Presbytery wants Covenant Network leader to develop new congregation The Layman Online Tuesday, October 7, 2003 The Presbytery of Salem in Greensboro, N.C., has decided to name a leader of the Covenant Network – a special-interest group committed to the removal of the "fidelity/chastity" ordination standard in the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA) – to head a new church development. After a number of intense debates at presbytery meetings, the presbytery has cleared the way for the Rev. Lou McAlister East, the Covenant Network's Southeast Regional coordinator, to be called as "tentmaker/organizing pastor" of Epiphany New Church Development (NCD) in Greensboro. The final vote will be on Oct. 21, but, without a dramatic change, East's appointment appears to be a done deal. At least, that's the way the Covenant Network viewed the matter. In May, the Covenant Network announced that East would head the NCD. "As the Covenant Network job is half-time, Rev. East will devote her other energies to the Steering Committee for the Epiphany New Church Development in Greensboro. Salem Presbytery has given formal approval to this NCD to 'celebrate our diversity as a gift from God.'" That announcement also noted that "Covenant Network board members and former PCUSA Moderators Al Winn and Doug Oldenburg serve on the Epiphany Advisory Committee." The Epiphany project was proposed by a group of individuals who are all opposed to the presence of G.6.0106b in the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA). In their proposal to the presbytery, they stated their desire to plant a congregation that "honors authentic justice for God's people, celebrating the diversity that is seen in our communities." All the individuals serving on the steering committee of this NCD are committed to the removal of G.6.0106b (the fidelity/chastity requirement for church officers) from the Book of Order. An attempt made on the floor of the presbytery in October 2002 to amend the proposal so that it stated clearly that the NCD Steering Committee would carry out its work in compliance and obedience to the Constitution of the PCUSA. The amendment, however, was defeated. At the next meeting of Salem Presbytery, an attempt was made to add the name of a person to the steering committee who was supportive of the ordination standard, to reflect better the diversity of opinion that exists in Salem Presbytery, which is sharply divided on this issue. It was, likewise, defeated.

Respond to this article

Home · Archives · The Layman · PLC Publications Presbyterian Lay Committee · Feedback · Links