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| January
2005 letters Archives of letters to the editor  |
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| Presbytery
should cease appeal in Williamson case January 28, 2005 On Jan. 31, 2004, the Presbytery of Western North Carolina voted to invalidate the ministry of the Presbyterian Lay Committee, and, against the clearly stated will of the Rev. Parker Williamson, voted to make him a member-at-large. These proceedings were so contrived and unjust that many in the Presbytery publicly registered their dissent. Williamson then appealed the case to the Permanent Judicial Commission of the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic. On Sept. 29, 2004 the commission issued a number of orders to the Presbytery of Western North Carolina. The first was:
The second order prohibited the presbytery from taking any further action regarding Parker Williamson's validation for a period of one year, during which the presbytery must remedy its unjust practices. The third order, however, is not a matter of nuances of presbytery polity – it has to do with the nature of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
On Oct. 22, 2004, the Committee of Counsel for the Presbytery of Western North Carolina, without seeking the approval of the presbytery or even consulting with the presbytery, filed an appeal against the second and third of these orders with the Permanent Judicial Commission of the General Assembly. The presbytery met on October 23, 2004, the very next day! While an announcement was made that included notice of the synod court's decision, no mention was made to the presbytery that this appeal had been filed in its name. Further, in our present presbytery package for the up coming presbytery meeting on the 29th of January, we saw no mention of this case or the decision to appeal. What this means is that apparently several lawyers along with the presbytery executive, the Rev. Bill Tabor, on behalf of the whole Presbytery, rejected the order to seek to work for reconciliation with the Presbyterian Lay Committee by appealing it. They did this on the behalf of all of us! Without even our knowledge and certainly without our consent! The points of polity may be debated by church lawyers but rejecting even trying to work for reconciliation is a spiritual matter and must be the concern of every member of Presbytery for the following reasons: 1. Jesus Christ clearly teaches that we are to work for reconciliation with each other.
2. Jesus tells us that if our gifts are to be accepted then we must work for reconciliation.
Parker Williamson and the Lay Committee have something against this presbytery – they were treated unfairly by the presbytery! The Judicial Commission confirmed this and gave both the Lay Committee and the Presbytery an imperative consistent with the Bible, by telling both parties to work for reconciliation. Now, whether such reconciliation is possible we do not know. What such a plan would look like is hard to say. But our commitment to Jesus Christ and obedience to His word in the Bible calls us to at least give it a try. But no! Without our consent, this Presbytery rejects even considering working out a plan for reconciliation. This is wrong and bound to bear the fruit of further division. 3. Jesus Christ has given us a "ministry of reconciliation." Lastly, and our gravest objection to this arbitrary and unbiblical action by a few on the behalf of all the members of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina, is found in the nature of our mission as followers of Jesus Christ.
The PCUSA has over the years worked for reconciliation between the races, between men and women, social classes and nations. Now, for this presbytery to refuse even to consider working for reconciliation with brothers and sisters in their own midst is hypocrisy and a blatant denial of our calling as Christians. On the basis of this fundamental biblical principle of reconciliation I make the following affirmations. I invite others with a similar conviction to join in making these affirmations and then expressing them to the whole Presbytery.
