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We Agree to Disagree...
without being disagreeable
According to 'The Historic Principles of Church Order" agreed upon by Presbyterians in 1788:
".... we also believe that there are truths and forms with respect to which men of good characters and principles may differ.
And in all these we think if the duty both of private Christians and societies to exercise mutual forbearance, toward each other".
More to the point, Presbyterians were recently asked, "Do you favor giving tax credits to parents of children in private schools?". The response:
I am not surprised that we have different opinions. Whether it is the war in Afghanistan or how we should reduce the federal budget, Presbyterians have strong opinions. I love it! I love being in a church where "God alone is Lord of the conscience", where we respect that people who disagree with us are people of thoughtfulness and integrity. So then you ask - if everyone thinks for themselves, how can you get things done? The answer - we vote, and we accept the majority view even when it is not our view.
During this upcoming political season we do well to "exercise mutual forbearance toward each other."
In faith,
Pastor Tim
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