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will rise early and pray for presbytery January 30, 2004 Since we cannot be physically present for the meeting, tomorrow morning we will arise early on the West Coast, and will be in earnest prayer for the Presbytery of Western North Carolina. We will pray that they will be imbued by the Holy Spirit as they deliberate and vote on their COM's egregious proposal to invalidate the ministry of Parker Williamson. And we will pray that God's will be done, knowing that, of course, it ultimately will be despite our futile human machinations. We hope that there is an important place for the PCUSA in bringing God's will to fruition, and will have a much better idea as to whether that hope is reasonable or not after the vote is recorded. If the PCUSA cannot allow and sincerely contemplate prophetic criticism and calls for repentance, we see little place for it in God's plan for humanity. Warren and Hedy Howe Bellingham, Wash. Language of church leadership appears to be 'money and power' January 30, 2004 The leaders of the "church" in Jesus' day responded to his teaching and growing influence in ways remarkably parallel to the COM of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina regarding Parker Williamson's ministry. There seems to be jealousy over the mounting influence of The Layman and desperation over the fallout from the Declaration of Conscience. Going back to ancient Babylon, Nimrod's empire appears to be a prototype of the empire-builders among us. As the ancient people of Babel were "one people speaking the same language," the common language of the present church leadership sadly appears to be "money and power." Parker Williamson and The Layman have stood firm on Biblical and reformed issues in the church. (Parker would be the first to agree that no one of us does this perfectly.) We are very grateful for his faithfulness and perseverance in this important work. How unfortunate for those who listen to false prophets, for they cannot hear the message of the truth. Regrettably, gracious separation may be the only choice. Charles and Hazel Cauthen Williamsburg, Va. Writer opposes committee's recommendation January 30, 2004 I categorically oppose the Presbytery of Western North Carolina's recommendation that the Rev. Parker Williamson's ministry should be invalidated. Eve Pomroy Houston, Texas 'Where's the Word and sacrament?' January 30, 2004 I've always understood the priesthood of all believers to be an essential tenet of the Reformed faith. The ministry to which we are all called is quite vocational, no matter what the "career path." Now Rev. Williamson comes to a juncture where he is in the ecclesiastical questioning of whether or not his ministry is a validated call within the Presbyterian Church (USA). Advocacy has always been on thin ice, in my opinion. The legislative side of church was not in question back in the days of the Acts churches. So communication and conveyance of the Gospel was not something done by publications or lobbyists. I have done youth ministry (non-ordained) for eight years, alongside elders elected and ordained because they had pulses; pastors who drove cars I would never be able to afford, and other church staff who were not ordainable because while their roles in congregations were a labor of love, their masters-level qualifications were not acceptable for ordination. I also dropped out of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary due to my disillusionment in the fact that its professors were not attending chapel. (They're teaching us to be spiritual leaders of the Body of Christ?) So if each of us is called, when do we ordain someone as a leader? Are seminary professors ordained to teach theology? Can a person write articles, pass out brochures and call this "Word and sacrament?" I believe this is ministry, but is it Word and sacrament? The reason I am a minister of the church, but not an ordained minister of the Word and sacrament is the same reason I watch this proceeding with curiosity. May the will of God for the publishers and lobbyists of the Presbyterian Church (USA) be made more clear through these events. I do not see this as a conduct issue. I see this as the question: "Where's the word and sacrament?" Andrew Byrne Greenville, N.C. Bible study recommended for WNC presbyters January 29, 2004 Presbytery of Western North Carolina c/o of Stated Clerk J. William Taber, III 114 Silver Creek Road Morganton, NC 28655 I am writing to express my support of Rev. Parker Williamson and encourage that his ministry continue to be validated. Parker and The Layman have kept theological, evangelical Presbyterians like myself aware of the events in the PCUSA for many years. It is interesting that a denomination that claims to be so very tolerant and inclusive (even to the point of allowing open opposition to the Book of Order and Scripture from churches and ministers with no disciplinary action) is so anxious to take action against the editor of The Layman. Before the vote on January 31 concerning validating Parker's ministry, I would urge the commissioners to the