| Form No. 6 Complaint, D-6 |
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| NORMAN F. BLESSING, ELDER Complaint V. SESSION OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SEBASTIAN (USA) Respondent |
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STATEMENT OF COMPLAINT |
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I, Norman F Blessing, Elder, Complain(s) to the Central Florida Presbytery against the Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Sebastian (USA) concerning an irregularity, in that in a special called meeting of Session at First Presbyterian Church of Sebastian (USA), 1405 Louisiana Avenue, Sebastian Florida 32978-1689, on the 22nd day of May, 2001 said Session did adopt and implement a resolution that violates the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Complainant believes that the decision and/or action was irregular or the governing body failed to act as constitutionally required in the following list of particulars: 1) The "Resolution of the Session/First Presbyterian Church of Sebastian", is more commonly referred to as the "Confessing Church Resolution" and herein is referred to as the "resolution". 2) The "resolution" deprives church members from their right to 'freedom of conscience" in that it exacts an allegiance to un-tested, un-sanctioned confessional sounding statements and proceedings. From the book entitled Presbyterian Polity for Church Officers (Third Edition), Chapter 13, page 160… "Part of our Christian birthright is a freedom of the mind, a liberty to think freely, to question, even to doubt. This kind of liberty grows out of a loving and obedient relationship to God. Reformed theology has called this intellectual freedom "freedom of conscience," and it is one of the important principles of our system of government. "Freedom of conscience" means that we are freed from demands for slavish, unquestioning obedience. God does not want us to be robots who act according to programmed instructions. God wants us to respond freely in love, to give God our trust, and to follow God's way to willing faith and gratitude. If God does not demand mindless submission from us, neither should the church demand it." The Westminster Confession of Faith [6.109] puts it like this… "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 or worship. So that to believe such doctrines, or to obey such commandments out of conscience, is to betray true liberty of conscience; and the requiring an implicit faith, and an absolute and blind obedience, is to destroy liberty of conscience and reason also." The "resolution' effectively limits "freedom of conscience" which is guaranteed to all members in G-6.0108a. The Session has ignored the Book of Order [G-6.0108b]… "that in becoming a candidate or officer of the Presbyterian Church (USA) one chooses to exercise freedom of conscience within certain bounds. His or her conscience is captive to the Word of God as interpreted in the standards of the church…" Presbyterian Polity further states… "Freedom of conscience in the interpretation of Scripture is recognized insofar as the exercise of freedom of conscience does not lead to serious departure from the essentials of the Reformed faith and polity as expressed in the church's Constitution, does not infringe on the rights and views of others, and does not obstruct the constitutional governance of the church. Freedom of conscience may not be used by an officer as reason for holding beliefs contrary to the essentials of the Book of Confessions infringing on the rights of other church members, or refusing to act in accordance with the Book of Order." The Pastor and Elders who support this "resolution", a list that sounds like doctrinal type beliefs, are from the real historic and classical Confessions of the Presbyterian Church (USA) when, in fact, it is conservative ideology crafted to make a political statement; yet it has been thrust upon this particular church, where the average age of its membership exceeds 70 years. This is unjust leadership and it infringes on the rights and views of other members. The Session has no mandate to be a dictator in the congregation. It can only exercise the authority given to it in the Book of Order [G-9.0102b], [G-1.0307]. 3) The "resolution" is oppressive, it infringes on the unity of the church and its call to openness [G-3.0401]; it infringes on the rights and views of others within the church thus discouraging inclusiveness and full participation within its membership with respect to those members who may hold "different theological positions" as expressed in G4.0403. 4) The "resolution" violates the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA) by requiring an affirmation of the "resolution". From the text of the "resolution"… "The Session therefore commits itself to the movement known as the Confessing Church. With it, we implore all Presbyterians who uphold these historic Christian convictions to … urge their sessions and presbyteries to affirm these confessions and to declare that they will not ordain, install or employ in any ministry position any person who will not affirm them." While the actual text uses the word "urge", the intent of this Session is to apply this requirement of affirmation to all candidates for office in this particular church. When Elders were specifically asked, on June 12, 2001, if affirmation of this "resolution" would be required of nominees for the office of Elder in this particular church, the answer was a resounding "YES!" Session, as a governing body, does not have the power to require things that Scripture does not require! The particular powers of governing bodies are only those stated in the Constitution [G-9.0102b]. 5) The "resolution" creates an injustice by effectively blocking a member's right to hold office if such member refuses to affirm the "resolution". Ostensibly, affirmation of the resolution" would only be required of persons seeking office or employment in any ministry position, however, in a paper adopted by the 119th General Assembly (1979) ministry is defined as… "both the privilege and responsibility of church members. The ministry of the church is a corporate as well as individual task committed not to the ordained clergy only but to every member of the church. Every member is a minister…" Presbyterian Polity clearly states that "Calling to office must always be understood within the context of the calling to church membership." The guidance, therefore, offered in G-5.0202 of the Book of Order must prevail. Thus to require "other conditions of active membership"; such as an affirmation of the "resolution", the Session must enter into careful study and discussion with the congregation." Even then such "other conditions" must be consistent with the order and confessions of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Sebastian (USA) failed to adhere to G-5.0202! While Session clearly has the right and obligation to examine candidates for church office it cannot require the affirmation of this "resolution" of such candidates. 6) The "resolution" is divisive and is an affront to the peace, unity and purity of the church! It abrogates G-1.0304 and G-1.0305 of the Book of Order. 