Executive Director Presbyterian-Reformed Ministries International The Committee of Counsel for the Presbytery of Western North Carolina and Parker Williamson's counsel, Robert L. Howard, an attorney and Presbyterian elder who is the former chairman of the Presbyterian Lay Committee, made arguments before the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission in Louisville, Ky., today. Their arguments were on a temporary stay of enforcement of the synod court's order that the presbytery and the Lay Committee begin a one-year reconciliation period. The Editors Why did seminary's response take so long? January 28, 2005 Taking the response of the San Francisco Theological Seminary at face value, that their tour group did not know in advance that they were to meet with Hezbollah on June 1, 2004, that they had no intention of being part of Hezbollah's propaganda efforts and that they posed for pictures only because they feared for their safety, why did it take them until now to say so? Assuming I had not refused to pose with Hezbollah regardless of threats upon my safety, you can be sure I would be protesting from the housetops, and denouncing those who had compromised my integrity as soon as I reached civilization. Apparently no one in the group felt that was necessary. Whitman Brisky, elder First Presbyterian Church Evanston, Ill. Recommended reading on Israeli-Palestinian crisis January 28, 2005 In reference to the ongoing discussion regarding the Israeli-Palestinian crisis, I would like to heartily recommend a book which I have recently read. That book is Whose Promised Land by Dr. Colin Chapman. Dr. Chapman is a Reformed scholar who has lived and taught in Beirut, Lebanon, for many years. His book details the history of the region and the current conflict, with special emphasis on the development of Zionism and the return to the land by the Jews. Then, having familiarized his audience with these important facts, he enters in to an analysis and discussion of the theology of the land in both the Old and New Testaments. Finally, he assesses the Scriptural teaching on issues facing the people in Palestine/Israel today and asks where to go from here. This book is both informative and engaging, and very competently addresses this complex and difficult issue that will help all of us come to a better understanding of who God's people are today, the place of the land, the Church's relationship with the Israeli Jews and Palestinian Arabs (many of whom are our brothers and sisters in Christ!), and so on. I would heartily recommend it to anyone who is interested in this topic. Rev. Austin Olive Covington, La. PCUSA must act like missionaries rather than protectors of a religious system January 28, 2005 If we as a denomination do not learn how to do new church development in a way that reaches younger generations, then you could raise $100 million for New Church Development and it would not matter. We haven't reached the Baby Boomers who were relatively easy to reach with the gospel because we did not want to change the way we did worship. We didn't want to do contemporary music because we were more concerned with preserving a particular "religious culture" rather than making disciples. If we couldn't reach Boomers, you can be sure it will be far more difficult for us to reach Generation X or the Millenials. They are not nearly so predictable in what attracts them to church. Massive fund raising drives are fairly useless in the long run if we are unwilling to learn how to communicate the gospel of Jesus to younger people – that is, if we are unwilling to use their cultural forms and fill them with the content of the gospel so they can hear us in their own language. The day has come (and is almost over) for us act like missionaries rather than the protectors of a religious system. The message is what we hold sacred, not the form of the system. We should be willing to change forms as needed to more effectively share the good news of a crucified and risen Lord who offers healing, forgiveness, purpose, and hope. I have found Bill Easum and Tom Bandy to be helpful beyond words. Erwin McManus of the Mosaic Church in Los Angeles has written books that have pushed me and challenged me. There is more that God has to offer than we have experienced so far so let's give ourselves to living the adventure and following Jesus wherever he leads rather than where the system would like to put us. Tom Litteer First Presbyterian Church Sparta, N.J. EPC defines 'for all time what are the bare bones of the Christian faith' January 27, 2005 In regard to your article titled "Separatist PCA & EPC voted against property trusts," you rightly noted that the EPC and PCA have definitions of the essential tenets of the Christian faith. However, one thing that may be of interest is the fact that the EPC has taken the important step of adopting their statement titled "The Essentials of Our Faith" as a fourth confessional document that stands alongside of the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms as a part of the Church's confessional position. This adoption has set the EPC apart from all other Presbyterian denominations by defining for all time what are the bare bones of the Christian faith. To deny these points is to either not be a Christian or to be a very poorly informed babe in Christ. In the past, the mainline Presbyterian denominations have made definitions of the basics only