Thoughts and Musings

Thoughts and Musings

random reflections on faith, music, family, life.

An open letter to my church (and anyone, really) in response to the 221st General Assembly of the PCUSA

6/23/2014

18 Comments

 
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Members and friends of Trinity Presbyterian Church (and anyone else who's interested):

As promised in worship this past Sunday, I want to share some thoughts on the 221st General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in Detroit last week.  Every two years, our denomination’s largest governing body convenes with elders and ministers from all over the country, elected by their presbyteries, to formulate some of the policies and procedures that define us as Presbyterians.  Because we're all part of one big Presbyterian family, I feel it’s important that you know what happens at these gatherings and in what ways they affect us as a congregation and as a larger denominational church.

But first, take a few minutes to read this one page summary, A Brief Summary of the 221st General Assembly, as it'll help make what follows a lot easier to digest.

(Did you read it? Seriously, it's worth it.  You'll thank me later. Did I mention it's just one page?)

There are two things I'd like to draw your attention to, as both received a decent amount of national and international press.  The first is the issue of same-sex marriage.  As you may recall, in 2010 the General Assembly voted to remove language from our constitution that prohibited gays and lesbians from being ordained to ministry.  This year, the body acted positively on two similar motions.  One, known as “Authoritative Interpretation,” grants clergy in our denomination the ability, if they choose, to officiate at a same-sex wedding in states where the practice is legal (this went into affect immediately after the conclusion of the GA). The second, which will need ratification of a simple majority of presbyteries in the coming year, is a rewording of the description of marriage from “a man and a woman” to “two people (traditionally a man and a woman) Both passed with significant majorities.  

So, two things. First, neither of these force a pastor or session to officiate or host a same-sex marriage if they don't want to - all it does is grant the ability to those who do.  Second, you should know that great care was taken leading up to, during and following the vote to reach out to those in opposition, in an attempt to foster unity in the midst of disagreement.  In fact, the parenthesis part of the motion was inserted on the floor of the General Assembly and was received very positively by those displeased with the overall change.  Following the vote, a joint letter from the Presbyterians For Renewal and Fellowship of Presbyterians was issued, expressing disappointment while reaffirming their desire to remain part of the PCUSA (you can read that letter HERE).  It was an extremely gracious gesture and, I hope, will go to great lengths to foster ongoing dialogue and unity, even as we may continue to disagree.  

Another big issue addressed at the GA involved divesting the church’s investments in three American companies, Caterpillar, Hewlett-Packard and Motorola.  The denomination's Mission Responsibility Through Investment Committee (MRTI) had determined that their business practices and products serve to foster the ongoing conflict on the West Bank between Israelis and Palestinians.  If you've been part of the PCUSA for a while, you know our denomination has a strong ethical sense to its various financial holdings, choosing to invest in companies that promote peace and the well-being of all (we do not invest in tobacco or alcohol companies, for instance). The MRTI had reached out to a number of companies to share our concerns and encourage positive change; and while some of these conversations proved fruitful, our dialogue with these three businesses did not.  The measure was close and passed by only seven votes.

Almost immediately after the vote, the press, as well as numerous groups fiercely entrenched on either side of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, cast this action as a slight to Israel and a clear siding with the Palestinians - even though the motion itself affirms Israel’s right to exist as a sovereign nation and PCUSA's support of a two-state solution (you can read the text of the motion HERE). Some of the fallout the PCUSA will face in the months ahead will involve mending bridges with our Jewish brothers and sisters, explaining in full our reasons and rationale and assuring them of what this action was not about, as much as what it was about.  I personally found this blog post to be very helpful in understanding this action and encourage you to check it out, and I'm grateful for this rabbi who seems to get what we Presbyterians are trying to do.

I can almost hear the question on the other side of the computer screen: So, Steve, what do you make of all of this?  Good question.  Three thoughts come to mind.  First, both of these actions feel, to me, to be honest, thoughtful and faithful efforts to uphold and act on the tenets of scripture and our unique Presbyterian witness; as well as what I believe to be our primary calling:  to always err on the side of the love of Jesus, even if that might cause hurt and confusion and make people mad.  As a pastor, I feel compelled to acknowledge this and seek reconciliation with my brothers and sisters in and out of the church who may feel differently from me and fear these actions will lead to future declines in our denomination.  I actually remain very hopeful that the opposite will be true (as echoed in this blog post from a colleague and fellow Presbyterian minister).

