Page 2, Williamson validation letters Archives of letters to the editor

Session expresses '100 percent support' for Williamson January 22, 2004 At our regular session meeting of the Wallace Street Presbyterian Church, Inc. (Indianapolis, Ind.), we discussed, at great length, the dilemma of the Western North Carolina Presbytery in its annual review of the validation of the Presbyterian Lay Committee ministry. As we understand it, the presbytery can accept or reject the recommendation handed down from this presbytery's committee on ministry to discontinue the validation. Further, if the presbytery concurs with its committee on ministry, this action would also place you in an "inactive" status in this presbytery, thereby silencing you and lifting your voting rights. This threat of action is evidently based upon the "character and conduct" clause of the Book of Order paragraph G-11.0403d; but no specifics yet been made known to many of us in the denomination. The fact that specifics have not been made known, we wonder if the presbytery, itself, may be in non-compliance with the requirement of paragraph G-11.0403 which contains the following statement: "A presbytery shall determine the ministers of the Word and Sacrament who shall be its continuing members. In making this determination the presbytery shall be guided by written criteria developed by the presbytery for validation of ministries within its bounds." (The Book of Order uses bold type from the word "written" through "bounds", therefore this requirement is certainly very important.) After our session's discussion, it voted for me to write to you, Reverend Williamson, expressing our 100 percent support for you (and the Presbyterian Lay Committee) at your presentation before the presbytery on January 31, 2004. For your support, we will distribute the above information to our Prayer Warriors Network for their participation during this interim time period. Because the above threat is based on unspecified criteria used to determine validation, and thereby, the "character and conduct;" this begs answers from synod and General Assembly officers to the following questions: Why are not the openly and deliberately disobedient ministries, churches, sessions and officers being disciplined for their flagrant defiance of the Book of Order and the Holy Word of God as well? In other words, why aren't these individuals and groups being aggressively forced to meet the "character and conduct" provisions for their homosexual behavior and their gay union ceremonies; which are self-avowed "character and conduct" violations of the Book of Order? Love and support from your brothers and sisters in Christ at WSPC, Inc. James K. Parmerlee Clerk of Session Action will cause well-deserving PCUSA ministries to be neglected January 22, 2004 While I believe that thanks should be given to Patricia Thiboutot for her passionate defense of Parker Williamson, I think that her statement that she will cease all giving to the local church misses the point of the Declaration of Conscience. My understanding of the declaration is that Presbyterians should prayerfully consider redirecting tithes and offerings to ministries within the denomination that are faithfully proclaiming the Gospel. For example, the session of my local church has not done this, so I have taken it upon myself to designate my family's offerings to the local church only. I fully appreciate and agree with Mrs. Thiboutot's intentions in seeing justice done in Parker Williamson's case before the Presbytery of WNC, but unfortunately her action will cause well-deserving PCUSA ministries to be neglected. One final thought: The Baptists??!! Surely not!!! (Tongue planted firmly in cheek here as my wife was a life-long Baptist until were married!) Paul C. von Wedel, elder Fountain Inn Presbyterian Church Fountain Inn, S.C. PLC and Williamson: 'Important voices in the denominational processes' January 21, 2004 An open letter to the Western North Carolina Presbytery: Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Thank you for taking the time to hear the voice of others within the Presbyterian Church (USA). I appreciate your presbytery's careful consideration of a very important issue. I understand that both a task force and the Committee on Ministry of the Presbytery of [Western] North Carolina have recommended that you discontinue your validation of the ministry of the Presbyterian Lay Committee, thereby impairing the ministerial credentials of Parker Williamson. I want you to know that I fully support the ministry of the Presbyterian Lay Committee and Parker Williamson as important voices in the denominational processes. Please continue your prior validation of the Presbyterian Lay Committee's ministry and Parker Williamson's service. Thank you. You will be held in my prayers. Joni Frey, clerk of session Upper Path Valley Presbyterian Church Spring Run, Pa. Writer 'appalled' to learn of presbytery action against Williamson January 21, 2004 Open Letter to the Presbytery of Western North Carolina The world is a better place because of Parker Williamson. I am appalled to learn of this action. Even though the PLC is not requesting it, I intend to withhold all of my giving to my home church and presbytery until this issue is resolved in Parker's favor. My weekly giving will go to a local Baptist church and direct giving to selected ministries. Patricia Thiboutot The side of right and wrong are so clearly defined January 21, 2004 There are, it seems, always two sides to any dispute. I don't think I've ever seen an occasion in this Presbyterian Church, though where the side of right and wrong are so clearly defined. To vote