The following letter was sent by the Session and Pastor to the congregation.  It attempts to explain recent changes to the requirements for ordained service in our denomination:

Dear Friends,

It is with deep sadness and concern for the Church of Jesus Christ that we write to you.

For decades, the Presbyterian Church (USA), like many other denominations, has struggled with questions of Biblical authority, basic morality, and qualifications for ordained leadership.  One focal point of that conflict has been the ordination of those in homosexual relationships.

Last summer, the General Assembly submitted for approval by the presbyteries an amendment to our denomination’s Book of Order, which would do away with the existing requirement that ministers, elders and deacons “lead a life in obedience to Scripture,” including the (Biblical) command to “live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman, or chastity in singleness.”  Earlier this month, that amendment secured the necessary backing of a majority of the 172 presbyteries nationwide.  It will take effect in July.

The effect of the change is to allow, but not to require, sessions and presbyteries to ordain church leaders, whether heterosexual or homosexual, who are sexually active outside of traditional marriage.

Many of you have asked what our congregation intends to do in response.  The pastor and session would like to assure you that:

First, and most importantly, the teaching and witness of our congregation will not change.  We are bound to the Word of God.  Scripture teaches that God intends marriage as the lifelong union of a man and a woman as one flesh. (Genesis 2:24)  Those living in marriage are called to be faithful.  Those living outside marriage are called to abstain from sex.  This is true for all Christians (Acts 15:20), but even more so for church leaders, for “we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (James 3:1)

Second, congregations retain the right to choose their own elders and deacons, and presbyteries retain the right to ordain and install ministers. The amendment just passed may allow for the ordination of those living blatantly in unrepentant sin, but only if approved by a congregation or presbytery.  Simply put, we will not do it, because Scripture does not allow us.  (See, for example, Titus 1:6-9)

Third, our congregation will not single out any one sin, or any one class of sinners, as being somehow unworthy of love and fellowship. Sexual sin is serious, but so is all sin.  We serve God as those who have been redeemed by his grace through Jesus Christ.  Our calling is to faith and repentance, whatever sins we struggle with.  And we rest assured the blood of Christ alone is sufficient to cleanse us of all unrighteousness. (1^st John 1:9)

This change to the denomination’s ordination standards is by no means the limit of the damage.  Along with it, the General Assembly also struck from the books all denominational statements on sexual morality, voted to extend health and pension benefits to the same-sex partners of un-ordained church employees, and directed that a new translation of the Heidelberg Catechism be made that would eliminate references to homosexual acts as sin.  Ultimately, though, sexual immorality is not what lies at the root of the denomination’s illness.  It’s merely a symptom.  The disease is unbelief: the lack of confidence in Holy Scripture as the authoritative Word of God to us.

What can we do in response?

In the short term, we can pray for our congregation, for our presbytery, for those leading others astray and for those being led astray.  We can bear witness to the love and grace of God toward those who struggle with every sin.  We can, with God’s help, live as faithful examples.

Beyond that lie several possibilities.  Each poses a serious risk.  Some congregations that opposed the change will choose to ignore the actions of the denomination altogether, and simply be faithful in their own communities.  Some congregations will continue in their efforts to return the denomination to faithfulness to Scripture.  Some congregations will leave the Presbyterian Church (USA) for another denomination.  Our question is not which of these actions is most convenient, but which is faithful to our Lord.  The answer to that requires prayer and discernment.

Those of you who have questions about our congregation’s response are encouraged to ask the pastor or any of the elders.  There will also be a brief question-and-answer session after worship on June 5.  You’re encouraged to attend.

In the meantime, we ask for your continued prayers and support for our session and the leadership of our presbytery.  Thank you.

Yours In Christ,

The Pastor and Session of First Presbyterian Church, Bentleyville, Pa.