Having said that, I know there are those in our church and the PCUSA who grieve one or both of these decisions and may question their future in the denomination. Which leads me to my second thought: my door is always open to sit down and talk.  The promise I make to you is not to try and sway your opinion, but simply to listen and be your pastor and friend.  And, as I did in 2010 in my previous church, I'd ask anyone significantly grieved to give themselves six months: six months to remain active in the church, worshipping, fellowshipping, and serving as you always have. And if, at the end of six months, you truly feel something has categorically changed in the church, then you will leave with my blessing.  If, however, you find that you don't feel any different about our church, then perhaps we can at least agree that amendments to open the door for same-sex marriage and further our commitment to peacemaking were not amendments that destroyed the church.

My third thought is this: regardless of how we feel about these decisions, I find myself staunchly proud to be part of this denomination; if for no other reason than it can never be said that we are a church that sits on the sidelines; bypassing and avoiding the tough, hard conversations and issues that matter in our world today.  We tackle them head-on; we talk and listen, pray and ponder, dialogue and disagree and converse.  And then we act.  And if there’s anything the world today needs, my friends, it is a church that is not afraid to act - always in good faith, always with Christ leading the way. My hope and prayer is that we’ll continue in helpful dialogue, within and outside the PCUSA, to further discern God’s will as we worship, study and serve together.

Again, if you have any questions or concerns, my door is always open!

Your pastor and friend,

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(A quick note about the comment section: I welcome all comments, as long as they're shared in good faith and do not denigrate or use foul or hateful language. I reserve the right to remove comments that fail to contribute to the dialogue in a thoughtful, respectful manner. Thanks.)
18 Comments
Alyce Walker link
6/23/2014 09:11:41 am

Thank you for reaching out to those who may have issues with the Assembly decisions. I, for one, am sad that we who carry the name of Christ cannot simply be Christian, following Jesus' examples, loving our neighbors as we love ourselves (AND loving ourselves!)...doing unto others and all that wonderful stuff. Again, thanks Steve.

Reply
Scott Jordan
6/23/2014 12:53:48 pm

As a 29 year old lifelong member of Trinity, I'm profoundly saddened by the news that our denomination has chosen to hold modern day moral relativism above, and in rejection to, the teachings of the Bible. Where does the church draw the line when it comes to promoting what is currently socially acceptable? While I believe that, legally, same sex couples should have all the same rights as traditional families, I cannot in good faith endorse the notion that same sex unions are blessed in the eyes of God. Not only is that not found anywhere in the Bible, there are passages that condemn the practice and define marital relationships as those between a man and a woman.

I am also deeply disappointed to learn that Trinity recently decided to host guest speakers who came with the sole intention of pushing what can only be described as a left wing political agenda. Our church has always been very tolerant and loving, without having to resort to activist reinterpretations of God's word. It is my hope that in the future, we can leave our politics at home and focus on the reasons we all come to church in the first place.

Reply
Steve Lindsley
6/23/2014 01:35:21 pm

Scott, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts. Please feel free to let me know if you'd like to get together to talk more about this. Like I said, my door is always open. Blessings to you!

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Debbie link
6/24/2014 04:52:23 am

Steve,
Thank you so much for your well worded letter. As a chaplain in a retirement community, I am well aware that my residents are mostly upset by the decisions recently made by the GA. When I announced them last Sunday, many shook their heads, and one had something to say on the way out of Vespers. I am going to copy your letter and put it in each resident's mailbox, also inviting them to come and talk to me whenever they would like. I can be a good listener. Thanks again. Teaching elder, Debbie Johnson

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Steve
6/24/2014 04:17:33 pm

Debbie - prayers for you as you have those hard conversations!

