 
Bohl calls for civility at Covenant Network luncheon By Parker T. Williamson The Presbyterian Layman |
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CHARLOTTE – Rev. Robert Bohl, whose Covenant Network of Presbyterians suffered landslide losses in its Amendment A campaign, bemoaned the loss of civility among Presbyterians. At a General Assembly luncheon sponsored by the organization Bohl said of his opponents: “They couldn’t accept the word ‘integrity,’” referring to one of the words in the defeated amendment. “Now we know why. You can’t accept what you can’t demonstrate.” Bohl complained bitterly over mistreatment that he said he experienced at the hands of conservative Christians. “We have been villainized and victimized,” he alleged. “I’ve never been the brunt of so much hate mail.” He reported that the author of an unsigned letter told him, “I pray to God every day that you will die before you kill the church.” Bohl said that although he did not know who sent it, he was sure it “represents one of the renewal groups.” “The issue is power and control,” said Bohl. “If we do not [remove G-6.0106b], we will not be a church of love but a church of law.” He referred to the Presbyterian Coalition’s call for denominational reform as “a call for the destruction of the church as we know it.” Bohl’s civility speech was intended to introduce the Covenant Network’s featured speaker, Jack Stotts, former president of Austin Theological Seminary. Speaking on the values of unity and diversity, Stotts pointed to the inherent tension between them and the necessity to maintain a dynamic balance. Excessive emphasis on diversity results in chaos, he said, and tilting toward unity leads to imperialism. Stotts lamented the war that has erupted between these forces in the Presbyterian Church. “The first victim in any war is truth,” he said. Stotts suggested that “unity in Christ precedes diversity, presumes diversity, and is positioned to accept more equally just illustrations of unity in diversity.” As the meeting drew to a close, Pamela Byers, executive director of the Covenant Network reported plans for a conference in November at which Union Theological Seminary (VA) professor Douglas Ottati will speak on Christology (the person and work of Jesus Christ). Ottati has been a focus of con- troversy in the seminary community since it was revealed that he does not affirm the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. |
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The Presbyterian Layman, July/August 1998 contents |
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