November 2003 letters to the editor Archives of letters to the editor

Stated clerk: chief bureaucrat in vanishing sect November 25, 2003 Mr. Clifton Kirkpatrick speaks more truth than he knows about the recent deaths in Istanbul and throughout the Iraqi theater of operation. It is time for a change of tactics, strategy and leadership. He should look in the mirror, write his own letter of resignation and go into private life. The Presbyterian Church (USA), of which he is the stated clerk is losing members at the rate of one member every thirteen minutes. Were he a battlefield commander, he would be summarily relieved of command and brought before a court martial for negligence. I have read the most recent statement by our erstwhile stated clerk. It would be a heart-warming statement were his own losses not so grave. As it is, his suggestion that we "look deeply into how groups with radical and violent political agendas are misusing religion in support of their actions" rings with hypocrisy and pride. The answer to his musing is singular if not simple. The people of good will who have the responsibility to define and defend those historic faiths have failed to discipline those perverting the fundamental truths of those historic faiths. Creating a new strategy for this denomination and implementing the effective change of tactics required for such a vision to counter the corruption of our own historic Presbyterian faith requires courage that Mr. Kirkpatrick appears to lack. Mr. Kirkpatrick continues to fancy himself an international diplomat with a mandate to advise sovereigns rather than what he is: the chief bureaucrat in a rapidly vanishing Protestant sect. He appears to have had plenty of time to wade through the intelligence reports and private diplomatic cables that went into the decision of the United Nations Security Council's unanimous vote for Resolution 1441. But he seems to have little stomach and less energy to devise a workable strategy to contain those who hijack our own historic Reformed faith, which is where his primary responsibility lies. He calls for war crimes trials of two leaders who have freed 24 million Iraqis from a despot. Will he now submit himself to a similar worldwide examination of his own performance – a performance that thus far has failed to liberate much of anything? Will he now submit to wise counsel regarding a new direction for his most primary task – that of preserving and defending our own denomination's constitution from continued perversion and defiance? Mr. Kirkpatrick's time would be better spent demonstrating good faith in executing these primary tasks rather than presuming to advise his betters. Unfortunately, he continues to show only the same inability to act that has led to the misusing of religions he so heartily decries in the Middle East. His suggestion is foolish in vision and will lead to the same catastrophic consequences on both the battlefield and in the Middle East that it leads to in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Donald D. Denton Jr., D. Min. Stated supply pastor Brett-Reed Memorial Presbyterian Church West Point, Va. What are we going to do about them? November 25, 2003 I already knew that ["For PCUSA activists, it's not all about gays"]. My question is: Are these people trying to destroy Jesus' good name? What are we doing, we the people that have the real truth, about that? I see in my church people preaching, writing, and using the church's law and even the Scripture to try to deceive and destroy the church and the good name of God, and I can't see a real and strong peaceful but intelligent and, first of all, spiritual fighting against all this garbage people with their garbage teaching. We are God's people but looks like we are afraid to hurt someone by dealing with this problem with more energy. We have God by our side, consequently we have all his power. We look more like weak and poor people then God's people. We have to start doing something instead of only talking about. We have some very good and influential people – pastors and lay people – in our church. What I see is that these people act like they don't want to do nothing to extirpate the cancer that is distorting the church, forgetting that some day, if they are still part of this church, they will suffer the same consequences. I'd like to see PCUSA good Christian people fighting the good fight. We have a crown waiting for us. Sorry about my poor English. Rev. Adaias Magno do Ouro Pastor for Hispanic and Portuguese people in Tulsa, Okla. There's more to church than growing November 25, 2003 I read with interest your article on First Presbyterian Church, Charleston, Miss. In connection with this move, I could not help noticing your mention of the PCA as a "growing conservative denomination." I am PCUSA and serve as a state chaplain for the Army National Guard. One of our chaplains, who serves a PCA congregation, has been mobilized with his unit for Operation Iraqi Freedom 2. I recently received a message from him that his session appeared to be moving to