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Pastor Ken Wilson, Church of God
6/24/2014 06:04:48 am

As a Christian I am very saddened with your denomination throwing away Gods word and accepting mans sin as the new Gospel.
as Ministers are job, our calling is to lead souls to Jesus, if you truly loved homosexuals you would love them enough to tell them what the bible says about this sin....I want no one to go to hell, yet you are allowing millions to go and that is so sad.
you have stopped being part of the body of Christ, if my church did such a thing, I would be a man and leave the very second they passed such sin...but praise God we follow the true gospel.
there is still time your group comes to its senses and return to God...otherwise, attach the word "Ichabod" to your doors, as the Glory of the LORD has left this place...you are in my and our prayers....in Jesus..Ken Wilson, Pastor New Hope Chapel, Cleveland Ohio..CoGoP

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John Johnson
6/24/2014 06:25:41 am

Thanks for this Steve. I'm putting on the Salem Presbytery website

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tom williams
6/24/2014 06:47:11 am

Thank you, Steve. As an Interim PC-USA minister, I too am proud of the denomination for its courage and its vision as well as its faith in God's continuing presence with us as we journey on. I am concerned at the failure of us clergy types not to challenge those who read a different Bible than mine and pick out one of the few passages about sexuality or marriage and seek to universalize it for all time. Ours/mine is an evolutionary faith which, I pray, changes and, yes, remains relevant to the historical moment while continuing to seek to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. I am thrilled to know that if my nephew and his partner would choose to marry and would chose to ask that I could officiate at their wedding! And as a disable combat veteran of the insanity which was Vietnam, I am also proud to be part of a denomination which continues to challenge all without regard who engage in acts of war and which dares to continue to seek peace. Thank you for your thoughtful letter. peace, tw

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Dottie Kuhn
6/24/2014 07:29:51 am

Thank you for speaking for so many of us. I have been a Presbyterian since the day I was born I think. Grandparents on both sides were Presbys, my mom and dad met at a Presbyterian College and so did my husband and I. I am now 84 and I've never been prouder to be a Presbyterian. Now we can get on to the other work God has planned for us!

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Sean Johnston
6/24/2014 01:36:08 pm

Thank you for your letter. I continue to struggle with this legislative body simply because the conservative voice is a growing (diminishing?) minority. Now the moderates are the conservatives. I am also concerned over snittty responses from some of the clergy who should really know better! Many are hurting. Many are confused. Many are struggling with the very purpose of the denomination. A snarky response does no one any good.

Personally, I am trying to understand if the bible has been reinterpreted. And, yes, the most prominent issues involve same-sex marriage and divestiture of certain companies. But there were also initiatives involving abortion, the ecology and fossil fuels to name a few. Many of the moves of the GA go against the grain of a conservative mindset. It is a true dilemma and one that should not be considered lightly. Perhaps there are those who just want to avoid the questions, avoid the counseling.

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Steve
6/24/2014 02:19:46 pm

Sean, thank you for your heartfelt response. I want you to know that I, along with others, hear your pain and confusion. My prayer is that you'll continue to feel you have a home in our denomination. In my opinion, the best Presbyterian church is one where we have a wide spectrum of perspectives. Blessings to you!

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Dr Rufus Mclean
6/25/2014 11:23:45 am

I have not been active in the denomination for a number of years. I do want to comment on an issue no one is addressing which i have personally experienced. Conservative pastors in the denomination are being blackballed by presbytery executives in many presbyteries because they do not support gay ordination or marriage.. I experienced this after receiving a call into another presbytery. The presbytery executive ( in which i was then serving) made a call to the presbytery executive where i was being called. They arranged a not so friendly reception with the COM for me. Damnable is the word that comes to mind. My point is this. Conservative ministers in the PCUSA face a bleak future. Those is power play hardball. It is simply not true that people's theological views dont influence a pastors call. Eventually, those who oppose gay marriage will be placed in a position where they will be forced to comply or be accused of renouncing jurisdiction.

Steve Lindsley
6/25/2014 03:19:45 pm

Rufus, thank you for sharing your story. I'm sorry to hear that's been your experience. I was just on the phone today with our presbytery executive, talking about ways to keep everyone at the table and honor those voices who dissent with the GA's actions. She wants very much to have all voices valued. We are much stronger denomination when we stick together than going our separate ways. Here's hoping there's more of that and less of what you experienced.