presbytery meeting to do a little Bible study. The Old Testament lesson is from Jeremiah 36. It seems that the Lord had given the prophet Jeremiah some inside information that if the people didn't repent and turn from their sinful ways, disaster would come upon the land of Judah. Jeremiah had been banned from going to the temple, but his secretary Baruch took the scroll to the temple and read it. Some of the king's officials heard the reading and wanted the king to hear it. As Jehudi read the scroll to the king, the King Jehoiakim cut off the scroll, section by section, threw it in the fire and burned it. Of course, getting rid of the scroll didn't solve anything. The Lord instructed Jeremiah to re-write the scroll and let the king know God would punish him, his children, his attendants and those in Jerusalem and Judah for their sins. The object lesson: God's word cannot be ignored or destroyed. It is true and will happen just as written. The New Testament lesson is from Matthew 23 and consists of a condemnation of the senior pastors, elders and church leaders by none other than Jesus of Nazareth. It seems that in the time of Jesus the religious establishment didn't like this itinerant preacher and miracle worker from the sticks in Galilee stirring up the common people and upsetting their power structure as the religious establishment. Not only did the religious leaders not validate the ministry of Jesus, they got together and made a deal with Judas to betray Jesus. They had Jesus arrested, bound him, and turned him over to Pilate (Mark 15:1). The object lesson: In the end the religious establishment will be toppled. To Parker Williamson, I would give this word of encouragement from the Lord to Jeremiah the prophet: "Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, and conceal not" (Jer. 50:2 KJV). Peggy A. Alexander Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Tulsa, Okla. Session supports Williamson, PLC January 29, 2004 I wish to apologize for the lateness of this matter but the session of Tully Memorial Presbyterian Church, Sharon Hill, Pa. did not meet in time to discuss the Open Letter to the Western North Carolina Presbytery and authorize a donation to aid in Rev. Williamson's defense (and poor weather caused further delay). Realizing that the meeting will be on January 31st, I thought I would try to reach you via E-Mail to affirm our support and let you know that our contribution is forthcoming. Our entire session is in accord in this matter and we truly hope that you will be able to stop this tragic move by the Western North Carolina Presbytery. Marian Spor, clerk of session Tully Memorial Presbyterian Church Sharon Hill, Pa. Assumption of 'inclusive church' will be put to test Jan. 31 January 29, 2004 I do not blame our stated clerk, Cliff Kirkpatrick, for not "weighing in" at this stage of the process in Western North Carolina Presbytery concerning Dr. Williamson. Just as our president cannot "weigh in" when there is a problem in each individual state so, our stated clerk should not be expected to do the same. There is definitely a time for Cliff Kirkpatrick's Office of the General Assembly to be heard but not yet. No, I say let's trust the process! We talk all the time about being an "Inclusive Church." This Saturday, January 31 that assumption will be put to the test! There has to be and should be a place in our Presbyterian family for Parker Williamson's voice to be heard. We have written letters on his behalf, emailed his presbytery and requested prayer in our churches for Western North Carolina's forthcoming presbytery meeting. There comes time when we have to say: "Lord, I have done everything I known to do. If there is anything else I have not done please reveal it to me." I believe we have arrived at that moment. Let us cleave to Jesus Christ, trust the process and wait on the Lord! Rev. Don McGarity Gainesville, Fa. Thank you for 'being there' January 29, 2004 Please assure Mr. Williamson of our prayers for the right to be done in his behalf. We thank you, and him, for "being there." Take courage, all. Stan and Helen Simonsen FPC, Tacoma, Wash. COM's case against Williamson lacks Biblical foundation January 27, 2004 After reading the report from the Committee of Ministry of Western North Carolina Presbytery I must confess how thankful I am that I am not a member of Western North Carolina Presbytery nor its Committee on Ministry. First, it is my understanding that this report outlining the COM's case against Parker Williamson was written after the decision was made to recommend against validating Parker's ministry. If I had been a member of the COM, I would have insisted that this report have been completed before my vote. In a matter as serious as this, you would think that the COM members would have demanded that this critical document be completed before being asked to put their vote and name to it. Second, the case against Parker as presented is shallow and falls short in providing any specific documentation of the claims made against him. If a prosecutor had presented these charges against a defendant at a preliminary hearing