7) Although a quorum did exist and the special meeting of Session on May 22, 2001, was properly called and constituted, the "resolution" adopted at that meeting was hastily considered, created and adopted by a small cadre of Session, the Moderator and five (5) of thirteen (13) Elders. At that meeting, speedy adoption of the "resolution" was of the essence so as to present this particular church in alliance with other contentious congregations and organizations in a political statement to the 213th General Assembly in Louisville, KY. Considering the content and duration of the May 22nd special meeting, it is doubtful that fully informed and thorough discussions occurred. The Pastor and two (2) of the Elders present held office for only five months before adopting the "resolution". The Session failed to use good judgment in its haste to make a political statement. Elders have thus violated G-14.0207cdeg & h. The Pastor has thus violated G-14.0405b (3,4,5,7 & 8). Complainant has the right to complain because he is a member and active Elder of First Presbyterian Church of Sebastian (USA), Sebastian, FL. Complainant requests that the Central Florida Presbytery order the Session of First Presbyterian Church of Sebastian (USA) to rescind the "Resolution of the Session/First Presbyterian Church of Sebastian" which was originally adopted on May 22, 2001 and that notice of such rescinding action be given to all parties who received the original notice or announcement of its adoption, and that the congregation of First Presbyterian Church of Sebastian (USA) be informed individually and corporately in writing of the Presbytery's order and verbally from the pulpit/lectern informing the congregation of the Presbytery's rescinding action and why. August 16, 2001 |
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| ______________________ Norman F. Blessing, Elder Complainant |
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| Attachments: Addendum A = Copy of the Resolution of the Session/First Presbyterian Church of Sebastian Addendum B = Copy of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Session of The First Presbyterian Church of Sebastian/May 22, 2001 Addendum C = Copy of the cover page of the June, 2001 church newsletter called The Presbyterian Post. |
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Addendum A May 23, 2001 Resolution of the Session First Presbyterian Church of Sebastian |
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The Session of First Presbyterian Church of Sebastian
met on May 22, 2001, and concurs with other churches, including the
First Presbyterian Church of Orlando, in confessing that
_______________________________ Mindy Serafin, Clerk of Session _______________________________ Eleanor B Lea, Moderator of Session |
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Addendum B SPECIAL MEETING OF THE SESSION OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SEBASTIAN May 22, 2001 |
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| A special meeting of the Session was held in the
conference room on Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at 7:08 p.m. The meeting was
opened with prayer by the Reverend Eleanor Lea, who moderated the
meeting. A quorum was present. Elders present were: C. Brillhart, J.
Clement, F. Firman, D. Nafziger, D. Terry, Elders absent: N. Blessing,
B. Letrick, F. Roth, P. Spear, M. Serafin, E. Hoover, J. Jaynes. Also
joining the meeting was Jane Smith, representing the Powell family. The purpose of the meeting was to hear a report from the Powell family regarding Carillon Bells, and to discuss the Confessing Church Resolution. The Moderator opened the meeting with prayer. C. Brillhart acted as Clerk Pro Tem to record the proceedings. Jane Smith, representing the family of Bill and Eleanor Powell, presented a proposal to purchase Carillon Bells using the donations made in memory of her parents. Approximately $5000 has been donated for the purchase, which exceeds the cost of the system (including the bell system, storage cabinet, and clock to maintain chiming accuracy); a CD representing the variety of selections was played. The Powell family requests a plaque be presented to the church, along with a dedication service; installation costs will be covered by what monies remain in the fund, and any additional costs will be borne by the Powell family. By common consent, Session approved the request from the Powell family to purchase the Carillon Bells (model # CD2000) and storage cabinet (CC 1000); installation to be coordinated by the Buildings and Grounds Committee; dedication service to be held July 1, 2001; Powell family to submit wording for the commemorative plaque at the June 12 stated meeting. A discussion was held regarding the Confessing Church movement; the Session Resolution letter from the First Presbyterian Church of Orlando was reviewed. By common consent, Session approved a letter of support of the Confessing Church movement; the letter will be sent to the Stated Clerks of the General Assembly and Central Florida Presbytery (and others as appropriate). The congregation will be notified in the next church newsletter. Discussion regarding a mission statement will be deferred until the stated meeting. The meeting was adjourned with prayer by D. Terry at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Clark Brillhart Clerk Pro Tem |
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Addendum C The Presbyterian Post |
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| First Presbyterian Church of Sebastian Rev. Eleanor B. Lea, Pastor |
June 2001 561-589-5656 |
| Dear Church Family, June is an important time for the Presbyterian Church (USA), because our denomination will meet as a representative body called the General Assembly, beginning June 9. This group is made up of at least one elder and one minister from every presbytery within the PC (USA). It is at these annual meetings that the larger body studies, discusses & votes on matters of theology, polity, education, evangelism, missions, & social concerns. Our Session, concerned about the division on some theological issues, voted this past month to express its views in a letter to the stated clerks of our higher governing bodies, meaning the Presbytery of Central Florida and the General Assembly. This letter, the contents of which are included below, is meant to confess the church's historic faith and call our church to faithfulness in its life and witness. May this be the commitment of First Church of Sebastian-to be people faithful in prayer and in deeds to our Savior and his Church. The body of the letter is as follows: The Session of First Presbyterian Church of Sebastian met on May 22, 2001, and concurs with other churches, including the First Presbyterian Church of Orlando, in confessing that
The letter is signed by the Clerk of Session and the Pastor. Please keep in prayer the people who serve as commissioners to the 213th General Assembly. Pray for their protection, wisdom, strength, and health, that they may serve our Lord in faithfulness. In Christ's love, Ellie |
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