Constitutional defiance list increases by 17 churches The Layman Online Friday, November 1, 2002 Other recent articles on defiance of the PCUSA Constitution Cincinnati pastor re-emphasizes defiance Defiance movement goes coast to coast Support for gays nailed to Dobbs Ferry Church Another church says it will defy PCUSA Constitution Two cases provide insight into current ordination charges Commissioners asked to call special meeting of GA Constitutional process is not working, complainant says Defiant minister facing charges marries another same-sex couple While the leaders of dozens of congregations have made public declarations that they are defying – or will defy – the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA), there are many others who have issued similar declarations, but outside the public limelight. During a search of Web sites of More Light Churches, The Layman Online found 17 congregations whose leaders declare that they have violated or intend to violate one or more of the constitutional provisions. The denomination's highest court has said that even a statement by church officers of their intent to defy a constitutional standard is a violation of their vows. Among the constitutional standards that they openly violate: 1. The "fidelity/chastity" ordination standard. 2. The prohibition against "marrying" same-gender couples. 3. The admission of members who declare that they are not Christian, but agnostic. 4. The proclamation that there are other "gateways" to God besides Jesus. 5. Open communion in which non-Christians are served the elements. There have been no reports of complaints against any of the 16. In cases where defiant leaders issued high-profile declarations, charges have been filed against more than 20 ministers and elders – some dating back to March of 2001 – but none of those cases has come to trial. Meanwhile, an effort is under way to secure enough signatures for an historic called meeting of the General Assembly to deal with what many have described as a "constitutional crisis." The Layman Online's discovery of the 17 additional defiant congregations was based on Web searches of congregations that are affiliated with More Light Churches. Only a fraction of the 100-plus More Light Churches have Web sites, which means there might be many others in defiance whose "mission" statements are not in the public domain. The 17 congregations and excerpts from their Web declarations are: 1. First and Franklin Street Presbyterian Church of Baltimore, Md. The congregation's mission statement says that its "active members of our Church are entitled to vote and hold office." The statement emphasizes that policy includes people who would otherwise be disqualified under G-6.0106(b), the "fidelity/chastity" ordination standard. "We regret that G-6.0106(b) seeks to impose unprecedented requirements on the offices of elder and deacon, and we respectfully submit that this new provision of the Book of Order improperly interferes with our congregation's inalienable right to elect its officers." 'Progressive' principles Some of the declarations of Sausalito and McKiney churches, based on the eight principles of the Center for Progressive Christianity, include Understand our sharing of bread and wine in Jesus's name to be a representation of God's feast for all peoples. [The PCUSA Constitution limits communion to baptized Christians.] Recognize the faithfulness of other people who have other names for the gateway to God's realm. [Scripture, the confessions and the General Assembly are unified in declaring that there is salvation in none other than Jesus Christ.] Invite all sorts and conditions of people to join in our worship and in our common life as full partners, including (but not limited to): – Believers and agnostics. [PCUSA membership requires a profession of faith in Jesus Christ. One cannot become a Presbyterian by saying he does not know – agnosticism.] – Homosexuals and heterosexuals. (The Sausalito Church statement also emphasizes that "anyone and everyone" may participate fully – "be it as pastor, elder, deacon … be it in … baptism, the Lord's supper, marriage or holy union." 2 & 3. Two congregations – Sausalito Presbyterian Church in Sausalito, Calif., and McKinley Church and Foundation in Champaign, Ill., ascribe to eight principles of the Center for Progressive Christianity. Those eight principles are contrary to a number of constitutional standards. [See box] 4. Church of the Pilgrims in Washington, D.C.: "There is but one requirement for membership in the Presbyterian Church (USA), and that is acceptance and public proclamation of Jesus Christ as one's Lord and Savior. There are no other rules to bar or restrict membership. All persons, regardless of race, gender, religious heritage, nationality, sexual orientation, political persuasion, economic status, educational level, or physical health and ability are welcome in the church. … All members are asked to serve in ways that reflect their abilities … and, when called by the church, ordination as ministers, elders, or deacons." 