dissolve the pastoral relationship upon his mobilization. Upon investigation, I discovered that while the church is telling the community they are "working on [the situation,]" my chaplain is cleaning out his office. I mention this situation as an example of how patriotism and service to God and country can take a back seat in some denominations where growth and "the institution" appear to be the primary concerns. Col. Sidney L. Leak III Has 'greatness' of PCUSA been lost? November 25, 2003 Harold Kurtz once said this, "The Gospel is not safe in any society that does not have a witness from beyond itself" – Sunday, May 10, 2003, at the Mall Church in King of Prussia, Pa. What made the PCUSA and other mainline denominations great was their zeal to obey the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20 and the Great Commandment of Mark 4. That greatness has been lost at the altar of humanism, paganism and religious adultery. Am I wrong? Lou. S. Nowasielski Wilmington, Del. The Layman should cease publishing November 25, 2003 My heart wrenches as I read your "Declaration of Conscience" and the deceitful information that is in the November issue of The Layman! I pray upon the Merciful God, the One incarnate Jesus Christ that I know, the God made whole in the Holy Trinity, to have mercy upon you for your egregious propagation that does not build up the body of Christ! "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do!" The Church of Jesus Christ as exhibited in the Presbyterian Church (USA) is doing amazing things to show the love of Christ, and bring others to the peace and reconciliation that only God can bring! If you spent the money that it costs to publish and print The Layman, and the salary of those who work for The Lay Committee, you could fund missionaries at home and abroad to evangelize for Christ, provide salaries for pastors at small churches who could not otherwise afford one and feed those who are hungry in your local community and across the globe! I can think of no other action than for you to permanently suspend publication and have donors to the Lay Committee, to redirect their giving to those ministries listed above. Would not this be the ultimate glorification of Christ? J. Tyler Ward II, elder Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church Let us worship God together November 25, 2003 To brother Lou Nowasielski (letter of November 24, 2003), I commend the reading of 1 Kings 19:11-18. Elijah, in a despairing mood, said to God, "I alone am left," to which God replied that 7000 in Israel have "knees that have not bowed to Baal." Let us only remember not to bow the knee to Baal – let us only remember to worship the Living God alone. Let us worship God together. Andy Carrick PCUSA evangelistic missionary Nagoya, Japan Presbytery has held local church hostage November 24, 2003 Well, here we go again, a church that feels it must withdraw from the PCUSA over many of the same issues that are causing me pain and anguish. The Presbytery of St. Andrews in Mississippi has held a local church hostage by making them pay in order for them to keep their property. The First Presbyterian Church in Charleston, Miss., has had to hold on to its principles by paying what I call extortion money of $75,000 in order to leave. More troubling, was the fact that the presbytery tried to originally get $250,000. I was not in Mississippi in 1983, when a large number of PCUS churches left prior to merger with the Northern church – because, in part, they feared the new PCUSA would be too liberal – to form PCA. Now, it appears the Charleston church is being held hostage because they might join the PCA folks. Shame on the Presbytery of St. Andrews. It was too bad that churches in the Northern part of the family in 1983 were not afforded the same opportunity to leave. The fact that the church was without a pastor for a long time, because they wanted an evangelical pastor, sounds like they received little help. I'm sure, but I have no facts, that the presbytery didn't want an evangelical pastor there to help lead a conservative congregation because then their pastor might have helped to lead them out of the denomination. With no pastor, the local church congregation was in a weak position, or so the presbytery probably thought. I'm very proud of the local session and the lay membership of this small congregation. I feel I could be a part of them. It might also have been a problem that evangelical pastors were not interested in coming into this type of presbytery. I don't know the facts personally. I live in New Jersey and I only have The Layman side of the story, but this is another real sad story. I wonder what will happen to my church or myself when the time comes for the split that I'm afraid is coming in my beloved PCUSA. I would love it if the various churches that have left recently could get their property money back from the national church or from these presbyteries as part of the forming of the new Presbyterian denominations. This could be handled as part of the agreement of separation