to have them sidelined or removed. To place the "Essentials" on the level of a confessional document, and to require unreserved subscription to that document guarantees that the EPC will never slide into liberalism or apostasy. The place of the "Essentials" is also interesting. While ministers, elders and deacons may take exception to the Westminster standards (so long as those exceptions are approved by the courts of the Church), no ordained officer may take exception to any point of the "Essentials." Further, though an ordained officer who changes his or her views relating to the Westminster standards may continue to serve in an ordained capacity (again, so long as those changes are approved by the courts of the Church), yet no one who changes his or her views regarding the "Essentials" may continue to serve, but is to be immediately removed from office. To put it simply, according to the EPC the "Essentials" are the sine qua non of the Christian faith, and all members of EPC churches are expected to agree with these basics. On the other hand, the Westminster standards are the official teaching position of the EPC, and all officers are expected to accept them as containing the system of doctrine taught in Scripture. Hopefully this will help to explain the position of "The Essentials of Our Faith" in the EPC. Rev. Austin Olive Faith Presbyterian Church (EPC) Covington, La. Caterpillar: Plowing away the remnants of a civilization in order to rebuild it January 27, 2005
There, as plain as day, plowing away the remnants of a civilization in order to rebuild it, was the massive hulk of a yellow, smoke spewing earth mover. And there, emblazoned on its outstretched steel arm was the Caterpillar logo. How can this be? How could this earth mover, there brazenly helping in the midst of a Muslim stronghold, be related to the earth movers in Israel that have been condemned by the PCUSA. I am sure this is a trick, devised in Peoria, to throw off the divestiture committee in Louisville. Perhaps it was trick photography. Maybe Fox News is wagging the stated clerk. I don't know. But if word of this gets out, I'm sure we can count on some enterprising employee at Presbyterian headquarters investigating whether or not the company contracted to clear debris in Indonesia is owned out of Tel Aviv. Jack O'Brien Pittsburgh, Pa. Caterpillar issued a statement on its Web site about its contributions, including a commitment of $1 million, to relief and recovery efforts in the areas devastated by tsunamis. "In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake and tsunamis, Caterpillar dealers in the Asia Pacific region have made equipment, personnel and other resources available to aid in recovery and cleanup efforts," the statement said. "At the corporate level, Caterpillar is working with its dealers to make additional equipment available to government agencies and non-governmental agencies working in the region. The Editors 'Shame!' Presbyterians take disputes to secular courts despite Scripture January 27, 2005 What I am most impressed by in the article by John Adams, "Presbyterian Church has been at center of property disputes before Supreme Court," is the number of times we Presbyterian Christians have taken disputes before secular courts contrary to the Scriptures:
Neil D. Cowling, pastor Kirk of Our Savior Westland, Mich. Hezbollah promotes terrorism and the destruction of Israel January 27, 2005 How can any member of the PCUSA meet with Hezbollah and seek some kind of understanding? They are vicious thugs who promote terrorism and the destruction of Israel. Meeting with Hezbollah reflects a total lack of reality in the minds of those from the PCUSA. As a member of First Presbyterian Church in Mooresville, N.C., I would love to hear the logic of these people. The PCUSA should stand behind our friends from Israel and support their right to defend themselves. Furthermore, the nonsense about American corporations making products used to kill terrorists is absurd. There would be no need for the products if Hezbollah, Hamas, etc., were peaceful organizations rather than killing machines obsessed with hate. Eric Estes Mooresville, N.C. Wife's not amused by interpretation of Scripture January 25, 2005 I read a letter from a reader named Mike Zorn, [letter to the editor, posted January 20, 2005] which questioned why Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 11:5 about women praying and prophesying in church with their heads uncovered, while in v. 34 Paul strictly prohibits women from speaking in church. Actually, Zorn's letter fails to mention that the prohibition against women speaking in church occurs in verse 34 of chapter 14, not chapter 11. Between 11:5 and 14:34 there is a change in subject. Chapter 11 deals with disorder during worship; chapter 14 is talking about the exercise of spiritual gifts. Apparently some women in the Corinthian church were abusing their gifts. All this is part of a wider issue: What parts of the New Testament are culturally conditioned and thus inapplicable today, and what parts are normative, and therefore God's will for all of the church and in every age. I come from a tradition that taught that 1 Cor. 11 was peculiar to the culture of Paul's day, while 14:34 was normative. Then, when Paul says in 14:39, "Be eager to prophesy and do not forbid speaking in tongues," my tradition taught me that that too was applicable only to the church