Pittsburgh congregation endorses 'Call for Constitutional Integrity' The Layman Online Monday, November 4, 2002 A Pittsburgh congregation, declaring that there is a growing constitutional crisis within the Presbyterian Church (USA), has called for upholding the denomination's constitution and for exercising the Rules of Discipline against those who defy it. The resolution approved by the session of Knoxville United Church is similar to resolutions for "A Call for Constitutional Integrity" previously approved by the Presbyterian Lay Committee and the Presbyterian Coalition. The resolutions refer to a growing number of individuals, churches and some presbyteries that publicly are defying the constitutional standards regarding ordination standards, same-sex marriages, open communion, including prayers and teachings from other religions in worship services, and other issues. Public declarations of defiance have increased since the 214th General Assembly met in June, with those defiant Presbyterians saying they have a right to violate the denomination's constitution. The language of defiance has become bolder, with unbending assertions that breaking church law is protected by one's conscience and that the law – though anchored in Scripture – is immoral. Some of the declarations of defiance have led to charges being filed in church courts. But, so far, none of the courts has issued a ruling that affirms the constitutional standard. Many evangelicals are declaring that there is a "constitutional crisis" because local church sessions and presbyteries – the ordaining bodies in the PCUSA – are either ignoring the constitution or flagrantly violating its requirements. The text of the Knoxville United Church's resolution reads: A Call for Constitutional Integrity 1. We reaffirm our ultimate commitment and submission to the supreme authority of Jesus Christ, the Lord of the Church, and thus, we reject the elevation of personal opinion and self as ultimate authority. 2. We reaffirm our commitment and submission to the authority of Christ and the Scriptures as embodied in the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA), having freely placed ourselves under that authority by our ordination vows, and thus, we reject the legitimacy of and will not condone defiance of the Constitution, which undermines that authority. 3. We pledge ourselves to labor for a just and equitable adherence to the Constitution by utilizing the Rules of Discipline in the spirit of its Preamble, and thus, we reject and will not condone any failure of corporate disciplinary will or corruption or malfeasance in the judicial process.

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