Mebane Presbyterian November 1, 2011 Kathy Everhart, Dwight Johnson, Joyce Smith and Ivan Tyre

Transcription

1 Mebane Presbyterian November 1, 2011 Kathy Everhart, Dwight Johnson, Joyce Smith and Ivan Tyre

2 } For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works (Titus 2:11-14).

3 } The Session in June 2011 appointed a task force to: Gather information regarding a response to Amendment 10 A (new ordination standard) Prayerfully study PC(USA) policies and programs The nature of MPC s relationship to PC(USA) What is effected due to coming changes in Constitution? What are the ramifications?

4 } The Changing PC(USA) Present the historical and current issues facing the denomination Theological shift Ordination standards New Form of Government } Recommendation of Session } We will summarize Disaffiliation policy of Salem Presbytery

5 } Representative form of government General Assembly -- National Synod Mid-Atlantic Salem Presbytery -- regional Local churches led by a Session } Over the years the lower governing bodies have been at odds over higher governing body decisions GA meets bi-annually and brings recommendations Decisions of the GA must be ratified at Presbytery level and each Session is then accountable to these decisions. } The current leanings of GA and Salem Presbytery are to move to adopt cultural norms versus scriptural and historic confessional standards.

6 } 5 Pillars of Reformed Faith 1. Jesus Christ is one with God, that by His death and bodily resurrection He is the unique and only mediator between God and humans, and that there is salvation in no other. 2. The Bible is the only inspired, perfect, sufficient and authoritative word of God and the only source for Christian doctrine 3. Salvation comes by divine grace only, and apart from any human merit or achievement 4. Our justification (i.e. being declared just by God) is received by faith only 5. Everything is done for God s glory alone

7 } 1. That Jesus Christ alone is Lord of all and the way of salvation. 2. That Holy Scripture is the Triune God's revealed Word, the Church's only infallible rule of faith and life. 3. That God's people are called to holiness in all aspects of life. This includes honoring the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, the only relationship within which sexual activity is appropriate.

8 } In 1981, the highest court in the PCUSA upheld National Capital Union Presbytery s decision to ordain Mansfield Kaseman. In answer to the question, Was Jesus God? Kaseman replied, No, God is God. Later, in an attempt to explain his position, he said, Saying Jesus is one with God is a better way of saying it but I, too, am one with God.

9 } In 1993, a conference entitled Re-Imagining God was funded by the PCUSA mission budget ($60,000) and planned largely by PCUSA personnel at denominational expense. At the conference, worship leaders denied the existence of a transcendent God, worshipped the god within ourselves, and exchanged the goddess Sophia for Jesus Christ, declaring that Jesus was first born only in the sense that he was first to show us that it is possible to live in oneness with the divine source while we are here on this planet.

10 } In 2000, The Rev. Dirk Ficca (a member of Chicago Presbytery) was the featured speaker at the PCUSA sponsored and funded Peacemaking Conference. He stated that world peace is threatened by religions that make exclusive claims, and he asked rhetorically, If God is at work in our lives, whether we re Christian or not, what s the big deal about Jesus? } In 2001, the Executive Committee of the General Assembly Council, the PCUSA agency responsible for the conference, declined to discipline Ficca or even to distance itself from his Jesus statement. Rather, it affirmed that PCUSA conference speakers had the freedom to express their convictions.

11 } At the 2001 General Assembly, a motion was made to declare the singular, saving lordship of Jesus Christ. That motion was defeated when the assembly was persuaded that such a statement was disrespectful to other religions. Religions are like a basket of fruit, said a speaker representing the prevailing opinion. Apples and oranges are different, but they are all fruit. Religions are different varieties of the same thing, so they re all equal.

12 } The 2008 and 2010 General Assemblies struggled over attempts to forge a statement that might strengthen relations among Christians, Muslims and Jews. Exclusive claims for Jesus became a stumbling block in those discussions. In the end, the General Assembly diminished Jesus divine character in order to forge more friendly inter-faith relations. During committee and plenary testimony, frequent use was made of the mantra, we are all children of Abraham. Commissioners urged one another to diminish not by denial, but by omission Trinitarian statements and statements that emphasize Jesus divine nature, since such statements have proven stumbling blocks during interfaith dialogues.

