Presbyterians elect Palestinian-American from Atlanta to top spot as moderator

COLUMBUS, OHIO - The 2.5-million member Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) chose a Palestinian-American as moderator, its top elected official. <br> <br> The Rev. Fahed Abu-Akel, 58, of Atlanta, said his priorities during his yearlong term would be renewing spirituality, committing to worldwide evangelism and encouraging Presbyterians to cultivate ``unity in diversity.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> He recalled Saturday that when he was 4, he and his family were driven from their home by Israeli troops in the Arab-Israel War in 1948. <br> <br> ``You may be afraid,&#39;&#39; he told delegates. ``It&#39;s OK to be afraid. I remember that 4-year-old boy who discovered and is still discovering that Jesus Christ is the only hope for a broken world.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> Ordained in 1978, Abu-Akel spent 21 years as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Atlanta until last year. He is also founder of the Atlanta Ministry with International Students.