There are currently 39 lawsuits in process within the PCUSA over churches wanting to leave the denomination with their property. The churches involved in the litigation have made those difficult and painful decisions in their commitment to remain faithful to the Gospel, believing the PCUSA has abandoned essential foundations of the faith.
In his letter of Nov. 18, 2008, to presbytery and synod executives and stated clerks, Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, says, "Virtually all actions by presbyteries are reactions to aggressive schismatic behavior by individual congregations and sessions." Mr. Parsons further states that "presbyteries have sought only that sessions and congregations be required to follow the processes provided by the Book of Order." Let’s take a look at the Book of Order and see what it says about a church that struggles with this issue. Below, in part, is the August 2008 Supplementary Report of the Strategy Team of the New Wineskins Association of Churches:
A Position Paper on the Right
of Voluntary Association/Affiliation
for Particular Churches with
the Presbyterian Church (USA)
A question has arisen as to whether a particular church within the PCUSA may consider the status of its affiliation/association with the PCUSA, or whether such consideration is so inherently prohibitive as to merit removal of those asking the question. The Constitution of the PCUSA, including both the Book of Order and The Book of Confessions, the traditions of Presbyterianism, and pronouncements of the GA of the PCUSA, all support a particular church in its discernment of such questions. Logic and reason prohibit sanctioning those who ask such questions with removal from office for merely asking such questions.
The underlying question concerns the nature of the association of a particular church with the presbytery – whether it is voluntary or compulsory. This paper maintains that both the Constitution and practice of the PCUSA demonstrate with complete clarity that said relationship is a matter of conscience and, therefore, it is a voluntary affiliation.
The Constitution of the PCUSA asserts that:
"God alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are in anything contrary to his Word, or beside it in matters of faith and worship (G-1.0301, cf. C-6.109)"
"God alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are in anything contrary to his Word, or beside it in matters of faith and worship (G-1.0301, cf. C-6.109)"
This recognizes that God has ordained that one’s conscience cannot be bound by the dictates of humankind, but rather is a wholly internal, personal decision. The PCUSA Constitution confirms as much, stating:
"Therefore we consider the rights of private judgment, in all matters of religion, as universal and unalienable…
"That in perfect consistency with the above principle of common right, every Christian Church, or union or association of particular churches, is entitled to declare the terms of admission into its communion, and the qualifications of its ministers and members, as well as the whole system of internal government." (G-1.0302).
Mr. Parsons is right. The Book of Order should be followed. Does the Book of Order apply to all? Are the stated clerk, the synods and the presbyteries exempt from following the Book of Order, while they litigate with churches over property and money accusing them of "aggressive schismatic behavior?" Could it be these churches are not schismatic, but merely exercising their freedom of conscience as clearly provided for in our system of government? Of course, the bureaucrats will say the dissidents should leave if they don’t like our progressive theology without concern about who owns the property. After all, there is the trust clause. And who cares if the trust was asserted by the beneficiary of the trust? And does it matter if that trust clause is fraught with legal, moral and Scriptural flaws? And who cares if the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not proclaimed from that location any longer?
The Book of Order provides that presbyteries can dismiss churches to other Reformed bodies with their property. Presbyteries do not have to litigate with churches even though the Office of the Stated Clerk has encouraged aggressive legal action (go to www.layman.org and search for Louisville papers).
The New Wineskins supplementary report reiterates its position that churches have two faithful options:
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To realign with an evangelical Reformed body that is more faithful to Christ and obedient to Scripture
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To stay in place within the PCUSA, while working for the reformation and renewal of that part of the Body of Christ if so led by the Holy Spirit
New Wineskins has been accused of enticing churches to leave the denomination. If New Wineskins is guilty of something, it is guilty of articulating a vision for how to do church when Christ is glorified and Scripture is held as the highest authority, while being mission-focused. New Wineskins has encouraged church leaders to fear only the Lord and it has educated them on the processes already established in the PCUSA. It has been completely transparent in showing leaders how to consider various options for their churches. "God alone is Lord of the conscience …"
Stephen G. Brown is an elder at First Presbyterian Church of Haines City, Florida. He is chairman of the Board of Directors and chief executive officer of the Presbyterian Lay Committee.