| CHICAGO—The Theological
Task Force on Peace, Unity, and Purity of the Church voted unanimously
today to approve their report
to the 217th General Assembly (2006) of the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.).
The vote is the culmination of the group’s
work, which began in December 2001. Their mandate from the General
Assembly is “to lead the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in
spiritual discernment of our Christian identity in and for the
21st century.” Specific issues to be addressed include biblical
authority, the nature and work of Jesus Christ, ordination standards,
and power.
The task force makes seven recommendations,
the first of which calls for the denomination to stay together
while deep disagreement over issues like the ordination of gay
and lesbian persons remain. “The gospel makes a difference
in how we deal with those with whom we disagree,” remarked
the Reverend Frances Taylor Gench, during the group’s discussion
prior to their vote.
The group of twenty Presbyterians, chosen deliberately
for the diversity of their views, recommends that the PC(USA)
“avoid division into separate denominations.” They
urge forming diverse “discernment groups” like the
task force itself and using discernment processes to complement
parliamentary procedures that Presbyterian decision-making bodies
are required to use.
To deal with the most controversial issues before
it, the task force recommends that conflicts over ordination be
addressed by the General Assembly issuing an “authoritative
interpretation” of traditional Presbyterian principles that
are summarized in section G 6.0108 of the Book of Order, part
of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The authoritative
interpretation affirms both the responsibility of the whole church
to set ordination standards and the responsibility of the ordaining
regional body to apply those standards. In the PC(USA), regional
bodies known as presbyteries ordain ministers. The session—a
congregation’s governing body—ordains elders and deacons
who serve as officers in the congregation.
The task force’s proposed authoritative
interpretation does not change the current constitutional standard
for all persons seeking ordination: “chastity in singleness
and fidelity in marriage between a man and a woman.” Nor
does it call for exceptions to traditional Presbyterian procedures.
It does, however, re-emphasize a church tradition, dating from
1729, when ministers were permitted to dissent from an article
in church standards of doctrine and government. If the ordaining
body deemed that article “not essential,” the ordination
could proceed.
The authoritative interpretation requires that
an ordaining body assess ways a candidate departs from established
standards. If the candidate does not adhere to an essential of
faith and practice, the candidate is barred from ordination. But
if the ordaining body decides, after considering all aspects of
the candidate’s faith and conduct, that the departure is
from a non-essential, ordination may be considered.
The result of this process would be that serious
consideration of the question of essentials will make the examination
of candidates for ministry both more rigorous and more flexible.
Several presbyteries have already sent motions
to the 217th General Assembly, which will meet in Birmingham next
June, asking that the current “fidelity and chastity”
standard be removed. The task force “strongly encourages”
next year’s General Assembly to make no changes to the Constitution
in any area covered by the task force report, so that new proposals
can be put into practice in a climate of less conflict.
The task force also encourages all Presbyterians
to seek “conciliation and mediation” with each other
rather than instituting formal actions against each other.
The task force report, entitled “A
Season of Discernment,” offers a lengthy theological
reflection on the denomination’s Christian identity in and
for the 21st century as a demonstration that a diverse group of
Presbyterians can affirm core Christian doctrines together. The
report recounts the task force’s “spiritual progress”
as it studied the Bible and theology, worshipped, and discussed
difficult issues.
The report includes a review of Presbyterian
history and church law that offers some precedents and resources
for staying together in times of conflict.
Elder Jenny Stoner, co-moderator of the task
force, commented on the prospects of the report: “I believe
that Presbyterians who disagree about some key issues really want
to find ways to live together in unity and peace, holiness and
justice. That is why our task force was created. I hope our report
will be considered seriously and prayerfully as a means to that
end.”
The Reverend Gary Demarest, the other co-moderator,
agreed: “The ultimate goal is not just to get along with
each other, but to strengthen the mission of God to the world.
Our witness to the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ must flow
through our love for one another. In a world where people kill
each other over differences, we are called to love friends and
enemies midst the realities of our differences.”
Printed copies of the final report are available
for $5 through PDS by calling (800) 524-2612 and asking for item
#OGA-05-088.
Contact info: Sharon
Youngs , Communications Coordinator, Office of the General
Assembly; (888) 728-7228, ext. 5750.
|
Updated 9/15/05
