Speakers argue against overture affirming the role of Scripture By Paula R. Kincaid The Layman Online Monday, June 26, 2000 LONG BEACH, Calif. -- It seemed like a "Who's Who" of the pro-gay movement during hearings held by the Theological Issues Committee when it began considering an overture that would affirm the role of Scripture in the life of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Opposing Scripture as the highest authority in the denomination were: Jane Dempsey Douglas, a keynote speaker at a Covenant Network's conference, where she told her audience that ordaining persons who engage in homosexual behavior is consistent with the Reformed tradition, even though she admitted the reformers universally condemned such behavior; Gene TeSelle, of the Witherspoon Society, an independent organization that promotes liberal causes in the Presbyterian Church (USA), including ordination of practicing homosexuals; Pam Byers, co-moderator of the Covenant Network which has taken the leading role in opposition to the ordination standards of the Presbyterian Church (USA), all spoke against the overture. Douglas said the passage of the Book or Order which the overture seeks to change focuses on the "Lordship of Christ. This overture seeks to shift the focus from Christ to the Scripture." Byers said that the overture denies the "ongoing work of the Holy Spirit." TeSelle called the Bible "simply a narrative of human acts and divine acts converge in Jesus Christ." Byron Shafer also spoke against the amendment saying that "what divides the church is not Scriptural authority. Our differences are how we interpret the Bible." The committee will discuss and vote on the issue this afternoon.

Respond to this article

2000 General Assembly news index

News From the PCUSA Home · News · PLC Publications · The Presbyterian Layman Online Reviews · Archives · History of the Lay Committee · Feedback · Links