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.