Evangelicals reject 'third-way' compromise By John H. Adams The Layman Online Monday, December 18, 2000 Evangelicals' statement Recently we agreed to meet with some in the church with whom we disagree, with the distinct conviction that Christ alone is Head of the Church and that knowing and obeying his will as revealed in Scripture is the calling of the Church. The five of us, in agreeing to participate in these meetings, claim neither the authority nor the intention to negotiate any constitutional standard of the PCUSA. We studied Scripture together with others in September and are agreed to do the same again this March. We are troubled that our participation in these Scripture discussions would be understood by any as seeking a political settlement. It is not. Involvement in the issues of our day and church, including meeting with those with whom we disagree, has never been, nor is it now, about our way, or their way, or some other third way which might be mutually satisfying. Rather it is about Christ's way. Alone. Therefore, we have not, and we will not, engage in any search for an alternative to Scripture's clear and plain teaching, for we believe, as our Preliminary Principles declare "Insofar as Christ's will for the Church is set forth in Scripture, it is to be obeyed." Christ's way is about seeking his will by studying his Word and agreeing to obey it in his church. It is about open and honest discussion and debate among all Presbyterians; it is about open and honest deliberation and decision by the governing bodies of the church. To this we pledge ourselves, invite any and all to join with us, and expect this of the church, the whole church. We proclaim in our theology and order in our polity, Christ's will. Alone. Jerry Andrews, Co-moderator Presbyterian Coalition Anita Bell, Co-moderator Presbyterian Coalition Bill Giles, Coordinator Presbyterian Coalition Terry Schlossberg, Executive Director Presbyterians Pro-Life Parker T. Williamson Executive Editor Presbyterian Lay Committee The idea that there should be a "third way" compromise between evangelicals and proponents of same-sex marriages and gay ordination has been rejected by a Presbyterians Together evangelical team whose members come from renewal groups in the Presbyterian Church (USA). In response to a statement issued by a number of presbytery and synod employees, the five evangelical leaders said there will be no "third-way" political compromise. "Involvement in the issues of our day and church, including meeting with those with whom we disagree, has never been, nor is it now, about our way, or their way, or some other third way which might be mutually satisfying," the evangelicals said. "Rather it is about Christ's way. Alone." In making their "third-way" suggestion the presbytery and synod employees pointed to a Bible study involving the five evangelicals and five people selected by the Covenant Network. In September, the 10 met for 20 hours of Bible study, worship and meals. The meeting ended with strong disagreement over the authority of Scripture. The evangelicals defended the traditional Reformed doctrine that Scripture is inspired by God and authoritative for life and faith. The Covenant team insisted that some Scripture – particularly about homosexual conduct – is in error. The statement by the employees of presbyteries and synods pointed to the Bible study as a model for the denomination and said, "We believe the Church we love has a future, but it will not be by determining winners and losers. It will be determined by seeking a third way. We envision a third way which can come only from an openness to the Spirit. We will rely on God's grace and refuse to leave the table until a way is discovered. We believe seeking a third way is critical and is already present among us." In response, the evangelicals said, "… we have not, and we will not, engage in any search for an alternative to Scripture's clear and plain teaching, for we believe, as our Preliminary Principles declare 'Insofar as Christ's will for the Church is set forth in Scripture, it is to be obeyed.' Christ's way is about seeking his will by studying his Word and agreeing to obey it in his church."

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