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Bob Edgar

President of Common Cause, former general secretary of the National Council of Churches.

"On Faith" panelist Dr. Bob Edgar is president of Common Cause and former general secretary of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, the leading U.S. organization in the movement for Christian unity. An ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, he came to the Council from Claremont School of Theology, Claremont, Calif., where he was president from 1990-2000. He was a six-term member of the U.S. House of Representatives, where he was the first Democrat in more than 120 years to be elected from the heavily Republican Seventh District of Pennsylvania. He served in Congress from 1974 to 1987. His wide-ranging career has also included pastorates at United Methodist congregations and stints as a teacher, college chaplain, community organizer, and director of a “think tank” on national security issues. He received a bachelor of arts degree from Lycoming College, Williamsport, Pa., and a master of divinity degree from the Theological School of Drew University, Madison, N.J. He holds four honorary doctoral degrees. Later this year, he will become President and CEO of Common Cause. Close.

Bob Edgar

President of Common Cause, former general secretary of the National Council of Churches.

"On Faith" panelist Dr. Bob Edgar is president of Common Cause, an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, and a former congressman. more »

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June 2008 Archives

June 25, 2008 5:50 AM

"Self Renewal"

I recommend John Gardner’s "Self Renewal: The Individual and the Innovative Society," Harper & Row, Publishers, Inc., 1963. Sometimes it makes sense to go back and reread what our founding fathers and mothers were trying to say to us that just may be relevant for our times.

John Gardner, the founder of both Common Cause and Independent Sector, was always perceptive and inspiring. He talked about the reality of CHANGE in our lives and the need to keep pace with it, maintaining a HOPE-FILLED spirit.

Here is his challenge: "Life isn't a train ride where you choose your destination, pay your fare and settle back for a nap. It's a cycle ride over uncertain terrain, with you in the driver's seat, constantly correcting your balance and determining the direction of progress. It's difficult, sometimes profoundly painful." In this present Presidential Election Season, these are important lessons to keep in focus and to inspire the faithful voter.”

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