3 more congregations endorse 'A Call to Constitutional Integrity' The Layman Online Tuesday, December 3, 2002 Three more congregations have joined a growing chorus of churches – 18 in 10 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. Salem Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, Ohio; Lely Presbyterian Church in Naples, Fla.; and Mountville Presbyterian Church in Portersville, Pa., 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. Georgia: Bethany Presbyterian Church in Covington. Iowa: Burt Presbyterian Church in Burt and First Presbyterian Church in Conrad. Minnesota: Zion Presbyterian Church in Ellsworth. North Carolina: Brittains Cove Presbyterian Church in Weaverville. 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, Center Presbyterian Church in Grove City and Knoxville United Church in Pittsburgh. Virginia: Blackstone Presbyterian Church in Blackstone. In a letter accompanying its resolution, the session of Salem Presbyterian Church wrote, "We believe that the Presbytery has moved away from the idea of what we are really impressed to do as Christians." "Our congregation is very small but size does not matter when it comes to doing what one feels is right. It would be so easy to sit back and just 'ride' along with the majority but somehow we do not feel this is what our Lord wanted us to do. He gave His life for us. We should be able to at least give some time to this effort. "It is time that this nation wakes up and realizes that the conservative way is the only way to go. We cannot keep going being a 'loose' and 'easy' society. "We, as a congregation, cannot actually see why there even is a problem. Everything is in black and white in the Bible as to how we are supposed to be living and treating each other. This is supposed to be the Book of Life, the rules of life, etc. There should be no question as to what is expected of us." 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