3 more congregations endorse 'A Call to Constitutional Integrity' The Layman Online Wednesday, November 27, 2002 Three more congregations have joined a growing chorus of churches – 14 in eight states – that, while decrying "a constitutional crisis" in the Presbyterian Church (USA), are calling on church leaders to uphold the denomination's constitution and to exercise the Rules of Discipline against those who defy it. Brittains Cove Presbyterian Church in Weaverville, N.C., Center Presbyterian Church in Grove City, Pa., and Bethany Presbyterian Church in Covington, Ga., have joined the following congregations in proclaiming the present time "a season of unrest and open defiance of church discipline:" Alaska: Haines Presbyterian Church in Haines. California: Michillinda Presbyterian Church in Pasadena. Iowa: Burt Presbyterian Church in Burt and First Presbyterian Church in Conrad. Ohio: Westminster Presbyterian Church in Canton. Pennsylvania: Burgettstown Presbyterian Church in Burgettstown, First Presbyterian Church in Parker, Chillisquaque Presbyterian Church in Pottsgrove, West Grove Presbyterian Church in West Grove and Knoxville United Church in Pittsburgh. Virginia: Blackstone Presbyterian Church in Blackstone. In a letter to Stated Clerk Clifton Kirkpatrick, the session of Center Presbyterian Church in Grove City, Pa., wrote about the "blatant intent of many to openly defy the provisions of our constitution. While some of your recent communications say that it is up to the Permanent Judicial Commissions at the various levels of our denomination to deal with the defiance, what is to happen when those Permanent Judicial Commissions either don't act to consider the cases being brought to them, or, having made a ruling, the entities involved do not follow through on the ruling? We feel your communications fail to address that aspect of the present situation." In its letter to Kirkpatrick and the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, the session of Bethany Presbyterian Church in Covington, Ga., wrote, "We feel that compliance with the constitution must be enforced. If G6.0106b, the fidelity and chastity clause, is not enforced, then no other portion of the constitution would be effective." "This just can't happen. Please be assured that we will be in prayer that this effort will encourage the General Assembly Stated Clerk to enforce compliance with all of the constitution," the letter said. The resolutions approved by all the church sessions are 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 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 and the church's confessions – 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. The constitutional crisis rose to greater intensity with the news that Baltimore Presbytery has proposed not enforcing the constitution if it is presented with either disciplinary or remedial cases involving the denomination's ordination standards. In its proposal, the Baltimore Presbytery also would instruct its sessions not to entertain such cases. 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. Despite all the reports to the contrary, Kirkpatrick claims there is no constitutional crisis. Kirkpatrick, whose job is "to preserve and defend the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA)" (G-11.0112e), repeatedly has said that it is not his job to enforce the constitution, but he also has said ministers and elders have no right to defy the requirements of G-6.0106b.

Respond to this article

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