I observed recently that the PUP Report had not changed anything. A pastor asked, “If nothing’s changed, what’s the big deal?” An elder responded that we are in a spiritual battle. These comments spurred my deeper evaluation of the dynamics gripping us all.
The key to understand our dilemma is to realize the depths of that spiritual war.
Some history is helpful. In 1978 the northern Presbyterian Church issued a Definitive Guidance prohibiting ordination of “… avowed, practicing homosexuals…”
In 1979 the Definitive Guidance of the southern Presbyterians stated, “…unrepentant homosexual practice does not accord with the requirements for ordination…”
With reunion, these statements were incorporated as Authoritative Interpretation (AI).
Each AI is interpretation of the church constitution, with equal authority of the constitution itself. However, GA commissioners pass an AI; a subsequent GA could abrogate previous statements. So, in 1996 the GA passed a constitutional amendment to strengthen the PC(USA) position on the ordination issue, which became G-6.0106b, after ratification by the presbyteries in 1997. The rule enunciated in 1978 became harder to change.
Since 1997, there have been efforts to remove either G-6.0106b or the 1978/1979 AIs. The majority of the denomination has consistently refused to change.
This past summer the Peace, Unity, and Purity Report was presented to the GA. It stands firm in the consistent opposition to ordination of homosexual persons; specifically stating that no constitutional amendments should be offered, that no PJC decision be altered, and that all previous AIs remain in full effect. [Recommendation 6a, lines 1305-1312].
The GA approved this report and recommendations.
Also this GA went further to affirm the PC(USA) opposition to ordaining homosexuals. Commissioners considered two proposed changes: one to remove the 1978/1979 AIs and a second to remove G-6.0106b. Overwhelmingly, commissioners voted to reject any change.
Much has been made of Recommendation 5. Claims are that Presbyterians are now free to disobey the constitution and ordain homosexuals using the “scruple” process. These assertions are contrary to the plain language of the report: “The principles established then and confirmed in this authoritative interpretation do not permit the kind of ‘local option’ arrangements that some have proposed, in which each ordaining and installing body sets its own standards. Such a procedure would be new, and it would be un-Presbyterian.” [Recommendation 5, lines 1133-1137] emphasis added.
The PUP Report’s foundation is that there is no constitutional or AI change. The 1978/1979 AIs and G-6.0106b are in full force. So too, are the PJC decisions of Hambrick v. PJC, Synod of NC (1983) and of Londonderry. v. PNNE (2001). These cases emphasize that while one may be ordained and disagree with the PC(USA) ordination standards, s/he may not violate those standards nor declare that s/he will not enforce them nor live by them. The Stated Clerk’s Office publication, Constitutional Musings #11 has confirmed all of this.
These positions are all things that conservative and evangelical Presbyterians affirm. So how is it that the conviction of so many of these members is that the PC(USA) positions are just the opposite?
What’s the big deal? How can the PC(USA) conservative majority be convinced that the denomination is walking away from them? It is the conservative majority that has been in control on this issue for three decades. Yet this majority feels marginalized and sees repeated victories as losses.
How can this be? Who is it that is the master of deception, who has the power to cloud the truth from the faithful, and who uses lies to defeat God’s people? It is Satan. It is Satan’s goal to destroy God’s church and its work in the world. Destroying the PC(USA) furthers the devil’s purpose.
With this understanding of the spiritual warfare confronting us, we can understand how big the deal is. Satan has reaped a series of victories in attempting to destroy our PC(USA). Through the use of lies and deceptions he has convinced the majority of our church that they are the minority being ignored by the denomination, and has incited the conservative majority to fight against itself. The battle among Presbyterians that Satan incited has affected great damage. In 1978, the two Presbyterian denominations had 3.4 million members. Today: 2.3 million. In 1965 we had 1,675 missionaries across the world. Today: 497. Once, PC(USA) developed premier curricula used in many other denominations. Today it’s common for PC(USA) congregations to use other curricula. Distrust of Presbyterians by Presbyterians has crippled mission giving and withered mission witness.
If we are to be set free of Satan’s grip, we have to work for the truth and pray for clear discernment.
Since making a statement in 1978 prohibiting ordination of homosexuals, every time a request has been made to weaken this position, the denomination has rejected it. Every time the denomination has been asked to strengthen its position on this issue, it has.
We are in a spiritual battle and we have been blinded from the truth. Satan has deceived us into believing that the enemy is ourselves. The consequent divisions and attacks upon ourselves have drained our strength and resources, and weakened our capability to engage the evil that Satan spreads. Satan is awaiting destruction of the PC(USA) by its members walking away from themselves.
With the clear vision of Christ’s faithful people, we may see the devil’s workings and oppose them. Now is the time for our conservative and evangelical members to reject the distortion Satan preaches. Now is the time to accept the responsibilities of leadership in the denomination, not to abet the devil’s work by walking away. The Presbyterian Church cannot be renewed by those who would abandon it. Now is a watershed moment in the life of our denomination and in the faith journey of each of its members. Standing against Satan is not the easy path. Running from the fight is not the right path.
Christ’s message is that we can know the truth and Satan can be defeated. The truth is before us. Pray with me that the Holy Spirit might grant us all clear vision so that together we can deny Satan’s goal of dividing and destroying our church.
RICHARD O. WYATT is general presbyter of the Northern New England presbytery (Manchester, N.H.)
