Resolution seeks to limit distribution of PLC Publications By Parker T. Williamson The Layman Online Monday, June 21, 1999 FORT WORTH, TX – The General Assembly Bills and Overtures Committee has docketed for action a resolution that calls on the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation to cease its distribution of Presbyterian Lay Committee publications. Announced at a Witherspoon Society luncheon and later confirmed by members of the Bills and Overtures Committee, Commissioners' Resolution 99-6 will be considered by the General Assembly Committee on Pensions, Benefits, and Presbyterian Publishing. Filed by commissioners Nancy Whiteley and John Bush, the resolution states: "The 211th General Assembly (1999) directs the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation to stay the implementation of any business arrangement with the Presbyterian Lay Committee until the General Assembly Council or its successor enters into discussions with the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation about the negative effect the Presbyterian Lay Committee continues to have on the mission of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and report back to the 212th General Assembly (2000) for its further direction." A 'dubious business arrangement' In their printed rationale, Whiteley and Bush say that the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation has entered into "a dubious business arrangement" with the Presbyterian Lay Committee which is "not accountable to or under the jurisdiction of the General Assembly." The business arrangement to which these commissioners refer is an agreement that the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation will warehouse, market and sell books published by PLC Publications, the publishing arm of the Presbyterian Lay Committee. Quoting accusers Whiteley and Bush argue that in 1995 a special committee of the General Assembly accused the Presbyterian Lay Committee of "destructive activities" that "undermine the work of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and do great damage to the integrity of Christ's body, the Church." What the resolution does not state, however, is that the General Assembly rejected this accusation by a vote of 517 to 20. In its response to the accusation, the 1995 General Assembly enacted a series of recommendations that "approve and endorse" the Lay Committee's standards, including its commitment to the Evangelical Press Association's Code of Ethics. The Assembly's final statement on the matter was conclusive. Noting that its action was "deliberately brief and obviously non-punitive," it said that it intends "that the assembly shall not take up the topic again." [Italicized emphasis included in the minutes]. The Presbyterian Publishing Corporation offers a wide variety of publications for Presbyterian consumers, including many volumes that challenge the traditional theology and ethics of Reformed Christian faith. Its business arrangement with PLC Publications offers the denominational publishing house greater access to a fast-growing market for conservative and evangelical publications. Organizational backing for the commissioners' resolution is coming from the Witherspoon Society, an independent group of Presbyterians that claims to advocate an increasingly "inclusive and diverse" church. |
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your response to Fort Worth We welcome your e-mail response to this story and will display your comments on a TV screen for commissioners and visitors to the General Assembly in Fort Worth. Please keep your response brief. Related articles: Committee rejects attempt to limit distribution of PLC Publications June 22, 1999 Witherspoon Society charges refuted by '95 General Assembly Responses from readers on limiting distribution of PLC Publications |
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