between the two new groups. If this was done, I feel it would be the kind of action that was more Christ-like than what has transpired so far. I'm probably a little too naive on this subject, but I just try to think what would Jesus do and then do it and work out the details latter. Elder Steven D. Buckley Hope Presbyterian Church Tinton Falls, N.J. The problem with left-handerse November 24, 2003 The Massachusetts Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case regarding equal motor vehicle rights for left-handers (Gauche, et al v Otto). It is clear that it has come time for us to unite as a society, to draw a line in the sand, to clearly state our fundamental and traditional principles, and to commit to action to preserve our right-handed traditions. We have a right-handed society that was given to us by our forefathers and reinforced by Scripture. The Apostle's Creed states that Jesus "sitteth at the right hand of God." Even our handshake remains as a tribute to this Nation's strong tradition of right-handedness. Who knows if left-handedness is a product of heredity or environment? Are we certain that left-handers are born that way? We simply don't know because little effort and money has been spent to study why they are like they are. What we do know is that left-handedness is a behavior that can be changed. In fact, the Friends and Parents of Left-Handers and the Ambidextrous have claimed for years that there is no fundamental difference between left and right-handers. These symmetrists have even stated that most people would give their right arms to be ambidextrous, which I find hard to believe. Despite the contention, we must not regard left-handers as pariahs. I am, in fact, married to one. But who among us hasn't casually used the epithet, "lefty," or "southpaw," perhaps without first considering the emotional damage we may have caused? It is wrong to do so and shows an abject insensitivity, though it may actually be an instinctive reaction that stems from a basic drive to preserve the species. As right-handers we may accept others, work with them, and socialize with them – but we cannot in good conscience abide their excesses or permit fulfillment of their wish to be classified by something as unrelated to legal rights as where they hold their pencils. Do we give special rights to people who skip instead of walk? How about people who nap? What about those strange people who scratch because of some unconquerable allergy? Consider people who jog; do they deserve a special classification and identity? Given their incessant pained expressions, I think not. In that regard, it should be noted that unpleasant feelings associated with left-handers are a natural reaction and one of ancient origin. The Latin word for "left" is the root word for "sinister," meaning untrustworthy. While the Latin word for "right" is the root for "dexterous," meaning skillful with the hands, or adroit, to be somewhat elliptical. But now, the radical symmetrists are attempting through the courts to acquire the right to drive on the left side of the highway. And they ask us to be tolerant! I say they must not be allowed that right because driving on the right side is more than just a tradition. To allow some people with aberrant behavior to drive on the left side of the road may be extraordinarily tolerant of their orientation – but it will have a lasting negative impact on the rest of society. Left-handers have so special rights. Unfortunately, there may be enough lefties in Massachusetts to make it so. Jack O'Brien Pittsburgh, Pa. The 'great omission' v. the Great Commission November 24, 2003 Concerning Mr. Cowling's assertion about the gift, the giver and the response of The Layman to the $7 million bequest to the National Council of Churches: First, it is clear that Mr. Cowling has a deep-seated hatred and loathing of the U.S. and its president. Take a look at the Web site of his church and see the links of some articles from the hate-American brigade that is connected with his church, Kirk of the Savior. He also has his facts wrong that The Layman has been around for 40 years, always promoting the pro-military stance of the United States. Wow. I can only wonder if he has his facts right about the Lord. Secondly, it is also clear that Mr. Cowling has lots of time on his hands to participate in all these extra-curricular issues because the statistics from the denomination show a church of few members, little giving and, declining membership. Last year, three joined and 21 left. Thirty nine in the Sunday school program. I do not doubt the declines. I, for one, if was a member of the church, would ask why he has so much time to right all the wrongs of the U.S. and forget the Great Commission. I am sure his messages rival Dr. Al. Sharpton's. He needs to be about the business of the Lord. Obviously, for Mr. Cowling, it is the great omission, not the Great Commission. As long as there are pastors of Mr. Cowlings' kind in the church, and, alas, parishioners in the pew tolerating or refusing to move them out, and