in our judicial system, the presiding judge would have dismissed this case immediately. As an outsider, I expected to see the COM present a solid case. If I was a member of Western North Carolina Presbytery, I would be embarrassed and angry. Third, the COM's case lacks a Biblical foundation. Yes the COM does quote from Ephesians 4:2 "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Surprisingly, the COM failed to read on where Paul writes "It was Christ who gave some to be prophets ... to build up the body of Christ until we all attain the unity of the faith ... so we are no longer to be children tossed back and forth by the waves and carried about by every wind of teaching by the trickery of people who craftily carry out their deceitful schemes." (Eph 4:11-14, NET Bible) If the COM was serious on building a case against Parker Williamson, I would have thought they would have relied more on the Word of God, rather than a process outlined by the presbytery. Fourth, I am embarrassed by the silence of our stated clerk, Clifton Kirkpatrick. If I was a member of Western North Carolina Presbytery, I would be looking for some Biblical and constitutional leadership from the one man in the PCUSA who has been given the absolute responsibility to defend the constitution of our denomination. Maybe if Parker Williamson was a prophet who worked for the NCC, the WCC or Taco Bell, we would have heard from our stated clerk before now. Finally, I must confess that I am ashamed to be a clergy member of the Presbyterian Church. When a member of the congregation I am called to serve asks me, "How is it that the PCUSA ordains those who defy the constitution and yet rejects those who support the constitution, our confessional heritage, the authority of Scripture, and the Lordship of Jesus Christ?" I am speechless. I am speechless because I am astounded and I am ashamed. If the members of Western North Carolina Presbytery do not resoundingly reject this recommendation from their own COM, it will be a dark and sad day for the PCUSA. L Rus Howard, pastor Peters Creek Presbyterian Church Venetia, Pa. Outlook editorial shows spite and jealousy January 27, 2004 John Sniffen's recent screed against The Layman and its readers reveals The Outlook's spite for The Layman – tinged with guile and perhaps more than a little professional jealousy. Like a hall monitor run amok with power, Sniffen issues a grade of C- to the class bully and plays friends to more moderate publications (most of which share a majority of the The Layman's theological views). They accuse The Layman of creating a "Ministry of Fear"– of "making" other Presbyterians "fearful." So The Layman must now take full responsibility for the feelings of others? Now that is scary. According to The Outlook, it is the fears of the fearful that are to be served by the rest of the church. Presbyterians everywhere should rally around the easily frightened and take comfort in the sound of The Outlook's knees knocking together. Sniffen has not only shown his true colors here – as a finger-pointing fussypants enraged by The Layman's ongoing influence – but with no attempts at avoiding pretense he strikes a pose as the advocate of The Layman's many nameless victims. As a result, he has unwittingly made a case for Williamson's validation. In the opinion of many Presbyterians, when it comes to the issues determining denominational health and viability, the PCUSA is nowhere near scared enough. We need The Layman – and Parker Williamson – even if only to keep The Outlook's staff and readers afraid. Noel K. Anderson, executive pastor First Presbyterian Church Bakersfield, Calif. Committee recommendation 'appears to be neither decent, nor in order' January 26, 2004 Presbytery of Western Carolina c/o Stated Clerk J. William Taber III 114 Silver Creek Rd. Morganton, NC 28655 Dear Sir: I have followed the proposed action not to renew the validation of the Rev. Parker Williamson's ministry with The Presbyterian Layman with concern. I have known Rev. Williamson since 1997 when I was an elder commissioner to the General Assembly and his personal ministry and that of the Presbyterian Lay Committee are a major reason that I did not leave the church after that time of service. That ministry also convinced me of the vital need for active lay leadership in the life of the church. My understanding is that Rev. Williamson has been a member of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina for over 30 years and has served on the staff of the Presbyterian Lay Committee for fourteen of those years. Based upon my regular contacts with him over the last seven years, I believe he must have fulfilled his ordination vows in all particulars, guided by the Confessions, and governed by the church's polity during his entire ministry in the presbytery. I have failed to see any specification of how the ministry of Rev. Williamson or the Lay Committee have become disqualified under the standards of G-11.0403. Under our Presbyterian system, things should be done with decency and order. To this observer, this appears to be neither decent, nor in order. Instead it