11 more congregations endorse 'A Call to Constitutional Integrity' The Layman Online Monday, December 9, 2002 Eleven more congregations have joined a growing chorus of churches – 26 in 13 states – that, while decrying "a constitutional crisis" in the Presbyterian Church (USA), are calling on church leaders to uphold the denomination's constitution and to exercise the Rules of Discipline against those who defy it. Arcadia Presbyterian Church in Arcadia, Calif.; Rourk Presbyterian Church in Ellerbe, N.C.; McLean Presbyterian Church in Ellerbe, N.C.; St. Luke Presbyterian Church in Kansas City, Mo.; First Presbyterian Church in Ashton, Iowa; Ackerman Presbyterian Church in Ackerman, Miss.; First Presbyterian Church in Levittown, Pa.; Tarkio Presbyterian Church in Tarkio, Mo.; First Presbyterian Church in Rusk, Texas; Zenith Presbyterian Church in Stafford, Kan.; and First Presbyterian Church in Elmwood, Ill., have joined the following congregations in proclaiming the present time "a season of unrest and open defiance of church discipline:" Alaska: Haines Presbyterian Church in Haines. California: Michillinda Presbyterian Church in Pasadena. Georgia: Bethany Presbyterian Church in Covington. Iowa: Burt Presbyterian Church in Burt and First Presbyterian Church in Conrad. North Carolina: Brittains Cove Presbyterian Church in Weaverville and Windermere Presbyterian Church in Wilmington. Ohio: Westminster Presbyterian Church in Canton. Pennsylvania: Burgettstown Presbyterian Church in Burgettstown, First Presbyterian Church in Parker, Chillisquaque Presbyterian Church in Pottsgrove, West Grove Presbyterian Church in West Grove, Center Presbyterian Church in Grove City and Knoxville United Church in Pittsburgh. Virginia: Blackstone Presbyterian Church in Blackstone. In a letter to Stated Clerk Clifton Kirkpatrick that accompanied its resolution, the session of Rourk Presbyterian Church in Ellerbe, wrote: "To 'people of the earth' here, the folks staffing the General Assembly offices appear to be unattached to the real world, much less orthodox Christianity. … If one loses touch with God, one loses touch with the real world. (Or are you a closet deconstructionist?) "Now, it is our understanding that in some parts of the Presbyterian Church (USA) there are sessions of the denomination that feel it is their right to deny their vows in upholding the discipline outlined in the Book of Order. We may be out in the country, but we aren't so detached that we don't feel 'connected' to the misdeeds of those rebellious sessions. We all took the same vows. Why do we take vows if not to keep vows? Something substantial should be done. "We understand from current debate on 'Constitutional Integrity' that, as stated clerk, you may lack formal legal abilities to challenge such rebellious sessions that choose to disobey their vows, but you do have – at the very least – the power to speak with moral authority. In short, do you or do you not support the Book of Order as it is now given? If you do so support it, then shop shilly-shallying around and say what the Book of Order and our vows require – Church discipline." The resolutions approved by all the church sessions are similar to resolutions for "A Call for Constitutional Integrity" previously approved by the Presbyterian Lay Committee and the Presbyterian Coalition. The resolutions refer to a growing number of individuals, churches and some presbyteries that publicly are defying the constitutional standards regarding ordination standards, same-sex marriages, open communion, including prayers and teachings from other religions in worship services and other issues. Public declarations of defiance have increased since the 214th General Assembly met in June, with defiant Presbyterians saying they have a right to violate the denomination's constitution. The language of defiance has become bolder, with unbending assertions that breaking church law is protected by one's conscience and that the law – though anchored in Scripture and the church's confessions – is immoral. Some of the declarations of defiance have led to charges being filed in church courts. But, so far, none of the courts has issued a ruling that affirms the constitutional standard. The constitutional crisis rose to greater intensity with the news that Baltimore Presbytery has proposed not enforcing the constitution if it is presented with either disciplinary or remedial cases involving the denomination's ordination standards. In its proposal, the Baltimore Presbytery also would instruct its sessions not to entertain such cases. Many evangelicals are declaring that there is a "constitutional crisis" because local church sessions and presbyteries – the ordaining bodies in the PCUSA – are either ignoring the constitution or flagrantly violating its requirements. Despite all the reports to the contrary, Kirkpatrick claims there is no constitutional crisis. Kirkpatrick, whose job is "to preserve and defend the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA)" (G-11.0112e), repeatedly has said that it is not his job to enforce the constitution, but he also has said ministers and elders have no right to defy the requirements of G-6.0106b.

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