Commissioners will again make a number of important decisions in the space of a few days. Here are research findings on several topics expected to foster debate at this year's meeting.
Sex and Ordination
Presbyterians generally support the policy that denies ordination to sexually-active homosexual persons, including (in a 1996 Presbyterian Panel survey) 57% of members, 66% of elders, 57% of pastors, and 44% of specialized clergy. Also, prior to its 1997 adoption by a majority of the presbyteries, 65% of members and 64% of elders favored approval of the constitutional amendment ("B") that now requires church officers "to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage of a man and a woman, or chastity in singleness." (Clergy were not asked their opinions on this amendment.)
Race Ethnicity
At the end of 1996, more than nine in every ten members were white, non-Hispanic. The trend shows only slight changes in the last five years (see table). At the same time, a 1996 survey found 574 immigrant fellowships, most not officially organized as PCUSA congregations, worshiping in facilities provided by existing PCUSA churches.
| 1991 | 1996 | |
|---|---|---|
| Racial-Ethnic Category | ||
| White, non-Hispanic | 94.3% | 93.2% |
| Minority racial-ethnic | 5.8% | 6.8% |
| Black | 2.4% | 2.6% |
| Asian | 1.5% | 1.8% |
| Hispanic | 0.8% | 0.9% |
| Native American Indian | 0.4% | 0.4% |
| Other | 0.7% | 1.1% |
| Total | 100.1% | 100.0% |
Elders
In 1996, 42% of all elders on PCUSA sessions were female, an increase from 37% in 1983. A total of 354 congregations, or 3.4% of those reporting, had no females on session. (In the membership as a whole, 59% are female, a figure that has not changed appreciably since Reunion.)
Ecumenical Relations
The establishment of closer ties with other Reformed bodies (the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Reformed Church in America, and the United Church of Christ) fits with general Presbyterian opinion on ecumenism. In the February 1996 Panel survey, 80% of members, 81% of elders, 43% of pastors, and 55% of specialized clergy agreed that denominations should set aside their differences and work together for the visible, structural reunion of the Church.
Synods
Sizeable minorities of pastors (41%) and specialized clergy (33%) hold that synods should be abolished. Another 21% and 25%, respectively, favor continuation but only with major modifications. (April 1991 Panel survey)
Abortion
Current policy on abortion was set at the 1992 Assembly, upon receipt of a special committee report that included findings from a June 1990 Presbyterian Panel survey. That survey found that large majorities (64% or greater) of members, elders, pastors and other ministers support keeping abortion legal, especially during the first three months of a pregnancy. At the same time, Presbyterians clearly divide over the use of abortion for reasons of personal or social convenience, e.g., 42% of members favor and 36% oppose legal abortion in the situation where a family has very low income and cannot afford any more children.
The Population Explosion
Around four in ten members and pastors believe (according to a May 1997 Panel survey) that rapid population growth is "one of the most serious" environmental problems facing the earth, although only 2% of members and 12% of pastors are aware that the General Assembly has previously encouraged Presbyterians to have only two children per couple.
Check the Research Services site on the PC(USA) web page for relevant research on other issues that emerge between now and General Assembly.
Email the author: Jack Marcum
Research Services