May 13, 2011
With news that 87 presbyteries have now voted affirmatively on Amendment 10-A, there is, in the words of Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church (USA), both “joy and weeping.” That is the same reaction that our church has experienced over three decades.
The difference this year is that the sides switched from the one with joy to weeping, and the one weeping to joy. Who knows how the next vote will turn out, as there will surely be one.
This family fight is bad enough all by itself, but it has been egged on for years by lobbying groups on both sides with political agendas outside of, in my opinion, what the church needs to be about. I run the risk here of alienating both sides, for I am not in favor of ordaining gays, women, blacks or whites. I believe ordination is about God's calling individuals as best we can discern it as Christ's body.
That, I think, is why I was not concerned about the vote in 2009 or the one taking place now. If we could stop defending our positions and actually read the wording that will replace what has been in the Book of Order since the mid 1990s, I believe we can see that sessions and presbyteries still have the obligation and awesome responsibility of looking at every person who is being considered for office in the PCUSA, Deacon, Elder or Minister of Word and Sacrament.
Standards for ordained service reflect the church’s desire to submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life (G.-1.0000). The governing body responsible for ordination and/or installation (G-14.0240; G‐14.0450) shall examine each candidate’s calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability for the responsibilities of office. The examination shall include, but not be limited to, a determination of the candidate’s ability and commitment to fulfill all requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W--‐4.4003). Governing bodies shall be guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual candidates
Our local governing bodies, church Sessions and Savannah Presbytery, will still use the opportunity to thoroughly examine each candidate. They will still affirm the call by hearing and reading the individual’s statement of faith, his or her understanding of scripture guided by the Holy Spirit and the Confessions of our church. They will still be examined as to their understanding of Reformed Theology, our polity; and their life and faith will be evidenced by speaking with people who know the individual. This is how we confirm the validity of God's calling in the PCUSA. Nothing in this amendment to our Book of Order has changed that.
My friends, it is not about political agendas to exclude groups, or to include groups. It is not about following our culture. It is about discerning God's will as best we are able in every individual call. So my hope is that Savannah Presbytery can say together that we will not be sidetracked by any issue; even one that has divided us for so long. For we have a calling. We have work to do in the name of our Lord, Jesus the Christ. That is where our allegiance lies and where differences are not important as we minister as one body to“the least of these.” Let us be about it!
Grace and Peace!
Russell
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