To summarize the reaction to Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick’s decision, it has been predictable.  Those that he is closely associated with praise his service, those on the conservative side thank him for making a wise decision for the good of the denomination.  Some examples…

The World Association of Reformed Churches, of which he is currently serving as president, has issued a nice press release praising his service and being a person of “deep faith, biblical and theological depth of understanding, vision, courage and leadership skills.”

Most progressive organizations and blogs, such as the Witherspoon Society, seem to just cite or reprint this release or the Presbyterian News Service release about Rev. Kirkpatrick’s departure without additional comment.

On the conservative side, the reaction is led by the Institute for Religion and Democracy’s Presbyterian Action arm that issued a press release thanking Rev. Kirkpatrick for “graciously” not running again.  In the press release, James D. Berkley, the Presbyterian Action Director, is quoted as saying “I commend Clifton Kirkpatrick for his characteristic graciousness in
displaying the courage to step aside to allow new leadership to emerge.”  If you want more free-wheeling commentary on this you can check out Mr. Berkley’s blog appropriately named “ The Berkley Blog,” especially his entry titled “ Stated Quirks.”

Another interesting blog post on the subject comes from Jody Harrington in her blog Quotidian Grace where she has a concise post titled “ Kirkpatrick to step down.”  In there she writes:

While it’s tempting to view his retirement as paving the way for positive changes for the denomination, the truth is that renewal of the PCUSA is not the job of the Stated Clerk alone, but of all of us who care about the church, with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

But maybe the best part of her post is in the comments section where there is a “Draft QC for State Clerk” movement.