More likely, as the denomination enters into a new phase of its existence, other ways will evolve of living together as a church, agreeing to disagree and allowing diversities of expression, within limits, of what it means to be Presbyterian.
If constitutional change on official ordination standards is highly unlikely, neither is it likely that the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will become a theological monolith, as some are urging. We have a spectrum of more than a dozen small Presbyterian-Reformed bodies which occupy the various points on the theological spectrum. For those who need everyone to march precisely to the same theological tune, the alternatives are already out there, and we don’t need any additions.
The PC(USA) cannot and will not become such a body. It should not, because the essence of the Presbyterian way is a critical tension between opposing theological camps in the mainstream (self-designated “liberal” and “conservative”), between differing understandings of and emphases on various aspects of the church’s mission, the proper role of the church vis-à-vis the culture. If we cease to be that kind of church, then we will have forfeited the inheritance bequeathed to us by those who have preceded us in our highly energetic and creative tradition.
Imaginative thinking is much needed in this new era in which we are living. Instead of asking the question, “How can we take over, control, drive out the others who will not go our way?” we should instead be asking: “What mission opportunities can be seized, given the new shape and form of denomination that we have become?”
If we were able to answer this question, the Presbyterian Church could be a beacon of light in the Protestant mainstream, which badly needs some direction. Can we, by the grace of God, provide it?
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