Anglican cycle of prayer which lifts up different parts of the church. "I certainly want to build on that so that when we pray together we will be able to identify particular needs and be drawn into a new partnership," he said. "If that prayer seeps into the life of parishes and individuals we can forge some creative new relationships." And it will curb what Peterson contends is a tendency towards parochialism and insularity. "To think of the church retrenching into a strictly congregational understanding of its ministry is a contradiction, it defies what it means to be a member of the body of Christ, to be an Anglican."
Peterson has no illusions about the fragile state of finances in the ACC and realizes that one of the reasons he was chosen was his reputation as a good fundraiser and communicator with broad constituencies in the church. Yet he is not daunted and said that he sees this as a challenge. "Of course we are faced with a worldwide recession that affects all provinces of the Anglican Communion and we won't be able to do everything the church asks or expects of us. That will require some reevaluation of programs, structures -- our whole life together. And it could mean some radical changes," he said. "Yet I'm convinced that if people see that what we are doing is beneficial to the church, we can find the money to support our work. With the kinds of issues we are facing, the churches can be energized, drawing on our diversity and our strengths."
When asked about the ordination of women and its impact on the Anglican Communion, Peterson began by saying that it has never been an issue for him personally but he quickly added that he understood the pain of those who consider it a serious obstacle to unity. "I understand both perspectives, I have lived with both sides of the issue." Sitting in an office with several icons on the wall, he said that "the icon helps us to move beyond ourselves, beyond gender, to a more complete image of God. The ordination of women may be one tool to help us see the fullness of God -- but it is not the only one. Other provinces may have other ways to explore the completeness of God, and we must draw on their experience to strengthen the whole Anglican family," he said.
"Diversity must never push us further apart," Peterson added. "Rather, it must strengthen and unify us -- not in common agreement but in an ability and a determination to learn from each other." He said that "diversity doesn't frighten me at all, it's a challenge because through it God speaks to us and demonstrates a concern for what is happening in our lives. What could be more exciting than that?"
Peterson is credited with major renovations at the college and extending its reach and reputation in the Anglican Communion. He listed among his "greatest thrills" the dedication of a new dining room to Bishop Kafity, as a symbol of how he is "continuously involved in nourishing and feeding the rest of us through his ministry." And he pointed with particular pride to the Easter Sunday dedication of the college library in honor of the Brownings. By the time of the dedication, the $300,000 library project was oversubscribed, "showing the tremendous love and affection people have for them and for the key role they have played over the years in supporting the church in Jerusalem and issues of justice for the Palestinian people."
That cause is also dear to Peterson's own family since he and his wife Kirsten adopted two Palestinian girls, now ages 9 and 11, when they were babies. "As parents of Palestinians our daughters will always provide us with strong ties to this land and the church here. We are determined to nourish those roots, even in London," he said.
Peterson is eager to point out that he has served as an appointed missionary of the Episcopal Church, "a very important aspect because I can serve as a liaison between the two churches, reminding them both of the church's involvement in the peace process and the vital role the Brownings have played." No one doubts that Peterson will carry that same determination with him to his critical new position as one of the architects of the future of the Anglican Communion.
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