 Presbyterian Leaders’ Forum  Wednesday, November 18, 1998
A Message from the PLC Chair Last month, our local paper featured Lyle Schaller’s concerns about impending schism among United Methodists. Rev. Schaller observes that United Methodists are “increasingly polarized” over the Bible, issues of sexual morality that stem from biblical interpretation, the doctrine of Christ, religious authority, music, missions, multiculturalism, and organizational minutiae. James Heidinger III, head of the Methodists’ evangelical caucus, responded that Schaller is “starting the conversation about the enormous chasm that exists, something the church has refused to acknowledge for the past 30 years.”Does this sound familiar? Haven’t we Presbyterians already “been there – done that?” For more than 30 years, the Presbyterian Lay Committee has been reporting on the enormous chasm that has existed between Presbyterians in the pews and those who have been in control of our denomination. Laity and clergy leaders alike now acknowledge a deep and wide theological chasm and are seeking ways to bridge it or go around it. Our Presbyterian form of church government uniquely allows our laity and clergy to cooperatively seek such ways. On October 10 at Gathering III, more than 500 Presbyterians enthusiastically affirmed “Union in Christ: A Declaration for the Church” and committed personally to work diligently to implement the related document – “Turning Toward the Mission of God: A Strategy for Transformation of the PCUSA” – as their answer to our own deep divisions. The Presbyterian Coalition and participants at Gathering III recognize that the theological chasm in the PCUSA can be overcome only through our union in Christ. Reformation Sunday worship at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Wichita, Kan., started with bagpipes and ended with “A Mighty Fortress.” God’s word was powerfully proclaimed from Revelation 2:12-17, the letter to the church at Pergamum. Our confession of faith affirmed the first section of the Declaration – “Union In Christ.” It was a perfect blend of our distinctive tradition with the promise that reformation can become a reality through our union in Christ. But a reformation or a transformation of the PCUSA will not occur if we are only hearers of the word, if we only profess faith in Christ as Savior. We must also be doers of the word and commit to Christ’s Lordship of the church and of our individual lives. The transformation of the PCUSA will become a reality in our lifetimes if we lay leaders will seriously respond to our ordination vows and commit our time and talent to the implementation of the Coalition’s six strategies for renewal. Then Christ will say to us as he did to some of those at Pergamum – “… you remain true to my name … You did not renounce your faith in me …” Urge your Session and your Pastor to affirm the Declaration – “Union in Christ” – and commit to implementation of the Strategy for Transformation. Copies are available from the Presbyterian Coalition, or via the PLC’s website, www.layman.org. Robert Howard |
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