 John Calvin (1509-1564) |
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Greetings!
The 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) continues to meet in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this week.
The Committee on Civil Unions and Marriage Issues brought its recommendation to amend the definition of marriage in the Book of Order (W-4.9000) by changing the words "a man and a woman" to "two people."
A country preacher from Tennessee asked the moderator to rule the recommendation out of order, since Robert's Rules of Order (section 10, p. 111, lines 4-6) indicates that motions that conflict with a body's constitution are out of order, and since Part I of the Constitution, The Book of Confessions, clearly and repeatedly defines marriage as including one man and one woman (Second Helvetic Confession, 5.246; Westminster Confession of Faith, 6.131 and 6.133; and Confession of 1967, 9.47).
However, the stated clerk advised, the moderator ruled, and, on appeal, the Assembly concurred (70% to 30%), that our creeds, catechisms, and confessions of faith have nothing to do with the governance of the life of the church. That is to say, what the Book of Order (Part II of the Constitution) says about marriage or anything else does not have to agree with, or even relate to, The Book of Confessions. This is now a matter of record. Put it on your calendar: July 6, 2012. This is a sad day in the life of the church. I trust you can see the ongoing importance of the mission and work of the Foundation for Reformed Theology!
Whatever is decided, I should note in passing that it is now also the case that Robert's Rules of Order no longer applies with any consistency, but only when the party in ascendancy so desires. That is to say, we are no longer a body duly constituted by a constitution and agreeing to abide by rules. Instead, we have no constitution and are governed by feelings and power.
And now, after more than three-and-one-half hours of debate, including the consideration and rejection of two minority reports and substitute motions, the Assembly has decided not to approve the committee's recommendation (308 Yes, 338 No, 2 Abstain). There will be not be an amendment sent out! Stay tuned.
You may see our previous Foundation emails at this link: Email Archives.
I invite us all to pray for the Assembly. Now, as much or more than ever before, we are standing in the need of reformation, a recovery of the historic faith, life, and practices of the church.
Moreover, I invite us all to help the Foundation as we work to help our ministers and churches engage in precisely such work.
Thank you! |
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 Grace and Peace, |
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