along, the church will, like Mr. Cowling, be on the catapult to oblivion – like the Edsel, which was built in the area in which the Kirk of the Savior stands. Robert Kellner Jacksonville, Fla. Soldier saddened by anti-war stands November 24, 2003 As a proud soldier of the U.S. Army and a lifetime member of the Presbyterian Church, I am very troubled, and angered, by this article, "War brings NCC $7 million in anonymous contribution." I am so thankful that my dad's church, New Zion Presbyterian Church (USA), and my home church, Highland Presbyterian Church (USA), do support me and my efforts to bring a people out from under an evil dictator and help them establish a democracy. I know that there are others out there who support the war effort and pray for us, but I find it very saddening that some in the leadership of the church would openly criticize us being here. Perhaps, if God is willing, I will be able to finish my ordination process and work to change the attitude of the denomination in different areas. Lord only knows. But, now I have guard shift, so I must go. Ray C. Underwood SPC, U.S. Army 82 Airborne Division Iraq Does the PCUSA have the sign of Ichabod? November 24, 2003 I hope the brain trust is looking with concern at the action of First Presbyterian Church, of Charleston, Miss., leaving the PCUSA. Is this the beginning of the end of the PCUSA? Probably not, but if conservative churches leave the PCUSA, what will be left? God is sovereign, and will protect the faithful within the PCUSA, but will the PCUSA be effective? Does the PCUSA have the sign of Ichabod? Someone tell me? Lou. S. Nowasielski Wilmington, Del. Shame on The Layman November 21, 2003 May God bless the eternal soul of Joan Kroc if indeed she is the anonymous donor of $7 million given to the National Council of Churches for its peace witness and critique of immoral U.S. policies in Iraq. To call the gift "war money" is tantamount to blasphemy on the part of The Layman and dishonors the gift, the giver and the non-violent Prince of Peace who inspired the gift. If you want to call something "war money," put that epithet on the billions used to invade Iraq. Shame on the Presbyterian Lay Committee for using such a description, but then I have come to expect no less from a group that has, contrary to the Biblical witness, unstintingly supported war efforts throughout the world for nearly 40 years. Neil D. Cowling, pastor Kirk of Our Savior, Presbyterian Church (USA) Westland, Mich. $7 million going down a rat hole November 21, 2003 For Ray Kroc's deceased wife to donate $7 million dollars to the NCC is throwing money down a rat hole. I would like to see Bob Edgar reject capitalistic money, but since the money will go to help defeat the Republicans in November 2004, it will be gladly accepted. Forgive me, is the NCC politically free from engaging in politics? How much of that $7 million will go for the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)? I wonder if Bob Edgar will account for every penny spent? Does the NCC stand for: No Christian Commitment? Lou. S. Nowasielski Wilmington, Del. Does Layman have a double standard? November 21, 2003 Are you, the writers of The Layman, really surprised to find churches not paying their per-capita assessments? In your articles, you have advocated this action as a means of defiance against the leadership of our denomination for years. And then, having successfully orchestrated withholding, you decry the lack of funds for mission and new church development. Are you not willing to acknowledge having had a part in causing this phenomenon for which you so readily blame others? Rev. John R. Davis The Layman has never advocated withholding money from Christ-centered, Biblically-grounded ministry. The editors Dialogue with gay-ordination community futile November 21, 2003 I am grateful to Detroit Presbytery for a clear declaration of their intent. It serves as a reminder that ongoing dialogue with the pro-gay ordination lobby is an exercise in futility. One clear irony that emerges from this is the periodic discussion on the "separation of Church and State." While many demand such a distinction, the moral value agenda of the Covenant Network makes the issue a mute point. In adopting the values of our secular culture and seeking to impose these on the church, the Covenant Network renders the issue of "separation" irrelevant. The clear division within the Detroit Presbytery should perhaps lead to the following procedure: Each individual congregation ought to vote on whether they are willing to affirm the historical truths as we have understood them in both the Word and constitution. Those who refuse, perhaps some five hundred (?), presumably with a total membership of less than one hundred thousand, should be excommunicated. This can be done without malice. They are simply no longer PCUSA as the majority understand the meaning of that term. Allow them to retain their property, and "serve their god." Subsequently, we can realign our presbytery boundaries accordingly. Pastor Jerry J. Voss Millbrook