against the ministry of Parker Williamson is to vote against Elijah in favor of Ahab; against John the Baptist in favor of Herod Antipas; against Martin Luther in favor of the medieval Catholic church; and in favor of the Sanhedrin against Jesus, himself. It's normal that those in power who act corruptly do not take kindly to those who have the courage to point out their sins. The national level of the Presbyterian leadership is certainly no exception. If the Presbytery of Western North Carolina chooses to condemn Parker Williamson for his work, it will be a reflection more on that presbytery than on him. Jim Watts Williamson, PLC 'prophetic voices' January 21, 2004 Parker and the Presbyterian Lay Committee are the most faithful and prophetic voices among Presbyterians. J. Melvin England, elder Roswell, Ga. Presbyterian Church Graduate, Columbia Theological Seminary Presbytery should be honored to have Williamson as member January 21, 2004 The Presbytery of North Carolina should be honored and pleased to have Parker Williamson as a member. J. Burton Cousar, elder Lifelong Presbyterian Atlanta, Ga. Open Letter: Williamson and Lay Committee are defended by church constitution January 20, 2004 Presbytery of Western North Carolina meeting on January 31, 2004 c/o Stated Clerk J. William Taber, III 114 Silver Creek Road Morganton, NC 28655 Dear Mr. Stated Clerk: We write to urge the Presbytery of Western North Carolina to revalidate the ministry of the Rev. Parker Williamson with the Presbyterian Lay Committee. Mr. Williamson has been a member in good standing of your presbytery since 1971. While he has served on the staff of the Presbyterian Lay Committee for the past 14 years, your presbytery has repeatedly revalidated his ministry. He has sought to be faithful to the Word of God and to our church constitution and, especially in this day, the Presbyterian Church (USA) needs officers of his caliber. The Presbyterian Lay Committee recently called individuals and sessions to "prayerful study" as to whether giving to the General Assembly is "demonstrably faithful to the gospel." The Book of Order states, "The session is responsible for the mission and government of the particular church. It therefore has the responsibility and power … to establish the annual budget, determine the distribution of the church's benevolences, and order offerings for Christian purposes …" (G-10.0102i). The General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission has ruled – as recently as July, 2003 – that per-capita is a voluntary gift. Mr. Williamson and the Presbyterian Lay Committee are defended by the church constitution. We doubt that it is an overstatement that the eyes of the denomination will be on the Presbytery of Western North Carolina on January 31, 2004. Because of the connectional nature of our church, we are constrained to urge the Presbytery of Western North Carolina to revalidate the ministry of the Rev. Parker Williamson with the Presbyterian Lay Committee. Thank you, /signed unanimously/ The Session First Presbyterian Church Oostburg, Wisc. The work of the Lay Committee should be applauded not criticized January 20, 2004 To the Western North Carolina Presbytery I am writing to thank you for taking the time to listen to me, an ordained elder of more than 50 years, a former member of the committee on ministry, a former member of the committee on preparation for ministry, as well as many other committee assignments of the Wabash Valley Presbytery, the presbytery serving northern Indiana and the Synod of Lincoln Trails. It has come to my attention that a task force and the committee on ministry of the Presbytery of [Western] North Carolina have recommended that the validation of the ministry of the Presbyterian Lay Committee, and thus the ministerial credentials of the Reverend Parker Williamson, be discontinued. I have been a subscriber to The Presbyterian Layman for several years, and while I do not always agree with some of the stances taken by The Layman, I am convinced in my mind that the work of the Lay Committee should be applauded instead of criticized. I am equally convinced that the dedication of Parker Williamson to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and uphold the requirements of the Book of Order to others of our faith is superior to many in powerful places in our denomination. The work of the Presbyterian Lay Committee and the service of Reverend Williamson is very important to us as we face the continuing challenges of financing, Christian program development, spiritual renewal and growth, denominational commitment, membership, ad infinitum; issues shared with us by the Presbyterian Lay Committee. I implore you to continue your validation of the Presbyterian Lay Committee's ministry and the ministerial service of Parker Williamson. Thank you and may God bless you for seeing that justice is done so that these ministries may be continued. Ted Hughes Logansport, Ind. Lay Committee has been a beacon of light January 20, 2004 That the Presbytery of Western North Carolina would consider invalidating the ministry of Parker Williamson and the Presbyterian Lay Committee is shocking and deplorable. The Lay Committee has been a beacon of light to Presbyterians who believe in the authority of Scripture. I know that Parker Williamson is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ who loves his church and strives to protect its purity. The power structure of the PCUSA has demonstrated it no longer upholds its constitution and is unwilling to abide by the Book of Order. It is seen to be more interested in political correctness and conforming to popular culture, than transforming