of Paul's day, as those gifts have ceased. We tend to make the Bible conform to our denominational traditions by choosing what is normative and what isn't, and we kid ourselves if we say we don't. I once told my wife that I thought that there is Scriptural warrant for women preachers, as 1 Cor. 1:27 says, "God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise." She was not amused; she has a doctorate in theology. Rev. Dr. Larry Brown African Bible College Lilongwe, Malawi Could administrative costs be donated on funds given for 'terrible disaster?' January 25, 2005 Amen to the comments of David Hankins [letter to the editor, posted January 20, 2005] regarding the 5-percent fee that may be coming out of funds donated towards tsunami relief efforts. There are times when it seems as if the folks in Louisville cannot get out of their own way when any possibility for controversy arises. While it obviously takes the time and talents of people in the offices to direct and distribute these funds, would it not be preferable to say 100-percent is going to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and the administrative costs would be donated as well? It's a terrible disaster and our focus should be on trying to help with all the funds available. Rev. Kevin Jennings Edgington Presbyterian Taylor Ridge, Ill. Send donations to missionaries in Far East January 25, 2005 Doesn't the decision of PCUSA to charge a 5-percent fee to tsunami donations remind us of the money changers in the temple? Of course, we remember what Jesus did to them! Let's just send it to our missionaries in the Far East. They should handle it more efficiently. I know ours are. Donald M. Snider Presbyterian Church of Fair Oaks Fair Oaks, Calif. Motives of Wiccan questioned January 25, 2005 There are enough serious, God-fearing people who wish to study at seminaries that there is no reason that I can think of to accept someone who is so far in their thinking from the Christian foundations we hold to be true. I have to question her motive. Patricia J. Madison First Presbyterian Church Waynesville, N.C. Graphic article on abortion is life-changing experience January 25, 2005 I just read one of the most powerful and shocking articles on the subject of abortion. It talks about how a couple of the early supporters started a movement that snowballed beyond their wildest imaginations, and how one of them has had a change of heart. It describes how these men used deceptive medical statistics to deceive the public. The article relates in graphic detail the many methods used to kill innocent children. After you read it, you will understand exactly what is meant by that statement. Be advised again that it is graphic. Some of the images are horrifying. While I have never been a proponent of abortion, I must admit that this article has been a life changing experience. It is time that this information got out to everyone so that we can stop this evil that has pervaded our society. The author of the piece is David Kupelian. David Hankins There is no Palestinian country January 25, 2005 The Rev. Randy Barge [letter to the editor, posted January 20, 2005] remarks about the "occupied territory." The so-called "occupied territory" is Judea and Samaria. May I suggest he read Deuteronomy 11, paying particular attention to verses 24 and 25 among others. There is not now and never has been a country named Palestine. There is presently a Palestinian country. It is called Jordan. Pete Simpson Bloomington, Minn. PUP task force is poised to deliver a Presbyterian rehash of Lutheran study January 20, 2005 The report of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Task Force on sexuality studies offers a preview of what can be expected from our own Theological Task Force on the Peace, Unity and Purity of the Church (TTF). Like their ELCA counterpart, the TTF strives to foster mutual discernment in place of debate. We are invited to join with TTF members in really hearing each other, in respecting each viewpoint, in holding our brothers and sisters in faith in high esteem and in extending that same regard to all that they have to say to us. Every idea is important. Each insight carries the same weight. Each and every individual contribution to the process is equally valued. The knowledge gained through such a process of mutual discernment leads to a self-validated "rule of faith and life." No external standard is applied to measure the result. The approach and process itself serves as the final criterion for judging the work. An insistence upon following Reformed Principles of Biblical Interpretation, masks this ultimate outcome by giving the appearance that the work is grounded in Bible study. Gleaned from a General Assembly position statement, "Presbyterian Understanding and Use of Holy Scripture," these Principles add a denominational imprimatur to the entire approach and process. The Principles insist on the centrality of Jesus Christ. Fine, but making Christ Jesus central leaves moot the larger – still unresolved – issue of his identity. The Principles place priority on the plain sense of the text. Good, but plain sense is in the eye and mind of the reader. It is highly subjective. The Principles encourage the interpretation of Scripture by Scripture. Excellent, but the mandate extends to applying the broad strokes of significant Biblical themes – such as the rule of love – to specific texts, without also