Parker T. Williamson
Editor emeritus and senior
correspondent of The Layman
News from the Natchez Trace reveals a low blow by Presbyterian
Church (USA) officials. Following published legal advice from
denominational lawyers, the Presbytery of St. Andrew is threatening to
seize a sanctuary that ministers to orphans and those entrusted with
their care.
French Camp Presbyterian Church is an unusual congregation. According
to the denomination’s 2005 statistical report, the congregation
numbers just 94 members, but it has a Sunday school enrollment of 225.
Adjacent to a Christian community for children whose home life has been
shattered, this tiny church offers spiritual succor to the Lord’s
little ones and to those who nurture them. It’s a loving place,
where broken lives are healed and those who have been orphaned are
guided into unfolding opportunities.
For the French Camp congregation, its association with the Presbyterian
Church (USA) has become increasingly problematic. French Camp children
are taught that the Bible is the Word of God, a fixed star that they can
trust when navigating seas of uncertainty. But Presbyterian Church (USA)
leaders cast doubt on that authority, suggesting that the Scriptures be
bent into cultural conformity.
French Camp children are taught that whatever the mode of their
entrance into this world, they are the children of a gracious heavenly
Father. They were loved before they were born and are precious in his
sight. Denominational leaders promote a different theme, defending the
decision of a mother to expunge her offspring before it sees the light
of day. French Camp children are taught that the marriage of a man and a
woman is instituted by God and blessed by our Lord Jesus Christ. But
agencies of the denomination are working to undermine the institution of
marriage, promoting and blessing aberrant couplings that Scripture
forbids.
How can one train a child in godly living when tethered to a
denomination whose leaders bless ungodly acts? How can children know
right from wrong when subjected to the mixed messages of contextual
ethics?
Such questions led the French Camp congregation to sever its ties with
the Presbyterian Church (USA), for it came to the conclusion that a
continued connection with this denomination poses a clear and present
danger to those entrusted to its care.
The Presbytery of St. Andrew appears amicable to the departure. After
all, it is not likely that the tiny French Camp congregation adds much
to its coffers. But its property is a different matter. You can go, the
presbytery says, but we’re hanging onto your deed. And, in our
benevolence, we’ll rent the sanctuary to you and your children.
In an interesting aside, a condition that the presbytery has attached
to its proposed lease is that French Camp consent to a quit claim deed
in favor of the presbytery. That leads one to wonder if St. Andrew
officials are all that sure of their ground. If, as they claim, the
property is theirs, why are they asking this congregation of orphans and
their caretakers to sign it away?
Such questions, of course, are for lawyers and judges to decide. Ours
is another concern. How in the name of all that is holy can those who
control this dying denomination bolster its assets with property that
was given by local Christians to glorify God in their particular locus
of mission and ministry? When presbytery leaders stoop to require
orphans to rent their place of worship, have they no shame?
When traveling the Natchez Trace, stop by French Camp for a cup of tea,
a plate of cookies and a taste of Southern hospitality. Enjoy
bed-and-breakfast accommodations on campus, and learn first-hand what
this magnificent ministry is doing in the lives of the Lord’s
children.
But you might want to make that visit soon, before St. Andrew
Presbytery builds a toll booth at the gate.
The Rev. Parker T. Williamson is editor emeritus of The Layman.