has the appearance of an efforts to silence a ministry known for its effort to see constitutional standards upheld. This is in stark contrast to efforts in other presbyteries to validate ministries despite their failure to uphold clear constitutional standards. I ask the presbytery to validate this ministry. I will be watching, as I am sure the rest of the church and the Lord of the church will be. I hope that the outcome serves to bring glory to the Lord Jesus Christ. J. McDowell Sharpe Chambersburg, Pa. Congregation fully supports the Presbyterian Lay Committee January 26, 2004 The session members and congregants of Olivet Presbyterian Church, Glendale Oregon, respectfully disagree with the recommendation to invalidate Parker Williamson's ministry. We fully support the Presbyterian Lay Committee and the integrity displayed in Parker Williamson's commitment to Biblically grounded service. The Presbyterian Lay Committee is essential to church polity and the principles of the reformed faith. Thank you and may God bless you and guide you. Cecelia Steele, clerk Olivet Presbyterian Church Glendale, Ore. Missionaries stand with Williamson January 26, 2004 The session of Wallace Street Presbyterian Church has made the right argument. We choose to stand with them, and choose to stand with Rev. Parker Williamson. We will join the Prayer Warriors Network in praying for him. Rev. Andrew and Mrs. Judith Carrick Evangelistic PCUSA missionaries to Japan The caesars throw true followers to the lions January 26, 2004 The Caesars are seated in high places in their Gothic chairs watching the remnant of true followers hold fast to the death their confession that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. From their high places they throw to the lions the true followers. These Caesars are really little caesars because they meet behind closed doors not in open-air coliseums, and its not to lions they throw the followers but to angry dogs that call for death by secret ballot and no video record of their "doings." Our prayer is "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." Ann Hancock A 'ministry' cannot be invalidated for reasons of 'character and conduct' January 26, 2004 To those who try to pretend the Committee on Ministry was "just doing their job," and that Parker Williamson's ministry just happened to be found wanting according to real sufficient evidence of wrong doing or malpractice: You don't invalidate someone's ministry for causes of "character and conduct" and allow said minister then to go right into another ministry, or am I not informed? How can they, with straight faces, deny they are not invalidating Parker Williamson, the man, but rather his ministry? A "ministry" can not be said to have been invalidated for reasons of "character and conduct," now can it? The most specific the Committee on Ministry has been is to say that they came to their decision after reviewing Parker Williamson's "Declaration of Conscience." In other words, it is about what Parker Williamson thinks and writes because they have not specifically accused him of any gross abuses which would be considered by the church as not in keeping with the character and conduct of a minister of Word and sacrament. How can they? He is not guilty of any such accusation. But, there are some who will be standing in the pulpits of some of our Presbyterian Church (USA) churches ... those who have blatantly defied the Book of Order, the General Assembly and the body in total that voted not to validate the ministry of anyone who is an active and professed homosexual. Where is the judicial action against those who are really guilty in character and conduct? It is not just your ordinary, run-of-the-mill decision by the Committee on Ministry not to revalidate a ministry. It is most definitely the agenda of this committee to rid the denomination of a man who is rocking their luxury liner to remind them whose boat this church belongs to and who is its captain. Glenda L. Smith, deacon Reems Creek Beech Church Before making hysterical judgments read the Book of Order January 26, 2004 Whoa now folks! Many voices are hinting that a "public lynching" is about to happen to Parker Williamson at the hands of his presbytery. Fingers are pointing and rhetoric is flying. When all else fails, remember that we are a constitutional body, as so many have been saying on these pages for the last few years. Before making hysterical judgments about process and motives, everyone should read the Book of Order on these matters, G-6.0203, 11.0403 and 14.0517. Parker will not be on trial, but rather the validity of the ministry of The Presbyterian Layman as an appropriate call for a Presbyterian Church (USA) minister of the Word and sacrament. The presbytery has this right, authority and power so to do in accordance with our constitution, unless we want to create a constitutional crisis and usurp this process for political purposes. M. Anderson "Andy" Sale General Presbyter Presbytery of the Peaks Lynchburg, Va. How many are willing to stand up like Williamson? January 26, 2004 I write this letter to you with a heavy heart