An Encouraging Word By Parker T. Williamson Executive Editor, The Presbyterian Layman November 2000 The subject of this resource book is Amendment O, a paragraph proposed for inclusion in the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s Book of Order that will make very explicit our denomination’s commitment to the sanctity of marriage. With all that Scripture and our confessions have to say about marriage, one may wonder why additional language is needed. But these are perilous times for Biblical faith. Our denomination has been accosted by wordsmiths intent on twisting the plain meaning of Scripture. At such times, one must be very clear. The language of Amendment O meets that test. We enter this campaign aware of the fact that it is part a larger engagement – a war for the soul of the Presbyterian Church (USA) – which has been going on for a very long time. Many of us are weary, wondering why we must continue to deal with these issues. Some have even considered leaving. If you are among them, you may be encouraged to know that the tide has begun to turn. People of Biblical faith are winning the war with those who promote a counterfeit gospel. Of course, we who remember Jesus’ assurance that the gates of hell would not prevail against his Church should expect nothing less. But it is encouraging to see concrete evidence in our own Presbyterian struggles. So let’s review recent history: 1991 – The General Assembly overwhelmingly rejected a proposed “Human Sexuality Report” that called for a new sexual ethic that would have affirmed adultery and homosexual behavior as valid expressions of “justice-love.” 1994 – The General Assembly declared key themes of the ReImagining god movement “beyond the boundaries” of Christian faith. 1996 – The General Assembly approved, and our presbyteries ratified, Amendment B, now G-6.0106b, a constitutional prohibition against ordaining persons who openly engage in sexual relations outside of marriage. 1996 – The General Assembly terminated the employment of its top executive officer, whose administration had spawned many of the human sexuality and ReImagining god aberrations that have assailed our denomination. His departure sent shock waves through Presbyterian Church (USA) headquarters, and several key lieutenants subsequently resigned or were removed from office. 1997 – By an almost 2-1 vote, the presbyteries rejected an attempt to overturn our constitutional ordination standards regarding sexual behavior. 1997 – The General Assembly ordered revisions in a document called “Building Community Among Strangers” because it failed to affirm what the Bible teaches about the person and work of Jesus Christ. 1998 – The General Assembly initiated evaluations of various denominational program agencies to determine if they are faithful to our constitutional standards. 2000 – The General Assembly approved Amendment O to put a stop to “same-sex unions” and other attempts to undermine the sanctity of marriage. 2000 – The General Assembly Council established priorities that will determine how our mission offerings are spent. Evangelism and church development were at the top of the list. Several programs that have long irritated Presbyterians in the pews, the Washington lobby, for example, landed on the bottom. While we have suffered a few setbacks along the way, there is no question about the trend. So if you find yourself among the weary, wondering if there is any hope for our denomination, please be encouraged by the battles that have been won. The very fact that those who proclaim a different gospel have found it necessary to form their own independent organization tells you that they know they are losing. Will we continue to experience conflict in the church? Of course we will. Any reading of church history – starting with disputes among the disciples themselves – reveals that there has always been conflict. Our call is not to retreat to some peaceful haven, but to stand publicly on Scripture and be faithful to God’s Word. A major victory for Amendment O – a resounding vote among our presbyteries for the sanctity of marriage – will go a long way toward restoring the integrity and health of our denomination. So let us be encouraged and, as Scripture counsels us, let us not grow weary in well doing. We have work to do.

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