seeking out particular passages and usages that speak directly to the verse or verses under scrutiny. The Principles specifically hold up the rule of love, that is "any interpretation needs to offer and support the twofold commandment to love God and neighbor." Wonderful, but there is no objective basis in place to direct us in what the rule of love requires. I may be convinced that love for my brother or sister in Christ demands the enforcement of sound judgment with strong discipline; you may think that love calls you to accept that same sister or brother without passing judgment or exacting discipline. The Principles remind us that the interpretation of the Bible requires earnest study. Yes, but even the most ardent student of Scripture can sometimes arrive at wrong conclusions. The Principles exhort us to rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit in interpreting and applying God's message. Amen, but there is no touchstone offered upon which we can test the spirits to know which is holy and of God. Every cult is spirit-led, but the Holy Spirit blows against them and scatters them like dust. The approach and process of mutual discernment touted by the TTF will no doubt lead us to learn greater tolerance and forbearance. Indeed, but these are like dust when compared to that unity of faith enjoined upon us by Scripture and championed for us by the Holy Spirit. Agreeing to disagree is not an option when the issues at stake are foundational and formational. We need a better resolution than that offered to the ELCA by the Task Force on sexuality studies. Yet, the TTF is poised to deliver nothing more than a Presbyterian rehash of what the Lutherans have produced and seem determined to practice. Jim Henkel, Confessing Church Pastor North Benton Presbyterian Church North Benton, Ohio Eastminster Presbytery PCUSA should lend its aid to those fighting for Biblical principles January 20, 2005 I am appalled at the lack of coverage concerning the Philadelphia 4 (or "5" or "11", depending upon your viewpoint) in, not only the mainstream media, but in Christian publications – including The Layman. Here is a perfect example of an attack, not just on our civil rights [First Amendment Freedom of Speech], but on Christianity itself and no one is talking about it! The Apostle Paul was arrested for speaking the Truth in the Temple and it is happening again. When are we going to say "enough is enough" like those of Repent America, draw a "line in the sand" and take a stand for God? Where is our denomination? Why aren't we [denominationally] filing amicus curiae briefs in support of these brave Christians ridiculously charged with hate crimes, inciting to riot, etc? Why can we support a leftist agenda, yet cannot step out against the culture and support orthodox Christian beliefs held for nearly 2000 years? Let us, as faithful, Bible-believing Presbyterians lend our aid to those fighting for Biblical principles in our culture. If we cannot defend people who promote the Bible-based life defined for us by God and exemplified in Christ, we are already lost to the Llord and master of this world – Satan himself. I pray it is not too late for the Philadelphia 4 – or for the Presbyterian Church (USA). Rev. Larry Yerger Wintergarden Presbyterian Church Pt. Charlotte, Fla. Appearance of impropriety is not advisable in the current climate of PCUSA January 20, 2005 Even though it seemed logical that churches would participate in the Tsunami relief effort, I was glad to hear the PCUSA was joining the effort. After all the negative stuff we have been subjected to over the past several years, it was comforting to see them do the right thing for once. I had two reactions to the news that the PCUSA was going to attach a 5-percent fee to the donations. My first thought was they seem incapable of avoiding controversy. The second was it really didn't surprise me. This group takes every opportunity to prove that it will not conform to basic Christian ideals. It seems to flaunt and relish in it. I am concerned that we setting a bad example by charging fees for disaster relief contributions. If this precedent is followed by every church and relief organization, it will result in opening the door to competition. Recent scandals have already caused us to have doubts about how much of our money is actually reaching the victims. Do we want to make it worse by having to shop around for the lowest "rate" on our donations? Think about that. A donation is not a product or a mortgage loan. It can be argued that handling disaster relief contributions is out of the normal scope of church operations and that it should not have to be responsible for expenses incurred in the process. I would argue that a church provides humanitarian aid in one form or another on a daily basis. Why would a crisis caused by a natural disaster be treated differently? The only positive aspect of the recent Tsunami is that it provided an opportunity to reach out to areas where Christians have not been allowed in before. I do not understand why we do not look at this situation as an extension of missions. I believe the PCUSA is sending a message that it does not have the financial or human resources required to handle an effort of this magnitude. Could this be a sign of impending desperation due to the loss of membership and per capita? Whenever I see a business raise prices, it signals to me that it needs more income to