“Reformed and reforming” talks about the foundations of Presbyterianism as well as its ongoing engagement with change, he says. “A lot of issues that have come up in recent years throughout the Church have raised questions of identity.”

During his two years as Moderator, Graham, who is also principal of the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership, plans to explore what it means to be part of the reformed tradition in our New Zealand context today, within a multi-faith environment that lacks the denominational boundaries of the past.

“Reformed and reforming” raises the question of direction, he says. Decline in the numbers going to church has lead to greater focus on mission and restructuring of the way we do things, which also raises theological questions.

For example, he says, the concept of sola scriptura (Scripture alone) has informed generations of Presbyterian thought. “How do we understand the role Scripture plays in our church?”

The theme is not about change for the sake of change, he says. “We need to make sure we’re not being blown by the winds of fashion but by the core convictions that are theologically informed.”

Graham says worship during GA08 will pick up on the theme. Knox Centre students, who will also be his chaplains, will lead a devotion every morning and night of Assembly. There will also be two major worship services, on the Thursday and Sunday.

The Rev Professor Randall Prior, the keynote speaker at this year’s Assembly, will elaborate on the theme in his addresses. See the GA08 section of www.presbyterian.org.nz for more information.

By Amanda Wells