13 } Throughout the PCUSA, there is a general pattern of prioritizing one s perceptions of faith above the propositional truths of Scripture. Scripture then is only authoritative if it melds with the preconceptions one brings to it. This breaks from the reformed tradition, which not only declares that Scripture is our authority, but stipulates how Scripture is to be properly interpreted via the principle that Scripture interprets Scripture. In other words, one is to read a particular passage in the light of the whole counsel of Scripture.

14 } The General Assembly disregards what Scripture says in favor of what its theologians say that Scripture means. One often hears the statement, We all agree that Scripture is authoritative, but we have different ways of interpreting it. This has led to the plight described in Judges 21:25: There was no king [authority] in Israel, and everyone did what is right in his own eyes.

15 } With the introduction of the Confession of 1967, introduced the idea of fallibility of Scripture. Says the Confession: the Bible was no longer considered the word of God, but rather a witness to the word of God Scripture is nevertheless the words of men, conditioned by the language, thought forms, and literary fashions of the places and times at which they were written. NOTE: 1967 was the last year PCUSA grew as a denomination. Since that year, the denomination has lost more than half its membership.

16 } In 2006, an alternative definition of the Trinity as Mother, Child, and Womb was offered in a paper submitted by the denomination s Theology and Worship Ministry Unit that was approved for study by that year s General Assembly. Those in PCUSA leadership eager to jettison the orthodox doctrine of the Trinity fall into two basic groups: (1) Radical feminists, who are offended by patriarchal terms such as Father and Son ; and (2) Ecumenicallyinclined syncretists, who see the Trinity as a stumbling block in their attempt to equate all religions, especially Christian, Muslim, and Jewish.

17 } Stated in the 2006 Report on Peace, Unity and Purity (PUP), General Assembly, Birmingham (2006): "Therefore, we believe the church should seek constructive, Christ-like alternatives to the 'yes/no forms in which questions about sexuality, ordination, and same-gender covenantal relationships have been put to the church in recent decades.

18 } In 2010, for the fifth time, the PCUSA General Assembly voted in favor of submitting to the Presbyteries its recommendation to overturn the fidelity-chastity clause governing ordination in the Book of Order. The same General Assembly voted to recommend to the Board of Pensions that same-gender couples be provided with benefits comparable to those offered to opposite-gender couples.

19 } In each General Assembly over the last two decades, a motion has been made to have the PCUSA affirm the sanctity of life and oppose the extermination of God s little ones living within the womb. Not one of those motions has been voted in the affirmative, with the PCUSA declining to approve any proposal to uphold the sanctity of life for unborn children.

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21 } Recommended Study on the issue of Civil Unions and Christian Marriage by the wider church body Majority and Minority reports were both received but no decision on recommendation of either. Those standing by the Scriptural standards wrote the Minority Report. Currently maintains the definition of Marriage between one man and one woman; however this is exactly the mechanism used in the early 90s when the churches were asked to study the issue of Homosexuality and leadership. } Recommended a revised Form of Government Ratified by majority of Presbyteries by July 2011

22 } Recommended a change in the Ordination Standards 54% to 46% margin to change the wording (later slide) This also ratified by majority of Presbyteries before July 2011 By a 53% to 47% vote, the assembly adopted a new Authoritative Interpretation (AI) on G b: Interpretive statements concerning ordained service of homosexual church members by the 190th General Assembly (1978) of the United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, and the 119th General Assembly (1979) of the Presbyterian Church in the United States and all subsequent affirmations thereof, have no further force or effect. So even if the Ordination Standard did not pass the AI would essentially grant the same effect.

