Dear Church Family,
Last summer, at the General Assembly meeting, the commissioners voted to make a change to paragraph G-6.0106b in the Book of Order:
Currently, paragraph G-6.0106b reads, “Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to Scripture and in conformity to the historic confessional standards of the church. Among these standards is the requirement to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (W-4.9001), or chastity in singleness. Persons refusing to repent of any self-acknowledged practice which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained and/or installed as deacons, elders, or ministers of the Word and Sacrament.”
Once a majority of Presbyteries vote to make a change, and at this point this will happen in mid to late April, the old language will be erased from the Book of Order and the new language will read, “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.”
The first thing people notice is that the new paragraph does not contain the “fidelity and chastity” clause which was added to the Book of Order about fifteen years ago. There are some in our denomination who are very concerned about this omission; however the Book of Order was never meant to be a book with specific rules, but a book of principles. So rather than listing one particular sin among many, the new wording states, “Standards for ordained service reflect the church’s desire to submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life.” This one sentence expresses what a list can never do, for our faith is not a list of rules to keep but it is about a Lord whom we serve.
With this said I must be up front and point out that the upcoming change to the Book of Order comes with a measure of controversy. Though, the wording of the new paragraph is superior to the wording of the old paragraph, the intention behind this change is to open the way for the ordination of gay and lesbian persons, which is of course a hot issue that faces several other denominations.
I do not want to labor on this issue, but in short, it is the task of a Presbytery to examine, ordain and install ministers. Please note, there are no mandates which would instruct a Presbytery to ordain gay and lesbian persons. However, some Presbyteries may interpret that an actively gay person is called by Jesus Christ, and has the gifts for ministry, and ordain that person. Mike Cole, our Presbytery Executive, told our Session that what the PCUSA is doing would best be described as “The Local Option.” That is some Presbyteries may choose to ordain active gay and lesbian persons, and some will choose not to do this.
What does this mean for Westminster? Well it depends on your perspective. I like to think that there will be no change. We will continue to be part of a Presbytery that I assume will not ordain gay and lesbian ministers.
Now let me be frank (or Steve). I know that this change in the Book of Order and its implications for the PCUSA will, and has caused a level of distress in our church. And I will be open with you and say that accepting the Old and New Testament to be the unique and authoritative witness and God’s word to me, I am not convinced that the ordination of gay and lesbian persons is something that is appropriate for the church. However, with that said, I must be willing to love and accept anyone who enters our church doors.
So, it is late-April and you pick up the Daily Sentential and the headline reads, “PRESBYTERIANS VOTE TO ORDAIN GAY AND LESBIAN PERSONS,” I hope you understand that what we are actually doing is allowing a local option for Presbyteries and Sessions, and this means some gay and lesbian persons may be ordained in the PCUSA, but of course this is already the case.
And when this happens what do I plan to do? I plan to pick up my hammer and go to the Habitat work site on Tuesday and Saturday mornings and help build a house. I will continue to teach a Pastor’s Class, a Sunday School class when called upon, work in Vacation Bible School and teach Confirmation Class. I will enjoy watching the members of this church lead this community in mission: as you mentor young children in the public schools, teach ESL classes, help evacuees during hurricane season, serve on various charitable boards in our community, deliver furniture for Love in the Name of Christ, feed people through Project hope, teach Vacation Bible School both here and in Romania, make prayer shawls, meet for Bible Study and prayer in circles, and who knows what else we do, along with giving beyond the call of duty to support this church and our mission in the world. What did Jesus say, “By their fruits you will know them.” I also expect to see everyone on Sunday morning as we join our hearts and voices in the praise of our Lord Jesus Christ who gave his life that we may be free from the chains of all that would hold us back in sharing his love.
Finally, since I know that many of our members will have questions, our Session has set aside Sunday evening, April 10 for anyone who wants to come and hear a little more about this issue, express your concerns, and asks questions. This meeting will begin at 7:00 PM and we are planning to meet in the Sanctuary. If only a few come we may move to a smaller room.
Please keep the church and our mission in your prayers.
Blessings,
Steve
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