Evangelicals: No ‘third-way’ on gay issues By John H. Adams The Presbyterian Layman Volume 34, Number 1 Posted January 24, 2001 The idea that there should be a “third way” compromise between evangelicals and proponents of same-sex marriages and gay ordination has been rejected by an evangelical team whose members come from renewal groups in the Presbyterian Church (USA). In response to a statement issued by a number of presbytery and synod employees, the five evangelical leaders said there will be no “third-way” political compromise. “Involvement in the issues of our day and church, including meeting with those with whom we disagree, has never been, nor is it now, about our way, or their way, or some other third way which might be mutually satisfying,” the evangelicals said. “Rather, it is about Christ’s way. Alone.” In making their suggestion in December, the 119 presbytery and synod employees pointed to a Bible study involving the five evangelicals and five people selected by the Covenant Network. Last September, the 10 met for 20 hours of Bible study, worship and meals. They are scheduled to meet again in March. The first meeting ended with strong disagreement over the authority of Scripture. The evangelicals defended the traditional Reformed doctrine that Scripture is inspired by God and authoritative for life and faith. The Covenant team insisted that some Scripture – particularly about homosexual conduct – is in error. The statement by the employees of presbyteries and synods pointed to the Bible study as a model for the denomination, saying, “We believe the Church we love has a future, but it will not be by determining winners and losers. It will be determined by seeking a third way. We envision a third way which can come only from an openness to the Spirit. We will rely on God’s grace and refuse to leave the table until a way is discovered. We believe seeking a third way is critical and is already present among us.” In response, the evangelicals said, “… we have not, and we will not, engage in any search for an alternative to Scripture’s clear and plain teaching, for we believe, as our Preliminary Principles declare, ‘Insofar as Christ’s will for the Church is set forth in Scripture, it is to be obeyed.’ Christ’s way is about seeking his will by studying his Word and agreeing to obey it in his Church.” The five people signing the evangelical statement are Jerry Andrews and Anita Bell, co-moderators of the Presbyterian Coalition; Bill Giles, executive coordinator of the Coalition; Terry Schlossberg, executive director of Presbyterians Pro-Life, and Parker T. Williamson, executive editor of The Presbyterian Layman.

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