23 } } Previous wording 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 ), or chastity in singleness. Persons refusing to repent of any selfacknowledged practice which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained and/or installed as deacons, elders, or ministers of the Word and Sacrament. } } New Wording: Standards for ordained service reflect the church s desire to submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life (G ). The governing body responsible for ordination and/or installation (G ; G ) 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 ). Governing bodies shall be guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual candidates.

24 } New Headlines such as: Presbyterian Church U.S.A. to allow gay and lesbian clergy (CNN, May 10, 2011) PCUSA Votes to Allow Openly Gay Clergy (Christian Post, May 11, 2011) Presbyterian Church endorses gay clergy: building a church that reflects God s heart (Washington Post, May 11, 2011) Presbyterian Church Ordains First Gay Minister (Fox News feed, October 10, 2011)

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26 } a Trojan horse filled with all kinds of surprises for those who thought they were voting on a few changes that would maximize flexibility in the way things were handled. (Letters to the editor of The Layman, Jan/Feb 2011, Peter Stuart, Charlotte, NC.)

27 } 1) The nfog impacts well over 150 pages of the former Book of Order. } 2) As far as membership rolls are concerned, there is no longer an inactive roll. There is no longer a need to keep a roll of marriages or differentiate between infant and adult baptisms. Churches may still choose to keep the rolls. } 3) Each session has been asked to come up with it s own Administrative Manual of Operations. Each church will have its own set of rules.

28 } 4) Congregations will need to determine their own quorum. There is no longer a set percentage. } 5) Terms of Call are not required to be reviewed annually. } 6) Congregations need to set their own rules for adequate public notice. It is no longer 2 consecutive Sundays.

29 } 7) Session and Presbytery oversight is no longer spelled out in specifics for Inquirers and Candidates for the Ministry. } 8) There is no accreditation process outlined for Certified Christian Educators. } 9) Certified Christian Educators now have voice and vote. Previously, they had voice only.

30 } 10) There is no longer a formula for basic parity of ministers and elders. It is now by Presbytery rule. } 11) Each level of governance will now determine it s own manual of operations.

31 } PCUSA is losing membership at about 3% per year. } Salem Presbytery has also been in decline: 6.9% decline in reported membership (since 2000) 18.10% decline in reported worship attendance (since 2000)

32 } The actions of the 218th General Assembly (2008) have made it clear that the PC(USA) s compromise of the Gospel of Jesus Christ has reached an unprecedented level. It is clear that the PC(USA) s confession of the Lordship of Jesus Christ and commitment to our Reformed confessions has weakened to the point that we can no longer assume a common framework of conversation. - Presbyterians for Renewal

33 } Today the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) lies gravely wounded, by the hand of its own General Assembly. This Assembly has struck multiple blows, threatening to sever the sinews that hold us together as a Christian body and as a part of the larger body of Christ. This is a day for grieving.... We grieve for the Assembly s terrible loss of faith. We grieve for the thousands of churches in our denomination who receive this news with shock and dismay. And we grieve for all those who are encouraged by this action to engage in sinful behaviors that God does not bless. - Presbyterian Renewal Network, a group of biblically-committed PCUSA organizations

34 } I am shocked and dismayed.... [T]he General Assembly of the PCUSA has taken a number of actions which are at odds with Scripture and threaten to unravel any vestige of purity, peace, and unity that may still exist within the denomination.... [T]he PCUSA is clearly on a path of selfdestruction in cutting herself off from the larger, global church. These actions are the product of bad theology. Bad theology always hurts people. The word heresy means to choose. With the actions of this General Assembly, the PCUSA has chosen to walk a different path than the path God has revealed to the Church in His Word. - Ronald W. Scates, pastor of Highland Park Presbyterian Church, one of the largest and most influential churches in the PCUSA

35 } Task force humbly and sadly recommends that Mebane Presbyterian begin the process of disaffiliation from the Presbyterian Church (USA) and then proceed with a new affiliation with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. } Session in September recommended that we proceed with the separation with further study to be done to address who to join.

