Broken Covenant
The Layman Online, July 6, 2006
The 217th General Assembly has shattered the covenant that embodies the essential beliefs and practices that define the Presbyterian Church (USA). Two actions of this assembly repudiated both Biblical teaching and the constitutional commitments that form the basis of our communion. As a consequence of these actions, we can no longer say we are people of the Book.
By receiving “The Trinity: God’s Love Overflowing,” our highest governing body granted license for congregations to employ in teaching and liturgy a variety of metaphors alongside the God-given names, “Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” In its failure to reject this paper, our denomination welcomed an alternative to Christ’s imperative that the Father’s name is to be hallowed (Matthew 5:9), and it has encouraged defiance of the Third Commandment (Exodus 20:7).
By adopting Recommendation 5 of the Task Force Report on Peace, Unity and Purity, the assembly granted sessions and presbyteries full discretion to declare as “non-essential” Biblical standards that are mandated by the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA). In taking this action, the assembly amended the Constitution without using the process that is required by the Constitution, thus denying the presbyteries their proper role in making such decisions.
These changes have opened the way not only for the ordination of persons who openly engage in sexual activity outside of marriage, but also of persons who do not believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus or any other foundational doctrine of the faith. Every ordination standard may now be deemed optional. Congregations that honor Reformed faith will experience a viral effect, as other congregations within their presbyteries exempt themselves from essential tenets of that faith.
Accordingly, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) has broken covenant and invited schism. Its repudiations of our historic bond are the culmination of serial separations from the denomination’s historic beliefs and practices that began decades ago.
For more than 40 years the Presbyterian Lay Committee has worked for renewal within the structures of the Presbyterian Church (USA). We have sought to be faithful presbyters, serving on committees and commissions, and contributing our tithes and offerings while voicing loyal opposition to policies and programs that have compromised God’s Word. Denominational leaders have resisted calls from our partner renewal organizations and us to turn back. Now, by the actions of the 217th General Assembly, our highest governing body has crossed a critical line of demarcation.
Reluctantly, and with deep sorrow, we conclude that current renewal efforts within the Presbyterian Church (USA) are not capable of reversing the denomination’s plunge into apostasy. Continuing the remedial course that our renewal organizations have pursued for more than four decades will not save this ecclesiastical body; for its sin is so systemic as to render it impervious to change from within. This institution begs not for improvement, but for Reformation and transformation.
Therefore, we must rise to denounce this General Assembly’s abandonment of the Church Universal. We call upon Presbyterians at every level of the church to challenge its seismic breaches of covenant. We urge sessions to seek counsel and take all necessary steps to ensure that all gifts and the real property entrusted to them are used for ministry in Christ’s name. Further, we urge them seriously to explore fellowship with other like-minded Presbyterians who share their commitment to the historic Reformed Christian faith.
We encourage members of these fellowships to stand together against any punitive retribution that may be directed toward any of their congregations or pastors. We will publicize any attempt by ecclesiastical functionaries to intimidate or penalize God’s people for their faithfulness to the Gospel.
Scripture tells us that after Elijah confronted the institutionalized evil of his time, he felt terribly alone. It was then that the Lord revealed to him thousands of steadfast believers who had not bowed the knee to Baal. Emboldened by that trustworthy counsel, we do not lose heart. We believe that the Lord will rally thousands of Presbyterians whose integrity will not abide the compromised faith that has been wrought upon them by the 217th General Assembly.
This assembly’s rupture of the covenant community has not left the world without a witness, for it is in just such times that Reformation and transformation break forth. Even now – especially now – Jesus Christ is gathering his followers around his Word. Presbyterians, Episcopalians, United Methodists and others whose denominational institutions have diluted or abandoned Biblical belief are turning away from decaying structures that have encumbered their witness, and they are turning toward the Lord Jesus, who alone is the Way, the Truth and the Life. In unison, we confess, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
During this summer and fall, groups of Presbyterians who are obedient to the Word of God will gather to seek a way forward. Our board members will participate in each conclave, praying that the Lord who knows the end from the beginning will lead these various initiatives toward a common purpose and direction that glorifies him.
These are times of transition. In the next several months, as strategic decisions are made, we call faithful Presbyterians to an extended season of prayer for the future of our communion. The shape of that future now appears through a glass darkly. But, trusting in the providence of a sovereign Lord, we can confidently believe what Scripture affirms: Together with all those who love him, we will see him face to face.
Board of Directors
The Presbyterian Lay Committee
July 4, 2006.