Problems
with Recommendation #5’s Authoritative Interpretation for G-6.0108,
if it is adopted by G.A.:
- Ordaining
bodies will be permitted to call sinful behaviors not essential
and ordain anyway.
- The
smaller part will govern the larger part, reversing G-1.0400.
- It
will permit behavior that would have scandalized Jesus.
- What
now is rare, furtive, and illicit will be common, bold, and lawful.
- A
standard is no standard if it is not standard; optional requirements
are nonsense.
- It
confuses standards and ideals, saying no one keeps standards anyway.
- It
is no different in substance from 2001’s Amendment A, defeated
by 3:1 margin.
- The
A.I. for G-6.0108 violates its context by substituting license for
limits.
Problems with Recommendation #4’s emphasis on consensus decision-making:
- It
clearly is unconstitutional (G-7.0302c; G-9.0302).
- It
will be coercive toward a reticent, malleable minority.
- Conversely,
it gives a vocal, determined minority undue power and influence.
- It
seems suspect for a minority unable to prevail through voting to
lately
champion consensus.
Other
problems with the report and recommendations:
- The
fuzzy language leaves “wiggle room” for conflicting
interpretations.
- It
neglects critical thinking, giving every option equal weight or
honor.
- It
fails to understand that sincerity doesn’t necessarily make
a belief honorable.
What would result if the recommendations were approved?
- Unrepentant
practicing homosexuals will be ordained when any ordaining body’s
majority wills it.
- Administrative
and judicial review will be hindered, if not rendered impotent.
- We
will see the balkanization of the PC(USA), the end of connectionalism.
- Myriad
battles will arise as nearly every ordination or call is challenged.
- Former
Authoritative Interpre- tations (Londonderry) will be tossed.
- A
polity solution to a theological crisis will produce no resolution
of the matter.
- It
will further damage fragile relationships with faithful foreign
churches.
- The
national church will no longer be able to securely legislate anything.
- We
will be coerced to somehow “honor” what is antithetical
to God’s will.
- All
of this will happen as an end run around the will and vote of presbyteries.
What resources are available?
Keep
checking the Coalition website at www.presbycoalition.org
The
Rev. Jim Berkley is ordained as minister of Word and Sacrament in
the PC(USA). He is Interim Director of Presbyterian Action for Faith
and Freedom, and a member of the Coalition board.
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