Moderator candidates answer Layman questions Walter J. Ungerer |
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Friday, March 26, 1999 Each of the four candidates for moderator of the 211th General Assembly has responded to a request from The Presbyterian Layman that they briefly answer questions about Scripture, organizational funding, and demonstrations on the floor of General Assembly. 1. Briefly summarize your understanding of the nature and authority of Scripture. My views concerning the nature and authority of Scripture are in keeping with our Reformed Faith. I like Eugene H. Peterson’s translation of II Timothy 3:15: “There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another – showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way.” No one can say how Scripture is inspired, but it is “God-breathed” without bypassing the personalities, literary skills or the cultural context in which it was written. Scripture comes with its own inherent authority and by the Holy Spirit becomes the Word of God to and for us – “The Rule for Faith and Practice.” As a 17-year-old, I found Christ through Scripture. Scripture gives me the foundation for my preaching and wisdom to deal with social and racial evils. I cannot pick or choose what for me is the Word of God. Sometimes I do not want Scripture to speak to me for the words hurt and convict. I am convicted of my sin and unethical behavior and discover grace and forgiveness. Always Scripture challenges me. As the Confession of 1967 states, “The Scriptures are not a witness among others, but the witness without parallel.” 2. Should the PCUSA provide funding and staff for organizations and agencies that promote beliefs and behaviors that contradict our confessions and constitution? In general, I would say, “No!” But it isn’t that simple. When I was a member of the General Assembly Council, we were confronted with the reimagining controversy. Some of us were asking questions concerning funding and sponsorship because some of the teachings, worship events and theology proclaimed were inconsistent with Scripture and the Reformed tradition. Like Paul writing to the Galatians, we were concerned “that it was another Gospel which is no Gospel at all.” Withdrawing funds is a radical measure and before such action is taken, the Assembly must be well-informed, deliberative and pastoral. The right questions should be asked and honest answers expected. We are to discern the truth and seek the mind of Christ. We should state clearly our concerns and follow Biblical principles in attempting to correct wrongs. Only after every effort has been made to help individuals or groups to see the error of their ways and having no results do we cease funding or providing staff. There are boundaries in the Reformed Faith, and the Purity of the Church is never sacrificed for peace and unity. Tough love is a healthy parental love which holds us accountable for our actions and words. We must always test the Spirit to see if it is of God. 3. If you were elected moderator, how would you respond to a request from individuals or an organization to hold a demonstration on the floor of GA in order to protest or influence a GA decision? If elected Moderator, it would be my responsibility to see that the Assembly conducts its business with the proper decorum in keeping with Robert’s Rules of Order. In recent years, Assemblies have been disrupted by sit-ins, walk-arounds, parades and other demonstrations – peaceful or otherwise. The Assembly floor is not the place for such actions or displays of dissent. As Moderator, I would discourage such demonstrations, suggesting that there are appropriate areas in the convention center for voicing feelings or “making a statement.” Special interest groups within the Presbyterian Church have the right to express their views and feelings, but in a designated area away from the Assembly floor. It would be appropriate for the Office of the General Assembly to write guidelines for demonstrations and freedom of expression. We are a church of order! It would seem improper for the Moderator to grant any group or organization time to dissent after a vote has been taken. There is a due process for reconsideration and that should be followed. I would hope all the actions and behavior of the Assembly would be Christ-like and demonstrate to the world that Presbyterians can peacefully debate as sisters and brothers in Christ. In the heat of the moment, it is appropriate to stop and pray for God’s leading. Ungerer, a minister, was endorsed by Wabash Valley Presbytery. |
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| Moderator
candidates answer Layman questions Frank Diaz Freda A. Gardner Charles W. Kim |
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| The Presbyterian Layman March/April 1999 | ||
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