The Presbyterian Coalition responds to
the "Call to the Church" to seek a "third way"
December 18, 2000
Response to "A Call to the
Church"
by Jerry Andrews, Anita Bell, Bill
Giles,
Terry Schlossberg, Parker Williamson
Recently, a number of Executive Presbyters and other
Presbytery officers issued "A Call to the Church", urging the
church to seek "a third way". They affirmed bible studies held
by a group of 10 leaders, 5 of them in favor of maintaining the
historical, biblical standards for church officers, 5 of them wanting
the church to allow the ordination of practicing homosexuals.
Here is the response of the 5 participants from the
Coalition/Renewal groups side.
Recently we agreed to meet with some in the church
with whom we disagree, with the distinct conviction that Christ alone is
Head of the Church and that knowing and obeying his will as revealed in
Scripture is the calling of the Church. The five of us, in agreeing to
participate in these meetings, claim neither the authority nor the
intention to negotiate any constitutional standard of the PCUSA. We
studied Scripture together with others in September and are agreed to do
the same again this March.
We are troubled that our participation in these
Scripture discussions would be understood by any as seeking a political
settlement. It is not. Involvement in the issues of our day and church,
including meeting with those with whom we disagree, has never been, nor
is it now, about our way, or their way, or some other third way which
might be mutually satisfying. Rather it is about Christ's way. Alone.
Therefore, we have not, and we will not, engage in any
search for an alternative to Scripture's clear and plain teaching, for
we believe, as our Preliminary Principles declare "Insofar as
Christ's will for the Church is set forth in Scripture, it is to be
obeyed." Christ's way is about seeking his will by studying his
Word and agreeing to obey it in his church. It is about open and honest
discussion and debate among all Presbyterians; it is about open and
honest deliberation and decision by the governing bodies of the church.
To this we pledge ourselves, invite any and all to join with us, and
expect this of the church, the whole church. We proclaim in our theology
and order in our polity, Christ's will. Alone. .
Click
here to read the statement on the Coalition web site.