Church Fresno, Calif. Why mission funds are shrinking November 21, 2003 Actually Heartland Presbytrey is not alone in diverting mission funds to per capita. Check out the presbyteries that give a percentage to the General Assembly then the GA splits it between missions and per-capita. When presbyteries give the same percentage each year, after the GA split, more goes to per-capita each year and less to missions. Check it out with some of the presbyteries that just give a percentage every year. Look at what has happened to presbytery money divided between GA mission and per-capita. Actually that is one reason GA mission funds have been reduced. Edwin Bernard Hugo, Okla. RCA survived fight over homosexuality November 21, 2003 As another Reformed Church in America minister (and a current one, at that, thanks to the Formula of Agreement), I'd like to second Rev. Schreurs' offer. (I'd also like to ask him where and when he went to college and seminary.) If they're determined to go (and I wish, for the good of the US church, that they wouldn't), my other denomination is well worth checking out. It went through its fight over homosexuality in the mid-90s and seems to have come out distinctly more evangelical than when it began. Rev. Rob Harrison Grand Lake, Col. Court ruling on homosexual marriages a sad day November 20, 2003 The Massachusetts Supreme Court essentially cleared the way for homosexual couples to have the same access to the institution of marriage that heterosexual couples have, thereby undermining the basic unit of society that has existed for thousands of years. It is a sad day when this country, which was founded on Biblical principles of morality, has now stepped further in the direction of moral anarchy. It is truly a sad day. The greater sadness in this situation, though, is the realization that the defense of the institution of marriage will most likely not be coming from this denomination, but will have to come from our secular leaders. Can I dare to hope that the PCUSA, either through the stated clerk, the Washington Office, the General Assembly Council, the General Assembly, or any other entity might actually speak a prophetic word to our nation at this time? Can I dare to hope that from someone or somewhere in the PCUSA we will hear a clear and strong witness to what the Bible teaches and our Constitution clearly affirms, that "marriage is a covenant through which a man and a woman are called to live out together before God their lives of discipleship" (W-4.9000)? Can I dare to hope that those affirmations contained in W-4.9000, each of which clearly speaks of marriage being between a man and woman, affirmations which are included in our marriage services, might be the basis on which our denomination takes a clear and public stand in defense of marriage as God has ordained it? Sadly, I must say that I hold little hope of hearing such a prophetic voice from our denomination. Instead, my experience has led me to expect that our denominational leadership will either join in support of those plaintiffs who are seeking to redefine marriage or will simply remain silent and by that silence give tacit approval to the undermining of marriage as ordained by God. So I find myself turning elsewhere for that voice. I will speak, as I know thousands and millions of other Christians (including many Presbyterians) will speak. And I will look to our secular elected leaders in Washington and state capitals throughout this nation to speak a word of moral authority on this issue, as they have already done so on the barbaric practice of partial birth abortion. This is a sad day for our nation. Time will tell if it will be even sadder for the PCUSA, barring some unexpected prophetic voice, for which I'm not holding my breath. Rev. Harper Brady Confessing Church pastor Concord Presbyterian Church Baden, Pa. Mission money should not be diverted November 20, 2003 I was deeply dismayed to see that the Presbytery of Heartland has decided to divert $50,000 that was designated for missions to cover a shortfall in collecting per-capita apportionments. When a contribution is made with the expectation that it will go to a particular ministry, I feel that it is unethical to divert these funds for other purposes. Money given with the intention of supporting mission work should definitely not be used to fund the institution. I favor the withholding of per-capita funds; however, it is irresponsible to divert those funds. They should be placed in escrow. These funds may be needed at some point when the crisis in our denomination recedes or when the congregation decides to affiliate with another denomination. Brian Ahier The Dalles, Ore. Soldier applauds church for its stand November 20, 2003 My name is Ray Underwood and I am currently a specialist in the U.S. Army, assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. I am also currently serving the U.S. in the war against terrorism here in Iraq. I read the article, "Church member's option: renounce the PCUSA's rule" and was both happy and concerned. I am glad