Renewal Organizations'
Joint Statement on
GA Vote on PUP Report
June 20, 2006
Birmingham, Alabama

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)

Rev. Richard Burnett
Constitutional Presbyterians

Rev. Paul Gaug
Evangelical Presbyterian Pastors Fellowship

Rev. Robert Pitman
Knox Fellowship

Rev. Sid Rice
Literacy & Evangelism, International

Rev. David Henderson &
Rev. Dean Weaver
New Wineskins

Kristin Johnson, MDiv
OneByOne

Rev. Jim Berkley
Presbyterian Action

Elder Terry Schlossberg
Presbyterian Coalition

Rev. Susan Cyre
Presbyterians for Faith, Family, & Ministry

Rev. Michael Walker
Presbyterians for Renewal

Rev. Katie Brandt
Presbyterian Forum

Rev. Parker Williamson
Presbyterian Lay Committee

Elder Marie Bowen
Presbyterians Pro-Life

Rev. Brad Long
Presbyterian Reformed Ministries, International