Statement from the Presbyterian Lay Committee's Board of Directors
Contact: Charles F. Burge, Executive Director, 828-758-8716; www.layman.org
LENOIR, N.C., July 8 /Christian Newswire/ -- The 218th PCUSA General Assembly waged a frontal assault on Biblical Christianity. The assembly disregarded historic Reformed standards, undermined its Constitution and failed to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ with its actions.
In San Jose, commissioners pleaded with the General Assembly not to push congregations beyond their tipping point. For many, the tipping point was passed two years ago when the General Assembly, by approval of the Peace, Unity and Purity report (PUP), made compliance with our Constitution optional. For many more, it was crossed this year at the 218th General Assembly when Biblical standards were discarded and "the faith that was once and for all delivered to the saints" was rejected.
Specific actions taken by this assembly that violate the faith and life of Biblical Christianity include:
- Initiated a process to revise the Heidelberg Catechism (written in 1562, adopted by the General Assembly and ratified by the PCUSA in 1967) to delete the Bible's prohibition against homosexuality.
- Called for yet another vote by presbyteries to delete our constitutional standard that requires fidelity in marriage between a man and a woman and chastity in singleness.
- Nullified all previous proscriptions against sexual behavior outside the covenant of marriage by a new Authoritative Interpretation, which attempts to overrule the recent PJC decision in respect to the PUP report.
- Stood silent while a homosexual wedding was performed at a General Assembly related event, in flagrant violation of the PCUSA Constitution and the clear dictates of God's Word.
- Ignoring its declaration that "to be Presbyterian is to be ecumenical," alleged without any supporting documentation that the Evangelical Presbyterian Church encourages congregations to leave the PCUSA, and sought action against the EPC.
- Authorized the creation of a $2 million legal war chest to litigate against churches of good conscience which seek to transfer to other Reformed denominations with their property.
While signs of life dwindle within the institution called the PCUSA, the heart of faith beats powerfully among many congregations. Therefore, we urge the sessions of faithful congregations to take the following actions:
- Form alliances with like-minded churches in your presbytery. There is strength in numbers. A call to arms is a call to unite.
- Restrict all mission and per capita gifts to ministries that are trusted by your congregation, and do not send undesignated money in any form to denominational entities, boards or agencies.
- Be prepared to defend the property rights of your congregation against claims of ownership by the PCUSA.
The PCUSA has jettisoned the solid rock of Biblical authority and morals and is now floundering in the sea of cultural relativity. In desperation, it lays claim to the property of congregations that love the Word of God more than denominational loyalty.
In its final hours, and after having established a fund to facilitate lawsuits against local churches, the General Assembly counseled presbyteries to seek alternatives to civil court litigation and treat congregations with "pastoral concern and gracious witness." The Presbyterian Lay Committee encourages presbyteries to abide by this counsel.
The Presbyterian Lay Committee is available to all Presbyterians and will continue to stand with faithful congregations that strive to honor the Reformed tradition by their commitment to Scripture and by unashamedly proclaiming the undiluted Gospel of Jesus Christ.
To respond to this statement, please e-mail us at laymanletter@layman.org