the culture to Biblical principles. It follows its own agenda (Pick and Choose) in deciding which activities are acceptable and which are not. Their actions make me think of Paul's second letter to Timothy – 1:13-14; 3:4-5, 14-17. To try to discredit the ministry of God's faithful, brilliant servant, Parker Williamson, would be reprehensible, and I pray you will not do it. It would be a shame for the good Christians in the Presbytery of Western North Carolina to carry this burden. Louise Kinney, elder First Presbyterian Church Baton Rouge, La. Lay Committee has kept many from leaving PCUSA January 20, 2004 I wish to let Rev. Williamson know that he has a lot of support among the lay members of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The leadership of the Presbyterian Lay Committee has been the only thing that has kept many of us from leaving for another denomination that still believes in the authority of Scripture. I pray that through the efforts of people like Rev. Williamson, our denomination may someday again be one which we need not be ashamed of its leaders. John H. Allaman 'I have become disenchanted with my denomination' January 20, 2004 Re: "A Presbyterian activist (Parker T. Williamson) who may be stripped of his ministerial credentials;" The Washington Times, January 17, 2004 I have been an elder in the Presbyterian Church for 40 years and I am grateful to The Layman for exposing issues which need attention. Several fellow Presbyterians have excoriated me upon learning that I would stoop so low as to even read The Layman. How, otherwise, could we dummies in the pews become informed of issues within our denomination? General Assembly, et.al., says that what we need for a proper attitude is an education - by them. And of course that is conducted on a "need to know" basis. So instead of acknowledging that God created us with a brain also, albeit inferior to theirs, they seem to operate like a secret society. There is nothing that forces me to believe either side of an issue, but if I am provided absolutely no knowledge, how can I perform my responsibilities to "the church?" I love my congregation but over these many troublesome years, I have become disenchanted with my denomination. It seems that we have become a paradox to the beliefs which we advocate. And that upsets me. C. E. Heare Belton, MO Committee is 'out of touch' with historic faith January 20, 2004 The word of this attack upon Parker Williamson is hard to understand. The Presbyterian Church is being attacked by evil forces threatening its sound foundation in the Word of God. Surely the committee on validated ministry is out of touch with the historic faith of the New Testament Church. I will alert the laymen here of this crisis and encourage their supportive prayers and strong involvement. Rev. Charles J. Boonstra Huntsville, Tenn. Minister should not be muzzled for expressing a non-heretical opinion January 20, 2004 To the Western North Carolina Presbytery Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Thank you for taking the time to hear the voice of others of us within the Presbyterian Church (USA). As a ruling elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Urbana, I appreciate your presbytery's careful consideration of a very important issue … one that will impact the future of our denomination. I understand that both a task force and the Committee on Ministry of the Presbytery of [Western] North Carolina have recommended that you discontinue your validation of the ministry of the Presbyterian Lay Committee, thereby impairing the ministerial credentials of Parker Williamson. I want you to know that I support the ministry of the Presbyterian Lay Committee and Parker Williamson as Biblically appropriate and essential to our faith. However, even if I did not agree with him or the Lay Committee, I would find it intolerable that any Presbyterians would (or could) muzzle or punish any minister or member for a free expression of a non-heretical opinion. This is especially unacceptable when such a person is working within the strictures of the Book of Order and the confessions, seeking to preach and expound upon a message with which you happen to disagree. I find no precedent or justification for discipline under such circumstances. So please continue your prior validation of the Presbyterian Lay Committee's ministry and Parker Williamson's service thereto. Thank you, and may God bless you for seeing that justice is done. Richard Underwood, elder Carol Underwood Urbana, Ill. Proposed action will not silence the Lay Committee January 20, 2004 Unlike the disgraceful tactics used by headquarters leadership in suppressing my friend, Fahed Abu Akel when he was moderator, the action you propose will be unsuccessful in suppressing the message of the Presbyterian Lay Committee. On the contrary, if you go through with this it will make a martyr out of Parker Williamson, elevating and enriching his cause. At the same time I am sure he doesn't want it that way. If this proposed action is the most constructive thing you can offer, you would do well to stay out of this. David H. Gambrell Atlanta, Ga. God knows that breaking rules leads to trouble January 20, 2004 The recent actions of the PCUSA leadership toward Pastor Williamson should not surprise anyone – voting in secret, ignoring, bending or completely defying set rules. Our society seems obsessed with breaking rules. You have one side that believes that the rules are just and should be enforced. And then you have the other side that does not like the rules, so it does anything in its power to change or get around them. What happens when Congress enacts any