Talk of Presbyterian Split Grows
Homosexual ordination, lordship of Christ are ongoing issues for conservatives
LaTonya Taylor | posted 12/03/2001 12:00AM
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Unclear Future
The logistics of such a split are unclear, especially since regional presbyteries hold the deeds of local church property. But the denomination still takes the threat of schism seriously. The General Assembly voted to appoint a task force to lead a four-year period of discernment to clarify the church's beliefs on "Christology, biblical authority and interpretation, ordination standards, and power." The task force, appointed in October, will seek "peace, unity, and purity" in the church.
The Committee on the Office of the General Assembly also authorized Rogers and PCUSA Stated Clerk Clifton Kirkpatrick to invite former moderators to be available to sessions and presbyteries that may leave or withhold funds from the denomination. Kirkpatrick says the move is not related to the Confessing Church Movement.
Conservatives do not speak with one voice on whether to leave the denomination or change it from within. Only half of the 1,300 people at a recent Presbyterian Coalition meeting raised their hands in support of "gracious separation" from the denomination if they continue to disagree.
Still, Presbyterian News Service reports that after Kirkpatrick attended the gathering, he told the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly that "the question is not if but when" conservatives would leave.
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Related Elsewhere:
Christianity Today
and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette have both profiled the growing "confessing church movement."
The Confessing Church Movement site offers links to news stories, commentary pieces, and other resources.
Presbyweb.com has all the Presbyterian news you need including an analysis of the Amendment A voting.
In an August 11, 1997, Christianity Today article, James Edwards compared today's struggles within the PCUSA to that in the German church in the 1930s —which launched the original "Confessing Church" at Barmen.
Other Christianity Today articles on tensions within the Presbyterian Church (USA) include:
Presbyterians Void Ban on Gay Clergy | Presbyteries will vote on national meeting's action during the next year. (July 23, 2001)
Presbyterians Vote Down Ban on Same-Sex Unions | Opponents say vague wording led to defeat. (March 29, 2001)
Editorial: Walking in the Truth | Winning arguments at church conventions is not enough without compassion for homosexuals. (Oct. 30, 2000)
Presbyterians Propose Ban on Same-Sex Ceremonies | Change to church constitution, which passes by only 17 votes, now goes to presbyteries. (July 5, 2000)
Presbyterians urged to allow liberals to leave over homosexual ordination | The general assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA), will be asked to consider a series of resolutions declaring that "irreconcilable" differences exist over the ordination of gay clergy. (Feb. 28, 2000)
Presbyterians Support Same-Sex Unions | Northeast Synod rules 8-2 in favor of continuing church's "holy union" ceremonies (Jan. 10, 2000)
Fidelity Clause Retained | Homosexual ordination under study until 2001. (Aug. 9, 1999)
Leaders Retain 'Chastity' Vow (May 18, 1998)
Assembly Favors 'Integrity' Not 'Chastity' for Leaders (Aug. 11, 1997)
Presbyterians Endorse Fidelity, Chastity for Ordained Clergy (Apr. 28, 1997)
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