and not lightly after meditation and thinking of this issue for years. As the situation has gone on and on and has become worse as time has passed, the time has arrived to take a firm stand in this conflict. We the people in the pews are not stupid. We know what the Scripture says. And we can rise up to the situation even if the ministers like to keep the church running smoothly and protect the status quo, their retirement benefits, the "dignified professionalism," and smooth talking. But, these things will not save them or spare them of their responsibility to the Lord. They are forsaking the ministry that the Lord has entrusted to them. They know what is wrong and do not do anything. Many are in this group. The other group are completely arrogant. They have complete disregard of the authority of the Scriptures, the rules and regulations of the Book of Order, and the Confessions of Faith. Even the most basic tenets of the Christian reformed evangelical doctrines are being violated. Thank you for Parker Williamson who stands up to honor his Lord and Savior -- the Lord Jesus Christ. How many others are willing to stand up like him and risk their credentials of his ordination? The people in the pews individually need to stop giving money to the PCUSA for the godless programs, policies and programs that are not compatible to the Scriptures. God bless the conservatives in the Episcopal Church where the minister leaders are leading the movement to say that enough is enough. Many of us, too, are no longer in communion with the leaders in the PCUSA. The apostle Paul said not even to eat with them. Some say in the name of love we should love these people. They are missing the totality of the Scripture. In our Lord, there is no room for diversity where everything goes. We cannot have diversity where everything goes! We cannot have divided loyalties. We are either on God's side or not. The church is the local church. The PCUSA is not the church. It is not the authority of rules of practice and faith. It is the Scripture that is the authority and the local church is the body of Christ. We are not subservient to the PCUSA. They are the servant to us. It is no longer possible any negotiations. The Scripture is not negotiable. That is why reconciliation is no longer possible. We choose God and his Holy Word or choose godlessness. I see no other avenue. Our loyalty to our Lord and not the structure of the PCUSA is the only choice. Let's stop funding and let us rise up to the task ahead because enough is enough! Let's pray for Williamson and may God raise up many others. We are in this world but we are not of this world. To us diversity is from the world. Let us stop fooling ourselves. Even gracious separation is desirable. The continuation of the present situation will lead to our complete destruction. We have fallen so low that this has become an embarrassment to say we are Presbyterians to other Christian groups. William H. Hurry Corona Del Mar, Calif. 'Let us get after the core of the problem' January 26, 2004 The action taken by the Presbytery of Western North Carolina has me wondering why this type of action has not been taken against the leader of the bureaucratic hierarchy of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Mr. Kirkpatrick appears to have more grounds for malfeasance of his position as a hired hand of the church than Mr. Williamson has of being a threat from without the bureaucracy. Let us get after the core of the problem. This might be a step to get this denomination to know who is the corner stone of our belief. We just had an installation of elders and deacons in our church and if Mr. Kirkpatrick had to answer to these questions then he would be either a liar or an unbeliever and not eligible to serve. C.H. Schmoll Lake Forest Park, Wash. Your intolerance of Williamson indicates the rigidity of your position January 26, 2004 To the Presbytery of Western North Carolina Your desire to separate Parker Williamson from your communion is reasonable. My reasoning is that I would like to end the "marriage of convenience" between those who would follow the gospel and those who wish to create it. If he is in the will of God, nothing you can do can silence men and women like him and keeping him around will only make you uncomfortable. If you eject him:
I think the real reason for your anger is that you might have to reduce your contribution to the World Council of Churches. Recent revelations have indicated that in the not too distant past it was supported financially be the old USSR. With no one other than the PCUSA to contribute, it would finally, like the wicked witch of the west, disappear. George J. Rendall Downers Grove, Ill. The pink elephant in the living room is being ignored January 26, 2004 Leadership of the Western North Carolina Presbytery: We are trying to contain our anger since learning that Parker Williamson and the ministry of the Presbyterian Lay Committee is being considered for discontinuation. We consider the work of the Presbyterian Lay Committee to be an important source of information. For instance, we do not understand why the