new legislation? It is usually tested by the courts. We hire attorneys to do that. What about a new tax law? We hire CPA's to find a way around the new law. The American constitution is a prime example of this theory. The conservative side believes that this document was written by some of the greatest minds ever assembled. That even though they lived hundreds of years ago, these men knew a thing or two about life and government. Conservatives have faith that these men had a vision for the future and that these tenets were written with us in mind also. Liberals on the other hand, believe that the constitution is a living, breathing document, ever subject to change as society and culture changes. They believe that they know best as to how society should be governed. That we are smarter and more aware than those men of years ago. Our Presbyterian Book of Order is going through the same scrutiny today. Some of us want to follow the rules set forth in it. Some of us have faith that it was written carefully, with enough foresight that it would help us deal with problems of today. Yet, others want to bypass it. That it does not quite allow for their agenda to be brought forth. This phenomenon has affected how the Bible is viewed today. Some of us believe that the writers were inspired directly from God and that the Scriptures are our direction manual on how to live. Others see it as a living, breathing document, subject to change as culture changes. It has some rules in it, and some of us do not like to live by rules. It is uncomfortable. Should those rules apply today? Why, we have abortion for instance. We have figured out a way to rid ourselves of an uncomfortable situation. So, we changed the rules. It is my choice anyway. Homosexuality? Hey, no problem. We are just going to become more tolerant. After all, we do not want to offend anyone. Jesus as the only true way to salvation? Come on, you have Muslims, and Hindus and so forth out there that just may be right. I ask this question today of all Christians of the PCUSA. What are you going to tell God when you get to the gates? Do you really think that you are going to debate abortion and homosexuality when you get up there and look him in the eye? Are you really going to have the confidence to look him in the eye and tell him that you think abortion is ok? If you are a practicing homosexual, are you going to try to tell me that you are not going to be the least bit nervous? I have faith that the leaders of our denomination will have the courage to look at themselves objectively. I also pray that if a miracle does occur, and they do change their ways, that the rest of us do not try and jump all over them. If they do what all of us that have written to The Layman ask, I pray that we just move on. That we start holding up some of our most sacred rules. I have learned that God did not set rules just to keep us in line. He did so because he knew that sin leads to bad consequences. It is not about him being intolerant or tough. He just knows that breaking rules leads to trouble. Again, I pray that we will be able to go back to days when rules were valued and observed. I am going to do my best today to go 30 mph in the 30 mph zone. I do not really like it, but I am not going to go 40 mph. David Hankins, CPA Ridgedale Church South Bend, Ind. 'Inclusionists' seek to exclude a voice of truth January 19, 2004 A copy of the following letter, in response to a story titled "Presbyterian activist seeks funds cutoff," was sent to The Washington Times and copied to the Presbyterian Lay Committee. If Presbyterians choose not to contribute to a church whose leadership violates their fundamental beliefs, no one can argue that they are not free to do this. Parker Williamson, mainline minister and publisher of The Presbyterian Layman, who speaks with the authority of Christian Scripture and tradition, is threatened with the equivalent of excommunication for suggesting that congregations withhold financial support from a central organization whose values they do not share. Ten years ago, the Presbyterian Church launched a drive for "inclusiveness" in spite of the fact that any and all were always welcome there. Today, this drive is culminating in the attempted exclusion of any and all who would disagree with the inclusionists. What is mysterious is that it took so long for Rev. Williamson to make this common-sense suggestion. Elizabeth Ward Nottrodt Baltimore, Md. Pray for Williamson and for truth to reign within the PCUSA January 19, 2004 I learned about Pastor Williamson's stand through an Adam McManus e-mail. As a member of the Confessing Movement of the United Methodist Church, I fully understand the battle that is waging within your denomination. There are certainly those within the United Methodist Church also who claim the name of Christian while denying the very foundations of our faith. I thank God for godly men and women within each of our denominations who boldly speak for Biblical truth -- which is the only truth. I am blessed with such a pastor at Northwest Hills UMC San Antonio, Texas in Pastor J David Trawick. My prayers are with Pastor Williamson and for truth to reign within the Presbyterian Church. It is always good to remind ourselves in the heat of battle that "Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12 Ann Jorgensen Williamson has tried to restore PCUSA to the Reformed tradition January 19, 2004 The following letter was sent to the Presbytery of Western North Carolina: A small liberal minority in your presbytery is trying to invalidate the ministry of a man and his organization who is trying to save this denomination from self-destruction. This