As an ordained pastor of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for 66 years, it has been my privilege to serve as an overseas missionary in Latin America and the Caribbean over many of those years.

I have observed several schisms in Presbyterian and Reformed churches (read, “divisions”) in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico. Each time there has been a schism, the departing body has suffered in at least four ways: a decline in membership, subsequent divisions, loss of theological integrity and a diminished impact on their society.

“The White Paper” supporters have forgotten the essence of what it means to be “Presbyterian.” The strength of our denominational tradition has been and will continue to be “unity in diversity.” It is only in shared community and vigorous theological dialogue with different points regarding the issues of the day that we grow spiritually and that our influence counts for those closest and farthest from us in society.

Schism, or what you may choose to call division, is usually a dead- end street.

John H. Sinclair
Roseville, Minn.