Wisdom Bids Farewell

IRD Vice President and Presbyterian Action Director Alan Wisdom announced his departure from the institute in a July 6 email letter to Presbyterian friends and supporters. Below is the text of Wisdom’s letter.

Dear Friends:

It is with mixed feelings that I write you, as this will be my last Presbyterian Action e-newsletter. I am leaving my position as Presbyterian Action director and IRD vice president to pursue my own writing projects. I would like to convey my thanks to all you friends who have supported this work through the years, as well as my hopes that you will continue to find IRD and Presbyterian Action a helpful resource in making your Christian witness.

People have sometimes asked me why I stayed so long—25 years at the IRD, 18 at the head of Presbyterian Action. My first response has typically been: I stayed because of the people with whom I had the privilege of working. IRD and Presbyterian Action board members who give such impressive leadership. Fellow staff members who pour such energy into their assignments. And faithful friends like you who have stood by us through so many battles.

I am conscious of how much of this dedication has been voluntary—and even sacrificial. People could have easily ignored the problems in the larger church, the issues we face in U.S. society, fellow Christians persecuted in other parts of the world. Pastors and elders were plenty busy tending to their local congregations. But they chose to extend their care and give of themselves in order to make a wider witness for the Gospel.

People took leave from their jobs and paid their own expenses to attend General Assemblies, presbyteries, and other church meetings. Those unaccustomed to public speaking stood up before hundred of strangers—not always sympathetic strangers—and gave testimony to their Christian convictions. People on limited incomes, with many worthy causes appealing for their support, chose to send a contribution to Presbyterian Action. They shared their resources so that we could have a voice in church debates. They trusted us to be that voice on their behalf.

I am deeply grateful for that trust that you have placed in us. It has been a privilege to have such wonderful partners in this work of church reform.

The work continues, because God is not finished with his Church. I plan on remaining in the PCUSA and fulfilling my vow as an elder to participate in its government. Whatever I write in the future, I hope it will help Presbyterians and other Christians communicate God’s Word more effectively in church and society. I expect that you will see my writing in some new places and some familiar places, including IRD publications on occasion.

I know that IRD will also be carrying on the work of church reform. It plays a crucial role in warning against the siren songs of the religious left that have shipwrecked so many churches. The IRD’s experience across many denominations—from oldline Protestant to evangelical to Roman Catholic—gives it a unique vantage point.

The IRD supplies onsite reporting from church events, information on church actions, and analysis of the issues being debated that is not available from any other source. With a dedicated Presbyterian Action Steering Committee working alongside IRD President Mark Tooley, I am confident that the IRD will continue to produce many resources that will be helpful to us Presbyterians. I urge your continued support.

May God be with you and bless you, until we meet again.

Yours in Christ,

Alan F.H. Wisdom
Director, Presbyterian Action for Faith & Freedom
IRD Vice President for Research and Programs