group does not want to be identified publicly as I have read you will not have a roll-call vote on this matter. I have experienced the same kind of conduct in the Tampa Bay Presbytery, having served on the missions committee and the peacemaking committee. Faithfulness to Scripture is all but forgotten by those who see nothing wrong with homosexuality, adultery, abortion, violence in the name of peace and same-sex marriages. They label this inclusiveness while their opposition is labeled as intolerant. The same charges can be leveled at the leadership in Louisville which has caused a loss of church membership from 4.2 million to less than 2.5 million. Rev. Williamson and The Layman have tried mightily to restore the PCUSA to the Reformed tradition and its Biblical roots. My church has withheld per capita because of behavior in Louisville. A few years ago, the Reimagining Conference denied Jesus Christ and promoted homosexuality. A person who was about to unite with our congregation declined. When asked why, this person said, "You have a wonderful church but I cannot tolerate your denomination." Therein lies one of the reasons that The Layman and Rev Williamson are important for the survival of this denomination. I pray that your presbytery will drop all efforts to invalidate the ministry of Rev. Williamson. See Colossians 2:8. Jack Vanderbleek, elder Northeast Presbyterian Church St. Petersburg, Fla. Action will come back to haunt them January 19, 2004 This is one of the most outrageous steps that the out-of-touch PCUSA has taken so far in its battle with the truth and God's Word and with the only publication which dares to tell Presbyterians what is going on in their denomination and how the finances are being used. If they continue to follow through with this action it will come back to haunt them in more ways than they can now imagine. Bud Olinger, elder First Presbyterian Church El Dorado Springs, Mont. Could it be a 'presbytery witch hunt?' January 19, 2004 Sounds like a presbytery witch hunt by a few determined people to oust a dedicated man of God from serving the Lord. David Erion Ashland, Ore. The law of unintended consequences January 19, 2004 The apparent intent of this action is to silence Parker Williamson and to diminish the influence of The Layman. The likely effect, whichever way the decision comes out in Asheville, will be just the opposite. Larry Poe Presbytery council is like Sanhedrin January 19, 2004 We need not have expected any more from the presbytery council. They are more like the Sanhedrin than many suspected. Deeds done in secret, and Jesus never did anything in secret, make it known to whom they do not belong. What do they have to hide? They should be ashamed, no doubt about that, if they vote against revalidating Parker Williamson, as they will have taken a stand against the truth of God's Word and those who warn against it. I say "Anathema Marinatha" to the presbytery council and to Presbyterian Church (USA)'s present leadership, including and especially the leadership of Western North Carolina Presbytery. Glenda L. Smith, deacon Reems Creek Beech Weaverville, N.C. A call to prayer: Stalwart Christians must stand January 19, 2004 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, May your faith in Christ Jesus be strengthened. As you have learned and practiced, when we come to the Lord in prayer we give a good confession for the thoughts, words and deeds, that have offended the Almighty God. All acts of contrition are a request for God's forgiveness through his mercy in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. On January 31, the Presbytery of Western North Carolina will meet to discuss the validation of the Rev. Parker T. Williamson's ministry with the Presbyterian Lay Committee. Heretofore, it had been validated since 1989. The validation is now questioned because the adversary is hard at work against God's Church headed by Christ Jesus. Stalwart Christians must stand in the gap and assert through prayer that only God's will be done. Subsequently, after Friday night dinner, on January 30, a prayer and fasting vigil will begin and continue until the decision of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina is made known. Prayers should be that God's will be done because we do not know what the Lord God has in mind for our Brother Parker Williamson. You are cordially invited and encouraged to participate in this intercessory prayer effort. Those who cannot fast for health reasons are to make other suitable arrangements. Concurrently, a number of our brothers and sisters in Christ from across the nation will be journeying to Asheville, North Carolina, site of the presbytery meeting. Prayer for these pilgrims may include traveling mercies, warm and safe shelter and nourishment, both for the body and the spirit. The commissioners and the staff of the presbytery should be lifted up, also. Group intercessory prayer will be facilitated by opening the Confessing Church Movement Chat Room for this purpose on Friday, January 30, at 10:00 pm est. (9:00 pm cst., 8:00 pm mst., and 7:00 pm pst.). Prayer will last as long as there is someone who wishes to offer prayer. The room is available 24/7. Indicate your first name prior to login. The URL is: http://confessingchurches.org/ccpc/Chat/index.html Together, we are lifting our eyes to the Lord God through Jesus Christ asking for power to conqueror powers and principalities arrayed against his Church and for an awakening of the Saints. You may wish to invite other Christians to join with us. May God have mercy upon us. Jim Tuckett The Old Gray Dog

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