Beaver-Butler presbytery approves overtures on 'irreconcilable impasse' By John H. Adams The Layman Online Thursday, November 18, 1999 HOOKER, Pa. – The Beaver-Butler Presbytery has approved two overtures that could lead to a split in the Presbyterian Church (USA). The first is in the form of a statement that declares an "irreconcilable impasse" in key theological issues, ranging from the authority of Scripture to the atonement of Christ. The second would begin a process toward allowing congregations which "in good conscience cannot comply with G-6.0106b" of the Book of Order to leave the denomination with their property and assets. Commissioners to the presbytery meeting on Nov. 16 approved the first overture 61-46; they approved the second 63-50. Debate was brief, about 30 minutes, but heated. In May, shortly before the 1999 General Assembly convened, the Beaver-Butler Presbytery voted on a similar, but hastily written, overture that would have begun the process toward providing an easy exit for congregations that dissent from the G-6.0106b, the "chastity/fidelity" clause in the ordination standard. That overture was defeated by four votes. But the proposals presented at the Beaver-Butler Presbytery meeting this time were products of a collaborative editorial effort among the pastors of 16 congregations. They were carefully constructed to focus the argument on key theological questions. The first overture set forth eight theological issues in which "there exists in the denomination an irreconcilable impasse …" The overture included no call for action. Instead, the action component was addressed in the second overture. The impasses were described as follows: Biblical Authority: Whether the Bible is accurate and the Word of God speaks to His entire church with absolute authority, or whether Biblical authority is determined by personal feelings or various academic disciplines. Biblical Interpretation: Whether "the Protestant watchwords – grace alone, faith alone, Scripture alone" (Book of Order, G-2.0400) govern our understanding of the Biblical text, or whether we allow other hermeneutic devices such as justice/love to displace them. Jesus Christ: Whether Jesus Christ, through His atoning sacrifice, is the only means of salvation, or whether there are other means of salvation such as those revealed in the diversity of human religions and philosophical traditions. Salvation: Whether salvation is primarily God's forgiveness of sin, leading to eternal life and participation in God's church, or whether salvation is primarily freedom from political, social or economic disadvantage. Ethics: Whether sexual behavior among Christians is governed by clear divine commandments, or whether societal norms and/or individual motives may determine what is and what is not appropriate. Leadership: Whether Christian leaders are expected to conform to Biblical standards for conduct and character, or whether willingness to fulfill office is the primary qualification for church leadership. Sanctification: Whether God, through the Spirit's work, is concerned with transforming the whole person into the image of Jesus Christ, or whether God is primarily concerned with the sins of cultural hegemony, racism, sexism and bigotry. The Chuch: Whether the church is God's creation and governed by God through Scripture, the Headship of Christ and the Holy Spirit, or whether the church is an institution to be governed by human political processes and notions of fairness. The overture says the issues have been debated for years without resolution and that the Presbyterian Church (USA) is "evolving into two mutually exclusive theologies." It says the continuing disagreement "perpeturates an atmosphere of tension, mistrust and hostility." The overture sets forth no plan of action, other than the fact that "recognition and resolution of these core theological issues is essential if Presbyterians are to pursue the Great Ends of the Church …" The second overture calls for action by the 212th General Assembly during its meeting at Long Beach, Calif., in June 2000. It asks that the General Assembly direct the moderator to appoint a task force of 20 people to explore how the Book of Order may be amended to permit congregations that cannot comply with G-6.0106b to leave the denomination with their property and assets. The task force would report its findings and recommendations to the 213th General Assembly. The Rev. Jeff Arnold of First Presbyterian Church in Beaver was one of the leaders in the 16-congregation effort that produced the overtures. The group also produced rationale and other material for commissioners to consider before they voted. Arnold said he has been asked to speak to caucuses in other presbyteries about the process of writing and presenting the overtures.

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