Evangelical response:
Renewal Movement Speaks With One Voice: Responding to the 217th G.A. Action on Ordination
Today, in a single vote by 298 commissioners, the constitution of the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) effectively was changed. The mandated
requirements of ordination, rooted in Scripture and our Confessions,
have been made optional. Sessions and presbyteries have been allowed
to treat the Seventh Commandment as “not essential.” These
ordaining bodies have been told that they need not obey the explicit
instruction of the apostles: that all Christian believers should “abstain
from … sexual immorality” (Acts 15:29).
The consequences of the decision of this General Assembly throw our denomination
into crisis.
Many individuals and congregations will conclude from this decision
that the PC(USA) has abandoned the historic faith of the Church. The
decision will be regarded by others in the worldwide body of Christ as
profoundly offensive.
Yet we do not believe that God has abandoned the members of the PCUSA. We
do believe that God’s Word, by the power of God’s Spirit, is able
to convict, transform, and restore. We are thankful for the many Presbyterian
congregations and members who testify so boldly to that power—even this
week in Birmingham. Faithful commissioners and advisory delegates have
stood valiantly and effectively for doctrines such as the Trinity and the sanctity
of human life.
We will redouble our efforts to bear witness to the Gospel in this troubled
time and place. We reaffirm our ordination vows at the very time when
those vows are being cheapened. This recent decision marks a profound deviation
from biblical requirements, and we cannot accept, support, or tolerate it.
We will take the steps necessary to be faithful to God and to those God calls
us to serve.
Let us all be guided by the passage from which comes, providentially, the theme
of this 217th General Assembly:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let
us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us
run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer
and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him
endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right
hand of the throne of God.
Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that
you may not grow weary or lose heart. In your struggle against sin you
have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood….
Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make
straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint,
but rather be healed.
Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see
the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that
no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and through it many become
defiled."
- Hebrews 12: 1-4, 12-15 (NRSV)
The signers of the statement issued by the Presbyterian Renewal Network:
Rev. Richard Burnett Constitutional Presbyterians
Rev. Susan Cyre Presbyterians for Faith, Family, & Ministry
Rev. Paul Gaug Evangelical Presbyterian Pastors Fellowship
Rev. David Henderson New Wineskins
Rev. Dean Weaver New Wineskins
Kristin Johnson, MDiv OneByOne
Rev. Brad Long Presbyterian Reformed Ministries, International
Rev. Robert Pitman Knox Fellowship
Rev. Sid Rice Literacy & Evangelism, International
Elder Terry Schlossberg Presbyterian Coalition
Rev. Michael Walker Presbyterians for Renewal
Rev. Parker Williamson Presbyterian Lay Committee
Elder Alan Wisdom Presbyterian Action
Elder Marie Bowen Presbyterians Pro-Life