5. West Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, Del.: "We covenant together to elect, ordain, and install as officers those members with suitable gifts who are called to ministry, who are persons of strong faith, exhibit dedicated discipleship, and share our love of Jesus Christ, and whose manner of life is a demonstration of the Christian gospel in the church and the world, without additional requirements or restrictions. Further, we covenant to uphold the constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in all its provisions, except G-6.0106b." 6. Riviera Presbyterian Church, Miami, Fla.: "Membership in Riviera Presbyterian Church is open to all who confess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Because we believe that God makes no distinction among people, we welcome members into the church's ministries and ordained offices without regard to race or ethnic background, economic or social circumstances, gender, sexual orientation, marital status or disability." 7. Westminster Presbyterian Church in Tiburon, Calif.: "Welcomes into membership and the offices of the church all persons of faith, regardless of race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation or level of education, income, or other human conditions." 8. First United Church in Oak Park, Ill. – Presbyterian Church (USA) and United Church of Christ: "We welcome gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people into the full life and ministry of the church." 9. Church of the Covenant in Boston, Mass. (United Church of Christ and the Presbyterian Church (USA): "A church which welcomes all persons into the life, membership and leadership of its congregation on an equal basis." In 1995, the church publicly proclaimed its stance on same-sex unions, saying, "We are called to name that these marriages/unions hold the same legitimacy and value as those weddings we traditionally have participated in throughout the history of the church." 10. Northside Presbyterian Church in Ann Arbor, Mich.: "We invite everyone – regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, or other worldly condition – to fully join us in worship, leadership, and community." 11. Trinity Presbyterian Church in New York City: "A congregation in which lesbian and gay persons can participate and serve fully as members and leaders. It chooses and ordains Elders and Deacons based on their character and Christian experience rather than worldly categories that separate and harm people." 12. Rutgers Presbyterian Church in New York City: "A church that welcomes individuals into full membership, including ordained offices, without regard to sexual orientation. Because we believe that all human beings are created in God's image and are members of the Body of Christ, and because we wish to legitimize who we are, and to be explicit in what is already our common and historical practice, we … welcome and embrace all persons who seek to live faithfully into full membership and participation in the Presbyterian Church (USA), including the opportunity and the responsibility to serve in ordained leadership positions." 13. First United Presbyterian Church in Troy, N.Y.: "A church that welcomes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Christians into full membership and participation in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), including the opportunity and the responsibility to serve in ordained leadership positions." 14. Sixth Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, Pa.: "Even as the world seeks to divide us according to our economic, racial and ethnic group, age, gender, abilities, theological position, marital status, and sexual orientation, we believe that in Christ there is no such division. Our congregation is strengthened through its diversity. We welcome all to our church community and its activities. Our membership is open to anyone who confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The right and privilege to vote and hold office is extended to all active church members." 15. Church of Reconciliation in Chapel Hill, N.C.: "The Church of Reconciliation receives into membership those who profess their faith in Jesus Christ. We uphold the constitutional stance of the Presbyterian Church (USA) which entitles active members "to all the rights and privileges of the church including the right...to vote and hold office." We are gratefully open to the service and leadership of all who are called to ordained positions in our congregation. Neither race, nor gender, neither ethnic origin, nor sexual orientation, neither age, nor infirmity, neither economic condition, nor any other aspect of personhood will divide this Christian community." 16. Tabernacle Church in Philadelphia, Pa.: "In affirming that God works through all of us, we extend to anyone wishing to share in the worship, work and leadership of the church all privileges and responsibilities of membership, including ordination as elders. We will not exclude those whom the Spirit has called on the basis of sex, age, race, sexual orientation, country of origin, economic, cultural or religious background, disability, or any other human condition." 17. Clarendon Presbyterian Church in Arlington, Va.: "We have determined that we cannot agree to abide by [G-6.0106b] without violating our informed conscience, faith, and interpretation of our obligations. We covenant together to elect, ordain, and install as officers those members with suitable gifts who are called to ministry, who are persons of strong faith, dedicated discipleship, and love of Jesus Christ, and whose manner of life is a demonstration of the Christian gospel in the church and the world, without additional requirements or restrictions."

Respond to this article

Home · News · PLC Publications · The Presbyterian Layman Online Reviews · Archives · History of the Lay Committee · Feedback · Links