offset the cost of operations. Even if this were the case with the PCUSA, it still could have handled the situation with more dignity. In the days following the disaster, the PCUSA had to anticipate that money would start flowing in. Why did it not ask for volunteers to come in and help? Or, why did they not ask for a special donation from the members with the stipulation that it was going to cover the extra costs incurred from the relief effort. If any of these things were done, I apologize. Much of the public trust has been lost due to scandals such as the Iraqi Oil for Food Program, and the United Way. Depending on which side you are on, recent actions by the PCUSA administration have fostered distrust and anger. Even the slightest appearance of impropriety is not advisable in the current climate. This should not be too high of a standard for a church to achieve. Yet, assessing an administration fee on donations does not seem to allow the PCUSA to meet that standard. It just does not appear to be appropriate. David Hankins Questions about Scripture and female church leaders January 20, 2005 I just read Steve Bryant's "Quotable Women in Scripture." I agree completely with his point. Our congregation has a lady co-pastor, and she is great. Later, Steve says, "We believe the Bible is true because it is infallible." (I suppose there is a difference between "infallible" and "inerrant.") How then are we to reconcile the words of I Corinthians 11:5 And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her headit is just as though her head were shaved. 6 If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head. and in v 34: As in all the congregations of the saints, 34 women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. 35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church. Mike Zorn Santa Ana, Calif. GA has shown some regard to the injustices suffered by the Palestinian people January 20, 2005 Since my days in seminary I have enjoyed reading your publication. As a PCUSA minister, I have always been somewhat sympathetic to your positions, especially those concerning ordination. However, the more I read your publication the more disturbed I become. I am becoming increasingly convinced that you are guided less by the love of Christ and the vision of his kingdom, than by bigotry and indifference to the plight of suffering and oppressed people everywhere. I don't know if I agree with the divestment stance taken by the General Assembly, but at least they have shown some regard to the injustices suffered by the Palestinian people. Not one time have you ever written an article on the plight of the Palestinians or criticized the illegal Israeli settlements on occupied territory. It seems like the only time that you talk about injustice or bring up the plight of the marginalized is when things don't go your way in the PCUSA. Rev. Randy Barge Philadelphia, Pa. Remember Christians suffer also in Israeli/Palestinian conflict January 20, 2005 It is important to remember that divestment is not in all companies doing business in Israel, only those who are making money off the suffering of others. And many of the people suffering there, are Christians. It is important to remember also, that there are over 300,000 Palestinian Christians in the West Bank and Gaza, who suffer under the Israeli Occupation. Their children are killed and their holy places violated. Their lands are confiscated to build exclusively Jewish settlements. By not divesting in companies who profit from the persecution of our brothers and sisters, we only contribute to the problem. Jeff Abood Silver lake, Ohio The 216th General Assembly approved the following: "Refer to Mission Responsibility Through Investment Committee (MRTI) with instructions to initiate a process of phased selective divestment in multinational corporations operating in Israel, in accordance to General Assembly policy on social investing, and to make appropriate recommendations to the General Assembly Council for action." The GA's action does not specify only "businesses who are making money off the suffering of others." The Editor Tax on Tsunami relief likely to cause 'adverse effect' January 17, 2005 This letter is in response to letters to the editor written by Dave Morrison and Dan Callahan concerning the 5-percent administrative tax on giving to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance for the Tsunami relief effort. Apparently, Mr. Morrison and Mr. Callahan, like many other contributors in the denomination, are misinformed about the 5-percent administrative surcharge placed on donations to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA). PDA is not the recipient of the 5-percent administrative charge on contributions made to the Tsunami relief effort. This 5-percent charge is the result of actions of General Assembly Council (GAC) – actions that were opposed strongly by the PDA Advisory Committee and the PDA staff. I am the current chair of the advisory committee of PDA and objected strenuously to the implementation of this surcharge, or tax, imposed on all mission giving to the denomination, not just PDA. The proceeds from this surcharge go directly to GAC. This 5-percent tax was implemented solely by GAC over the objection of PDA. What follows is a portion of my letter to John Detterick, executive director of GAC regarding this issue. I did not receive a response from Mr. Detterick or his staff.
