 Holy ground … and the story of a small church in French Camp  The Layman Volume 40, Number 1, Posted May 7, 2007
French Camp Presbyterian Church is an unusual congregation. According to the denomination’s 2005 statistical report, the congregation numbers just 94 members, but it has a Sunday school enrollment of 225. Adjacent to a Christian community for children whose home life has been shattered, this tiny church offers spiritual succor to the Lord’s little ones and to those who nurture them. It’s a loving place, where broken lives are healed and those who have been orphaned are guided into unfolding opportunities. For the French Camp congregation, its association with the Presbyterian Church (USA) has become increasingly problematic. French Camp children are taught that the Bible is the Word of God, a fixed star that they can trust when navigating seas of uncertainty. But Presbyterian Church (USA) leaders cast doubt on that authority, suggesting that the Scriptures be bent into cultural conformity. French Camp children are taught that whatever the mode of their entrance into this world, they are the children of a gracious heavenly Father. They were loved before they were born and are precious in his sight. Denominational leaders promote a different theme, defending the decision of a mother to expunge her offspring before it sees the light of day. French Camp children are taught that the marriage of a man and a woman is instituted by God and blessed by our Lord Jesus Christ. But agencies of the denomination are working to undermine the institution of marriage, promoting and blessing aberrant couplings that Scripture forbids. How can one train a child in godly living when tethered to a denomination whose leaders bless ungodly acts? How can children know right from wrong when subjected to the mixed messages of contextual ethics? Such questions led the French Camp congregation to sever its ties with the Presbyterian Church (USA), for it came to the conclusion that a continued connection with this denomination poses a clear and present danger to those entrusted to its care. The Presbytery of St. Andrew appears amicable to the departure. After all, it is not likely that the tiny French Camp congregation adds much to its coffers. But its property is a different matter. You can go, the presbytery says, but we’re hanging onto your deed. And, in our benevolence, we’ll rent the sanctuary to you and your children. In an interesting aside, a condition that the presbytery has attached to its proposed lease is that French Camp consent to a quit claim deed in favor of the presbytery. That leads one to wonder if St. Andrew officials are all that sure of their ground. If, as they claim, the property is theirs, why are they asking this congregation of orphans and their caretakers to sign it away? Such questions, of course, are for lawyers and judges to decide. Ours is another concern. How in the name of all that is holy can those who control this dying denomination bolster its assets with property that was given by local Christians to glorify God in their particular locus of mission and ministry? When presbytery leaders stoop to require orphans to rent their place of worship, have they no shame? When traveling the Natchez Trace, stop by French Camp for a cup of tea, a plate of cookies and a taste of Southern hospitality. Enjoy bed-and-breakfast accommodations on campus, and learn first-hand what this magnificent ministry is doing in the lives of the Lord’s children. But you might want to make that visit soon, before St. Andrew Presbytery builds a toll booth at the gate. The Rev. Parker T. Williamson is editor emeritus of The Layman. |
||
| Respond
to this article Previous columns by Parker T. Williamson Home · News · PLC Publications · The Presbyterian Layman Online Reviews · Archives· History of the Lay Committee · Feedback · Links |
||
