Appeal for unity

Covenant Network appeals for unity

The Covenant Network has sent a letter to all pastors and clerks of session, encouraging them to consider seriously our Presbyterian commitment to the unity of the church. They see "the greatest danger to the unity of the church" as coming "not from those who advocate change but from a different source. It is summarized in a statement, 'A Strategic Vision for Transformation of the PCUSA,' recently issued by the Presbyterian Coalition." [1-19-02]

January 2002

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

We write out of concern for the Presbyterian Church (USA). Many believe it faces a crisis. Some fear a possible schism; others worry that a partisan spirit will prevail.

The Covenant Network of Presbyterians has been committed since its founding to the unity of the church. We support the passage of Amendment 01-A, because the current standards in G-6.0106b have so deeply divided the church. We do not expect Amendment A to create instant unity; but we believe that confirming the historic right and responsibility of local governing bodies to make ordination decisions will provide a better basis for a diverse church to grow together in Christ.

We believe that the greatest danger to the unity of the church comes not from those who advocate change but from a different source. It is summarized in a statement, "A Strategic Vision for Transformation of the PCUSA," recently issued by the Presbyterian Coalition. (If you have not seen it, you may find it posted on their website, at www.presbycoalition.org/strategicVision.htm.)

The statement, which reiterates a presentation made by the Presbyterian Lay Committee's chairman at the Coalition's meeting in fall, 2001, calls for the transformation of the Presbyterian Church into a narrowly conservative body and the creation of "an effective shadow denomination while the PC(USA) is being transformed." To this end, the statement outlines the following steps:

	destabilizing the denomination by withholding mission support and per capita funds "to accelerate dynamic and drastic restructuring of the PC(USA)" ;
	taking control of the governing bodies by restricting membership in presbyteries to "ministers who are accountable to viable congregations";
	redefining "connectionalism" as only among "like-minded churches";
	forcing those who disagree with them on ordination standards "to peacefully separate" from the church or be disciplined.

We are confident that most Presbyterians, whether or not they agree with us on matters of ordination, do not want to live in the denomination this "strategy" would create - one where all must hold the same perspective, where pastors of struggling congregations, military and hospital chaplains, retired clergy, and ministers who serve our governing bodies and seminaries would no longer be members of presbytery, where the threat of withdrawing financial support is wielded as a means for getting one's way, and where no efforts at reconciliation for the sake of the unity of the Body of Christ would be attempted.

We agree that the Church is in need of the transformation promised by the Holy Spirit. We, too, long to be built up into the body of the One who is Head of the Church. We believe, however, that such transformation will come about by all sides seeking the "new openness" called for in the Constitution of our church (G-3.0401). It will not result from the church-dividing pressure tactics that the Coalition and Lay Committee advocate.

We urge Presbyterians of every viewpoint to reject the Coalition's plan. We hope that all will join in active support of the denomination's mission, ministry and leadership, and in commitment to honest, respectful dialogue about matters currently dividing us. We appeal to the leaders of the Presbyterian Coalition and Presbyterian Lay Committee, and to others with whom we disagree, to work with us to embrace the unity and freedom God has already given in Christ, the Presbyterian tradition of tolerance in non-essential matters, and a spirit of love and mutual forbearance that becomes a Christian community.

Grace and peace,

The Executive Committee of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians

Joanna M. Adams
Pastor, Trinity Church, Atlanta

Eugene C. Bay
Pastor, Bryn Mawr Church, Bryn Mawr, PA

Deborah A. Block
Pastor, Immanuel Church, Milwaukee

Robert W. Bohl
Pastor, Village Church, Prairie Village, KS

John M. Buchanan
Pastor, Fourth Church, Chicago

Cynthia M. Campbell
President, McCormick Seminary, Chicago

Sheila Gustafson
Pastor, First Church, Santa Fe

Timothy D. Hart-Andersen
Pastor, Westminster Church, Minneapolis

Barbara Wheeler
President, Auburn Seminary, New York

John Wilkinson
Pastor, Third Church, Rochester, NY