that they are willing to take such a strong stand. I do not know what options they have looked at over the years, so I cannot really comment with the exact decision with leaving the denomination and the way in which they want to go. However, as one who is a born-again believer (definitely conservative) and is in the process of getting ordained, I would want to encourage them by saying, "We who are steadfast in our faith and want to lead a congregation are still out here." It won't be for at least a year before I may be allowed to start looking for a church (all depending on how my ordination process goes). But, by then, I hope that there are still churches that are as steadfast as First Presbyterian Church is with seeking Christ and Christ alone. Ray Underwood 82nd Airborne Division U.S. Army Iraq RCA may be a better home for Miss. congregation November 20, 2003 First Presbyterian Church in Charleston, Miss., might fit better into the Reformed Church in America (RCA). The RCA is more evangelical than the PCUSA, but allows women to serve in all leadership positions, including as elders. There are no RCA churches in Mississippi, but there are a few in Tennessee, Missouri and Texas, and a number in Florida. I grew up in the RCA and was educated at RCA college and seminary. I transferred to the PCUSA in 1996 and I'd be glad to give the Charleston church a few RCA contacts if they interested. Rev. Randy Schreurs elmpres@bwsys.net Elmwood Pres. Church Elmwood, Ill. Have greed and power replaced love and honor? November 20, 2003 This ["Church members' option: renounce the PCUSA"] is a continuing example of presbyteries of the PCUSA using the transfer of property title in the merger as leverage to hold a church to a relationship they no longer can respect and represent, combined with greed for something the individual church members paid for. Where is the Christian love and honor? Has it been replaced with greed and power? R. A. Browne, elder Clayton, Ga. Stated clerk candidate a good man, godly pastor November 20, 2003 I was astonished and impressed with the recent release by the Presbyterian News Service regarding the Rev. L Rus Howard's entrance into the race for stated clerk of the General Assembly. In truth, I have been a frequent critic of the News Service for what I perceive as biased reporting that favors our present denominational leadership. After reading the article, however, my hat is off to John Filiatreau and Jerry Van Marter for their thorough reporting on Rus Howard. Rus Howard has taken a mighty stand for Christ in the face of manipulative, irresponsible and, in some cases, wholly apostate denominational leadership. No doubt, they will bring very negative pressure to bear on Rus. Nevertheless, Rus Howard represents a great hope for the membership of our denomination. The time has come for the PCUSA to turn in a new direction. We have for too long settled for "leadership" that is satisfied with negative growth and heretical causes. I have personally known Rus Howard for many years. He is a good man, a godly pastor, and most of all he is committed to our Lord Jesus Christ with a passion. He is not prone to the kind of manipulative, self-serving leadership which we presently see in the high places of the PCUSA. Some might accuse Rus of being destructive because he deeply disagrees with the direction our stated clerk has taken us. If that is the case then Martin Luther was destructive. The Presbyterian Church (USA) has been in a death spiral numerically speaking for 30 or more years. How much longer will it take for us to realize that losing 40,000 or 50,000 members every year for that amount of time just might reflect the judgment of God rather than his blessing? Do we truly believe that God will bless our willful disobedience? Who are we trying to fool? It's time for new leadership. It's time to clean house in Louisville. It's time for godly leadership that stands for the things of Christ. It's time for us to begin by electing Rus Howard as the new stated clerk of the General Assembly. Cliff Mansley Jr., pastor Brookdale Presbyterian Church St. Joseph, Mo. L Rus Howard has told The Layman Online that he has not decided whether he will run for stated clerk. The information for the Presbyterian News Service story about Howard came from a personal e-mail, not Howard's announcement. The Layman Online will run a story if and when Mr. Howard declares himself a candidate. The Editors Declaration comes at a due time November 18, 2003 "A Declaration of Conscience" is a well-constructed statement worthy of prayerful consideration. Through it, members of the Presbyterian Lay Committee have articulated the basic situation that exists in the Presbyterian Church (USA) today. On the one hand, a significant segment of our membership actively seeks a relationship with God through the atoning work of Jesus Christ as led by the Holy Spirit. Another significant segment of our membership seeks to impact the world through a socio-political agenda that is carefully expressed in religious terms. Between these two