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As the church grew, the need for Years later, in 2011, the Presbyterian
more space became increasingly Church USA changed its policy to
apparent, which led to the addition allow gay and lesbian individuals to
of the Gratz Center, featuring the openly serve in the church.
Buchanan Chapel.
“It’s been my interpretation of
“It’s hard to put into words how Christian faith that we need to
honored my family and I are at be open and welcoming, and not
the decision to name the chapel,” because we want to be politically
John says. “I’m very proud of the correct,” John says.
space, and very humbled more than Life After Fourth Presbyterian
anything else.”
In 2012, John gave his last sermon
A Proponent for Inclusivity at Fourth Presbyterian Church. In
One main accomplishment for John 2014, he moved to The Clare and
over the course of his time at Fourth settled into retirement. And in 2016,
Presbyterian Church was fostering he left his role as Editor/Publisher of
interfaith outreach and relationships. Christian Century, a twice-monthly
journal of religion and culture.
One example is the strong
connection he advanced between John and Sue continue to worship
the Chicago Sinai Congregation and at Fourth Presbyterian, and John
Fourth Presbyterian. Not long after remains involved with Presbyterian
he started his new role in Chicago, Church USA, serving as an interim
the synagogue’s rabbi requested preacher at different churches as
The new (dedicated in 2012) Gratz Center of to hold Sabbath services on Friday he’s requested to do so.
Fourth Presbyterian Church, as viewed from
Chestnut Street, with Buchanan Chapel visible nights at the church, which later His work is, and always will be, as
through the tall window . progressed to services for High Holy important to him as it is to those
Days like Rosh Hashanah and Yom
Following a lengthy interview Kippur. The relationship continued around him.
process, a nomination by the search to evolve to include common bible “People look to the church and to
committee and a vote from the studies, retreats and seminars. religion as a way to make sense of the
congregation, John became Fourth world that sometimes feels like it’s
Presbyterian Church’s pastor in 1985. John also advocated for inclusion out of control, as a place of stability
in the church, fighting to open
“It has not only this central position ordination for positions like elders, and kindness in a world where that
feels rare,” he says. “It’s a place
in the city, but also a reputation for deacons and ministers to those with where some values that are so critical
wonderful outreach programs to its different gender orientations. In 1996, are affirmed and lived out – justice,
neighbors,” John says. “I love that – John was elected as moderator of the kindness, healing and peace.”
the combination of being a presence General Assembly of the Presbyterian
on Michigan Avenue but also deeply Church USA, which is
invested in programs to help the the highest elected
homeless, the children and more.” office. At that point, the
church voted against the
During his 26 years of service at ordainment of gay and
Fourth Presbyterian, John was lesbian individuals.
instrumental in many significant
advancements for the church. He The vote prompted John
worked to develop mission programs to organize with others
in an effort to build a
and add staff so that the social service more inclusive, gracious
center became a full-time operation. and welcoming church.
He helped grow the church’s tutoring He went on to help form
program attendance from 150 to the Covenant Network
500 participants. Volunteers for of Presbyterians, which
this program often became church John co-moderated for
members, expanding and enriching several years to further
the congregation. this mission of inclusivity. Worshipers line up to enter Fourth Church on Easter Sunday 2017 .
Photos courtesy Of Fourth Presbyterian Church