Tom Burleson Roan Mountain, Tenn. Criticism of administrative fee 'uninformed, misguided and undeserved' January 17, 2005 Regarding Mr. Dave Morrison's allegation on Jan. 14 that the PCUSA would be ripping off funds donated for Tsunami relief, it should be noted that $125,000 is just 5 percent of the $2.5 million to be raised. There are very few relief agencies which charge less than that percentage. Some well known and "respectable" ones charge 25 percent or more. My past letters to The Layman can testify that I am no admirer of the Louisville hierarchy, but in this instance I feel the criticism is uninformed, misguided and undeserved. There is an old expression "Give the Devil His Due." It is a good policy for critics to follow in order to avoid discrediting all of their criticism – including that part which is well justified. Richard F. Underwood Urbana, Ill. GA decisions on marriage skirt around issue with clever word play January 17, 2005 I do not believe the decisions of the 216th General Assembly represent a mixed message on marriage. Rather, they represent an attempt to skirt around the issue of gay marriage with clever word play. If you read the decisions carefully you will find a two tier way of dealing with the issue of marriage or unions. For heterosexual couples the church affirms the institution of marriage. For homosexual couples the church affirms a newly established institution called "civil unions." The problem with this approach is that it tries to solve a deep seated theological conflict by changes in vocabulary. Simply calling gay marriages "civil unions" will not change the fact that many in the church see such unions as contrary to the will of God as revealed in Scripture. Jeff Bursch, pastor Shelton, Wash. Support for church attempting to break away from governing body January 17, 2005 As a member of the Presbyterian Church in Glenwood, Fla., I fully support this attempt to break away from the main denomination's governing body that has become too liberal in the Scriptures' interpretation. I am mainly referring to the attempt to legitimize same-sex marriages and the ordination of known and confessing active homosexuals. We are to pray for these individuals' deliverance rather than reward and honor them. Just as we are all sinners caught up in one sin or another, it is not Scriptural that confessing Christians and followers of Jesus Christ should promote sinful acts. Bill W. Smith People in the pews have stopped looking to Louisville for any sort of leadership January 17, 2005 I think great insight can be gained by looking at the latest public humiliation/debacle of the PCUSA, the meeting with Hezbollah and the attempted meeting with Jewish leadership. Logically, we had everything to lose, and really nothing to gain from sending a delegation to the Middle East. Were we going to solve that situation? Were the people we sent over going to heal the rift and stop the fighting? Let's be serious. The days are long gone when people in the pews looked to denominational positions on social issues for leadership. In fact, I would go so far as to say that people in the pews have stopped looking to Louisville for any sort of leadership. No one in the churches I have served ever asked me about what the PCUSA thought about any social issue. No one asked about abortion, about the Middle East, about anything. The only reason we might talk about the leadership in our denomination would be to find out what they had done this time to sabotage our local churches. Louisville labors under the delusion that people want to know what they have to say. Instead, Louisville should be helping the local churches become better, more effective and more passionate about serving Christ. The leadership of our denomination should be helping us, serving us. They should not be trying to lead us. That model of church died long ago. Only Louisville hasn't realized it. Rev. David Moore The Presbyterian Church of Islip Civil union and marriages: How, where and why are they different? January 17, 2005 The PCUSA continues to live the lie that a civil union is not the same as a marriage. I'm still waiting for someone to demonstrate how, where and why they are, in any substantive way, different. For all intent and purposes each is a formally sanctioned and legitimized social relationship between two individuals, around which is built the institution we know as family and through which certain social benefits are afforded. Aside from superfluous details, there is little difference between the two. All the purposes, goals and social benefits sought after through civil unions seem to be precisely those of marriage. How is it that marriage and civil unions can be espoused as essentially the same? Rev. Steven L. Seng First Presbyterian Church Wellsburg, W.Va. Mainstream churches should encourage reading great writers January 17, 2005 Thank you for the opportunity through the internet to read your most informative article. As a devotee of C.S. Lewis I so thoroughly enjoyed reading how others feel. I agree that our mainstream churches have shortchanged parishioners by not encouraging the reading of the great writers. Arlene Pennington Property clause is in opposition to Scripture and the will of God January 14, 2005 In truth, the property issue is a stewardship issue. For the God who owns "the cattle on a thousand hills," and all the rest of creation, holds spiritual title to every Sunday school classroom, organ, pew, stained glass window, van and pulpit. And every church member, and every church officer alike holds the royal appointment of steward, according to God's creation ordinance which bestowed this privilege and responsibility upon our common ancestor Adam. It is not any denomination's or presbytery's prerogative to usurp any Christian's stewardship responsibilities for that portion of God's Kingdom which the Lord has entrusted into their hands, nor to so usurp the stewardship responsibilities of a local congregation. All this is to say that in fact Book of Order paragraph G-8.201 is quite in opposition to Scripture and the will of Almighty God when it presumes to claim that "All property ... is held in trust for the use and benefit of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)." All property held by God's stewards according to the declaration of the will of the sovereign God is for the glory of God, the extension of his Kingdom, and the benefit of his people. Having cited Book of Order Chapter G-8, I will also point out that G-8.701 does spell out an exemption to the so-called "Property Clause" that breaks the "bonds" that, short of paying extortion to the denomination, hold congregations in ecclesiastical subjugation. I have not heard of any congregation that has sought to exercise this exemption in its effort to exit the PCUSA, but I know of at least one that may very soon do so. Jim Wilken Marion, N.C. |
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