The revised standard begins with an unequivocal affirmation that ordained office will continue to be rooted in each officer’s “joyful submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life.” Some have raised strong concerns that this change loosens the church’s expectations about sexual behavior for church officers, including the possibility of ordaining homosexual people who are in sexual relationships.
It is embarrassing when a family squabble is taken public or when one party in a divorce calls on all the friends and family to take one side. There are some things about the Presbyterian family, especially in this community, that I want you to know.
Sixty percent of the churches in the Central Florida Presbytery had a net gain in members last year. People are finding a home in Presbyterian churches.
Each person elected to serve as an ordained leader must be examined by the session of his or her congregation or, in the case of ministers, the presbytery. These examinations are to include assessment of character and moral fitness for office in all areas of life under the Lordship of Christ.
The confessions of the Presbyterian Church include the statements that “the Word of God which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him” and “the Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God and what duty God requires of man.” We have not abandoned either Scripture or our confessions.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) does not speak for its members. We believe that “God alone is Lord of the conscience.” The constitution of the Presbyterian Church can be amended only by approval of a majority of its presbyteries. Those presbyteries are made up of representative officers elected by their congregations.
We believe deeply in what we believe, and from time to time through the centuries, we have had family squabbles and divisions. I take comfort in the fact that Presbyterians who disagree about ordination standards are hard at work this summer to find a way that we can stay in community and mission together. I’m pretty sure the Lord of the church has use for us yet.
The Rev. Dr. Paige M. McRight is executive presbyter of the Central Florida Presbytery