36 The Session sends notice of intent to separate Presbytery establishes a Conciliation team to understand conflict and potential Reconciliation Presbytery establishes a Resolution team to attain a mutually agreeable solution The Session sends notice of congregational meeting (30 day notice, weekly announcements) Next Slide

37 } A quorum for this congregational meeting shall be two-thirds of the active membership with attendees being recorded by name. } The session shall make written proposals to the congregation that it deems to be in fulfillment of the congregation s intentions. } At least two-thirds of those present and voting must vote in favor of disaffiliation in order for the proposal to be passed.

38 } If the motion for disaffiliation is passed, the Presbytery Council begins the process of negotiation with the congregation to determine the terms of dismissal. This process should be concluded within a reasonable time, but at least twelve months from the time that the first step of the process was instigated by either congregation or presbytery. The terms of disaffiliation must then be returned to the congregation for a subsequent congregational meeting, called and announced in the same manner as required for the prior meeting. At least two-thirds of the active congregation present, accepted by a two-thirds majority, in order to be the effective decision of the congregation.

39 } Property can be all ours with stipulations: If more than 90% of active members present and voting to disaffiliate, Presbytery shall agree to the disaffiliation and permit the congregation to depart with all of its property in tact. If the percentage is between 66 2/3 % and 90 %, then the Council shall work to determine a fair money and/or property amount to be given to the Presbytery, in order for the congregation to depart with its property. } We have our Name } In keeping with peaceful separation, a worship service of Commissioning will be held to celebrate our common life in Jesus Christ and to pray for the well-being of both parties.

40 } Presbytery and the congregation shall take steps to provide for the pastoral care and congregational life of those members who do not wish to depart the PCUSA.

41 } Discussion: Where are you on our recommendation? } What other Questions still must be answered? } Should session proceed with starting the process?

42 } %20Solas.pdf } } The End of the PC(USA) -- Patheos Blog by Mark D. Roberts } Salem Presbytery policy on Disaffiliation } Book of Order 2009/2011 edition

43 } 1979 / 1980: Prior to reunification both divisions of the Church held to the Scriptural stance of Homosexuality being sin thereby barring any practicing homosexual member from taking office. } : Fidelity and Chastity added to Book of Order; GA vote = 57% to 42%; presbyteries vote 55% to 45% } : GA votes to remove Fidelity and Chastity 60% to 40%; presbyteries reject GA vote, maintaining Fidelity and Chastity by 66% to 33% } : GA votes to remove Fidelity and Chastity 60% to 40%; presbyteries reject GA vote, maintaining Fidelity and Chastity by 57% to 43%

44 } All property held in Trust All property held by or for a particular church is held in trust nevertheless for the use and benefit of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). G } Selling, Encumbering, or Leasing Church Property A particular church shall not sell, mortgage, or otherwise encumber any of its real property and it shall not acquire real property subject to encumbrance or condition without the written permission of presbytery transmitted through the session of a particular church. G

45 } Property of a church in schism The relationship to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) of a particular church can be severed only by constitutional action on the part of the presbytery. If there is a schism within the membership of a particular church and the presbytery is unable to effect a reconciliation or division into separate churches within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the presbytery shall determine if one of the factions is entitled to the property because it is identified by the presbytery as the true church within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This determination does not depend upon which faction received the majority vote within the particular church at the time of schism. G It is important to avoid schism!!

46 } } Exceptions The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all particular churches of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) except that any church which was not subject to a similar provision of the Constitution of the church of which it was a part, prior to the reunion of the Presbyterian Church in the United States and The United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America to form the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), shall be excused from that provision of this chapter if the congregation shall, within a period of eight years following the establishment of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), vote to be exempt from such provision in a regularly called meeting and shall thereafter notify the presbytery of which it is a constituent church of such vote. The particular church voting to be so exempt shall hold title to its property and exercise its privileges of incorporation and property ownership under the provisions of the Constitution to which it was subject immediately prior to the establishment of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This paragraph may not be amended. G MPC voted to be exempt our issue is an understanding of what was the provisions of the Constitution of our former denomination.