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Sean Johnston
6/27/2014 01:08:07 pm

Unfortunately, this type of behavior is in vogue. We've certainly seen this type of despicable behavior on our college campuses, some have even not been given tenure because thoughts were not in line with the liberal faculty. We've seen similar reports with regard to scientists who speak out against some of the global warming reports and findings. I dare say that I am not surprised over this development within the denomination. I feel sure that this type of pressure and not necessarily prayerful discernment had a significant play in the voting, especially on some of the more controversial issues.

Unfortunately, it will only get worse as we see more of the conservative membership depart for other associations. The conservatives clearly feel that "outcomes simply reflect the denomination's accelerating drift away from biblical faith" to quote a conservative Southern pastor. The liberal movement will continue its march with relatively little opposition as the conservative voice disappears. It would be awfully naive not to expect the liberal "leadership" to look down on those who think and feel differently.

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Sean Johnston
6/27/2014 01:08:41 pm

Unfortunately, this type of behavior is in vogue. We've certainly seen this type of despicable behavior on our college campuses, some have even not been given tenure because thoughts were not in line with the liberal faculty. We've seen similar reports with regard to scientists who speak out against some of the global warming reports and findings. I dare say that I am not surprised over this development within the denomination. I feel sure that this type of pressure and not necessarily prayerful discernment had a significant play in the voting, especially on some of the more controversial issues.

Unfortunately, it will only get worse as we see more of the conservative membership depart for other associations. The conservatives clearly feel that "outcomes simply reflect the denomination's accelerating drift away from biblical faith" to quote a conservative Southern pastor. The liberal movement will continue its march with relatively little opposition as the conservative voice disappears. It would be awfully naive not to expect the liberal "leadership" to look down on those who think and feel differently.

Reply
Sean Johnston
6/27/2014 01:08:58 pm

Unfortunately, this type of behavior is in vogue. We've certainly seen this type of despicable behavior on our college campuses, some have even not been given tenure because thoughts were not in line with the liberal faculty. We've seen similar reports with regard to scientists who speak out against some of the global warming reports and findings. I dare say that I am not surprised over this development within the denomination. I feel sure that this type of pressure and not necessarily prayerful discernment had a significant play in the voting, especially on some of the more controversial issues. Unfortunately, it will only get worse as we see more of the conservative membership depart for other associations. The conservatives clearly feel that "outcomes simply reflect the denomination's accelerating drift away from biblical faith" to quote a conservative Southern pastor. The liberal movement will continue its march with relatively little opposition as the conservative voice disappears. It would be awfully naive not to expect the liberal "leadership" to look down on those who think and feel differently.

Reply
Lisa Tappy
6/26/2014 01:49:10 am

More proud to be a Presbyterian now than I have been in a very long time! Cliche' yes, but this may be a good time for taking a deep breath and musing on "What would Jesus do?"

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Sean Johnston
6/27/2014 01:12:44 pm

Regarding Dr. McLean's comments.....Unfortunately, this type of behavior is in vogue. We've certainly seen this type of despicable behavior on our college campuses, some have even not been given tenure because thoughts were not in line with the liberal faculty. We've seen similar reports with regard to scientists who speak out against some of the global warming reports and findings. I dare say that I am not surprised over this development within the denomination. I feel sure that this type of pressure and not necessarily prayerful discernment had a significant play in the voting, especially on some of the more controversial issues. Unfortunately, it will only get worse as we see more of the conservative membership depart for other associations. The conservatives clearly feel that "outcomes simply reflect the denomination's accelerating drift away from biblical faith" to quote a conservative Southern pastor. The liberal movement will continue its march with relatively little opposition as the conservative voice disappears. It would be awfully naive not to expect the liberal "leadership" to look down on those who think and feel differently.

Reply



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    Steve Lindsley

    Child of God. Husband. Father. Minister. Musician. Songwriter. Blogger.
    Keynoter and Songleader. Runner/Swimmer. 
    Almost vegetarian. 
    Lifelong Presbyterian.
    Queen City resident.
    Coffee afficionado.
    Dog person. 
    Panthers/Hornets fan. 
    Mostly in that order. 
    For more info check out stevelindsley.com

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