GA won't commend Promise Keepers By John H. Adams The Layman Online Thursday, June 24, 1999 FORT WORTH – The General Assembly voted by a margin of more than 3-2 Wednesday not to commend Promise Keepers after hearing from speakers who disagreed with its theology, its male-only ministry and its opposition to abortion on demand. The proposed commendation came to the Assembly floor via a commissioners' resolution, which asked the Assembly to commend Promise Keepers for its Christian witness to Presbyterian men and to encourage the organization to speak out against discrimination against women. The questions raised about theological differences – including Promise Keepers' opposition to abortion and the fact that its ministry is for men only – were answered by some quid pro quos. Rick Porter of the Presbytery of Southern New England said Promise Keepers is no further from the PCUSA theologically than many members of the World Council of Churches, to which the PCUSA is a major contributor. Doctrinal issues debated "Do we baptize babies naked in a font?" he said, referring to some African liturgies. On the abortion issue, he said, the PCUSA has adopted positions that honor both pro-choice and pro-life. Furthermore, "I'd estimate that 10 times as many of our men are involved in Promise Keepers as they are in Presbyterian Men." But Commissioner Nancy Whitely of the Presbytery of Shenandoah said that if the General Assembly commended Promise Keepers, "we are saying we are in agreement with their doctrine. They speak highly of the divinity of Christ, but not of the humanity of Christ. As Presbyterians, we believe both are important." Commissioner Marvin Donaldson of the Presbytery of Eastminster said Promise Keepers had produced new members and more active members for the PCUSA – "and they've made better husbands." But one commissioner who has been active in Promise Keepers recommended against commendation. "Love it, enjoy it, but it's pretty presumptuous of us to tell someone else how to do their ministry." Several speakers objected to the endorsement of any parachurch ministry. |
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