constitution has not been upheld, when on more than one occasion, the obligation for our clergy to be single and celibate, or married and faithful, has been affirmed by the membership. This part of our constitution is deliberately not being upheld. Yet, there is no rational explanation of this behavior from our leadership. It seems a pink elephant is in the living room, and it is being totally ignored. Now when responsible leadership, Parker Williamson and the Presbyterian Lay Committee, are describing the pink elephant to the members, the messengers are being attacked. When one is a member of a large organization, it is too easy to "hand over the reins" to a few people. Many send money in support, but few are in charge of decision making in the use of that money. Not a large percentage of the membership is even aware of how the funds are used. Not only that, when the membership is involved in decision-making, the leadership is currently ignoring that mandate. I don't believe that is what our Lord and Savior would advise. Frankly, if the Lay Committee is disbanded by the Presbyterian Church, we and our financial support will become active in another Christian denomination. Our membership within the Presbyterian Church will be ended. We pray that God will open eyes that seem to be blinded to the truth. Thank you for your consideration. Margaret (deacon) and David Thompson (elder-current) Members, First Presbyterian Church Moscow, Idaho Williamson's courage to pursue the tenants of faith should be applauded January 26, 2004 Presbytery of Western North Carolina This letter is in support of the Rev. Parker T. Williamson. His courage to stay and pursue the tenants of our faith, in a denomination in which some members continue to erode them should be applauded, not punished. He has chosen to exercise his right, as insured by the denomination, to direct his tithes in a manner which is pleasing to God. One of the greatest hallmarks of this denomination is a participatory style of self-governance which insures that gifts can be designated to specific ends. Our denomination is at a crossroads. If we choose to exclude individuals who stand Scripturally firm and alert us to the many confusing dichotomies, we are lost as a church and separated from God. Why is it that the churches and denominations that are steadfast in teaching of Jesus -- refusing to compromise and dilute his Word -- are experiencing significant growth? A thorough study of Scripture reveals that, throughout history, God always blesses obedience to his Word. To the contrary, Rev. Williamson should be applauded, not admonished. James and Donna Gilchrist Lincoln, Calif. Churchmen assume 'they alone can deliver God's new and revised message' January 26, 2004 To the Western North Carolina Presbytery The Presbyterian Lay Committee has notified friends, supporters and readers of its newsletter of the action you have taken in regard to the ministry of Parker Williamson. While I concur with the "Open Letter …" submitted through the Lay Committee I must add certain thoughts of my own. Over the years I have held a number of posts in my local congregation and in its presbytery. I have had frequent contact with some professional churchmen (church persons) who want to be the movers and shakers of our faith. I have come to believe that they are too supportive of the well funded aggressive groups who are intent on restructuring our faith to their own parochial needs. As a result these single-issue groups, with their fellow travelers, have caused the Presbyterian Church to be whipsawed back and forth between extremes. Since the PCUSA depends on Presbyterians for its financial support it ought to be sensitized to the beliefs that members hold dear. Biblical ideas, parameters, inspiration, and practice must continue to count. The charisma assumed by the ranks of professional clergy seems to cause some churchmen (church persons) to be infected by an advanced case of hubris which they assume means they alone can deliver God's new and revised message. They seem to believe that the throngs of the "unwashed" (laypersons) are unable to comprehend God's Word on their own but must follow the churchmen's (church person's) lead no matter where it take them or what the cost. These churchmen (church persons) seem more desirous of improving their professional profiles by attacking tradition than serving spiritual and benevolent needs of common worshipers who have a deeply rooted faith. In short, pasturing seems to be "out of fashion." Parker Williamson deserves to be a part of a presbytery where he can voice concerns without censorship. Should a presbytery be allowed to stand that prevents a member from voicing concerns, theology, opinions and the will of a very large constituency? Perhaps the display of prejudice by a "task force" and the COM obviates the legitimacy of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina. Williamson surely isn't the only one questioning PCUSA's financial support for causes that seek to undermine the faith. Donald W. Rath, elder Manasquan, N.J. |
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