Presbytery rejects PCUSA split, withholding proposal By John H. Adams The Layman Online Wednesday, May 19, 1999 The Beaver-Butler Presbytery endorsed a strongly worded statement criticizing the selection of lesbian-activist Jane Spahr for a Women of Faith award, but rejected language that would have begun steps toward a split in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and withholding funds from the denomination. The resolution that was approved overwhelmingly during the presbytery's called meeting Tuesday night (May 18) was substantially different from the one that was proposed. This time, there was no reference to beginning a process that would allow congregations which defy the PCUSA Constitution to leave the denomination with their property and money. Neither did the approved resolution include the originally proposed one-year moratorium on paying the presbytery's per-capita to the General Assembly. The original resolution was aimed at setting the stage for an "amicable" exit visa, with property and funds, for congregations that refuse to abide by the PCUSA's ordination standards, which prohibit sexual relations outside of marriage. Gay activists have successfully challenged the standards in some church courts and parliamentary bodies, and several overtures that would revise or eliminate the standards are on the General Assembly's agenda. The presbytery vote was too late for consideration as an overture. The deadline for overtures to the 211th General Assembly, which will meet in Ft. Worth June 19-26, was May 5. The resolution expressed "great concern for the unity of the PCUSA in the future, in light of ongoing efforts (especially during a sabbatical called for by leaders in the denomination) by individuals, sessions, and presbyteries to undermine the Constitution of the PCUSA and the clear witness of Scripture." The Rev. Dan Reuter of Prospect Presbyterian Church said the objectives of the original resolution might still be introduced through a commissioners' resolution to General Assembly. A commissioners' resolution requires the signatures of at least two commissioners from different presbyteries. Reuter was one of five ministers and two elders who signed the original resolution and succeeded in getting the presbytery to call the meeting Tuesday night. Early in the meeting, a substitute resolution was introduced that omitted a proposed study on allowing dissident congregations and presbyteries to separate from the denomination. An amendment proposed by the Rev. Chris Marshall reinserted a call for a separation study, but it was defeated 55-42. That cleared the way for a standing 2-1 vote adopting the substitute resolution. The resolution expressed: "Deep displeasure" over the selection of Spahr to receive a Women of Faith award "in light of her continued advocacy for the ordination of practicing homosexuals, a position contrary to the witness of Scripture and the Constitution of the PCUSA." "Disappointment over the lack of discernment of the selection committee." "Disillusionment with the General Assembly Council Executive Committee for its failure to exercise a more pro-active leadership role in the light of the potential harm done to the denomination" through selection of Spahr. Support for Curtis A. Kearns and members of the National Ministries Division steering committee for seeking to overturn the award to Spahr. The resolution also expressed "great concern for the unity of the PCUSA in the future, in light of ongoing efforts (especially during a sabbatical called for by leaders in the denomination) by individuals, sessions, and presbyteries to undermine the Constitution of the PCUSA and the clear witness of Scripture." Finally, it appealed to "all in the denomination" to abide by the constitution and "to cease from engaging in actions that disrupt the peace, unity and purity of the church, to submit to the will of God as revealed in Scripture, and to join together in the ministry of Jesus Christ."

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