segments lies the majority of our members, who are unaware of what is at stake in the conflict or the potential costs of being informed and making a decision. The time is rapidly approaching when a decision must be made, whether or not those charged with making it are well-informed or aware of the costs to individuals, pastors, particular churches or the denomination. Many pastors and particular churches are already paying a high price for taking a stand for Biblical and constitutional authority. Pastors who oppose the visible socio-political agenda are systematically being pushed out of the denomination. Particular churches that take a similar stand are being compelled to accept pastors who are not compatible with the membership or go for long periods of time without a pastor. In addition, particular churches that are fortunate enough to have compatible pastors are meeting presbytery opposition to funding and loans to finance programs and building projects needed to facilitate expanding ministry and mission opportunities. Sadly, the time has come to recognize that there are two distinct and diametrically opposed bodies attempting to co-exist under the roof of the Presbyterian Church (USA). One is laboring under the banner of historical Christianity and the other under the banner of 19th-century humanism, which asserts that better educated people can save themselves and their society. The only viable solution to this conflict appears to be Gracious Separation, a peacefully negotiated withdrawal of both parties from the existing structure into two separate entities. This will not be an easy task, for it will call for every individual church to become informed and make a choice, but a negotiated separation is to be preferred over an imposed and hostile one when the need for separation appears to be inevitable. Jim Cone Member at large Presbytery of Middle Tennessee Let's separate and everyone wins November 18, 2003 The time has arrived for the members of the PCUSA to have a separation. We need to act like intelligent people and stop all this fighting so we can spend our time doing God's work. There are those of us who believe that homosexuals have no place in a pulpit, and there are others who think it is OK. Let's separate and everyone wins. Ed and Barbara McLean Episcopal Church issues 'wake-up' call for all Christians November 18, 2003 I share your abhorrence of what has taken place in the Episcopal Church USA. It is a "wake-up call" for all Christians who cannot now sit idly by while this evil destroys our centers of Christian education, ministry and worship. If this erosion advances, it will kill our churches. Families will not be drawn to the church for education of their children or for worship. Rather, churches will be avoided lest their children be preyed upon as has occurred in the Catholic church. In fact, what has happened there has been well publicized for all to see. Children were preyed upon by homosexual priests. Difficult as it may be, parents must discuss and warn their children of this possibility, for it is in this age group that homosexuality has its primary recruiting ground. At a tender age, our children are sometimes confused and curious about sex. In my own family of three children, two were preyed upon – one at the age of 14 by a 24-year-old schoolteacher and one as a college freshman by a college professor. Early discovery with professional assistance saved our 14-year-old. The freshman was knowledgeable enough to escape the trap the professor had set. Knowledge, close observation and guidance to our children are essential in today's culture, for the evil lurks in our schools, our communities, television and, yes, even in some of our churches. Parents are the first line of defense. If our ministers, church leaders and parents do not now recognize this evil and take a leadership role, our church pews will soon be empty. Christian families will not support churches that do not lead to higher standards. Ellen C. Hughes Alexandria, Va. Kirkpatrick's stand crosses the line November 18, 2003 I have spent this afternoon perusing The Layman dated September 2003. As hard as I tried, I saw no outrage, not even any discussion, of the terrible attack on our religious heritage. No outcry for Christians to be praying about the symbols of our faith being under attack. I did, however, find that the esteemed Clifton Kirkpatrick, the stated clerk of the Presbyterian Church (USA), has found it critical that he join in the World Council of Churches in condemning the U.S. President, George Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair by signing a statement that they could appropriately be charged with war crimes. There is no mention of Saddam Hussein being tried for war crimes in connection with the extermination of thousands of Kurds and the treatment of the people of Iran. Regardless of how one feels about our president, I believe this crosses the line. I know it makes me ashamed of being Presbyterian. Elizabeth D. Welch Pelzer, S.C.

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