A reader expresses concern about the
Coalition's Strategic Vision
[11-14-01]
Check out a response
to this comment. [11-15-01]
I've just finished reading the Strategic Vision for
Transformation of the PC(USA) (http://www.presbycoalition.org/strategicVision.htm)
which was adopted by the board of the Presbyterian Coalition recently,
and I have read a number of things that trouble me in the document. But
there was one particular piece of the vision that troubled me over all
others. In the section labeled 'Connection' they write that "We
need an effective shadow denomination while the PC(USA) is being
transformed."
All this time I had been worried about a split in our
denomination. I was concerned that a sizable portion of the PC(USA)
would feel that it could no longer be reconciled with the larger body,
and that we would have to go through the painful process of separation.
I thought that this split would be the worst possible outcome for our
church. I may have been wrong. It appears that the Coalition is
endorsing a plan where churches could nominally remain in the PC(USA)
while effectively belonging to and supporting a different denomination
(presumable the Confessing Church Movement).
I cannot understand how this can be a good idea. I
cannot envision how this can be anything but divisive for the church.
Luke 16:13 reads that "No slave can serve two masters; for a slave
will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one
and despise the other." Now I certainly do not wish to quote out of
context. Jesus was talking about money here, not about denominations,
and I certainly do not mean to equate the PC(USA) or the Confessing
Church Movement as our ultimate master. But I think the Biblical witness
still applies. If a church feels the need to join a 'shadow
denomination' how can they fully support the denomination of the PC(USA)
as called to do through our constitution?
I fully support the process of change and reformation
that is a strong part of the Presbyterian tradition, but I believe it is
meant to be from within the church, both in name and in spirit. I
believe that more dialogue and discussion is needed between those of us
who disagree strongly with each other. This is a time where we need to
come together and listen to one another. This 'shadow denomination'
would do just the opposite. It could potentially institutionalize the
barriers that already seek to separate us. I don't see how we could keep
a 'shadow denomination' from turning into a 'competing denomination.'
Shawn Coons, Richmond, VA
