October 12, 2001
To: Members of Clear Lake Presbyterian Church
From: Your Session
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) finds itself in a state of significant conflict, as reflected in the debates and decisions of this past summer's General Assembly. The Assembly affirmed the Lordship of Christ, but not as strongly as some had hoped. The Assembly also adopted a proposed amendment, which, if passed, would remove specific guidance in the Book of Order regarding the sexual ethics of ordained officers in the church. These ongoing national debates can be confusing and disconcerting for members of the local church who often only read about them in the newspaper. The session wants to take this opportunity to inform you of the national situation and to affirm who we are and how we are responding as a local church.
In response to the current national debates, roughly 10% of P.C.(U.S.A.) congregations have organized and joined the Confessing Church Movement, which singles out and reaffirms three historic teachings of our church. After much discussion and a special session meeting we decided not to identify ourselves as members of this "movement" because of its possible divisive impact on the denomination. At the same time we wholeheartedly affirm the entire Book of Confessions and Book of Order of our denomination, which are faithful in guiding our understanding of Scripture. Among these teachings we affirm that:
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Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior of the world as expressed in our Book of Order and Confessions,1·
the Bible is God's authoritative and infallible word of truth as expressed in our Book of Order and Confessions,2·
God has created us for fidelity in marriage between a man and woman or chastity in singleness as expressed in our Book of Order and Confessions.3While the session believes the current amendment before the presbyteries regarding sexual ethics will be defeated, the national climate in our denomination is deeply polarized. In response to this we have unanimously endorsed Dr. Jack Haberer's appointment to the Peace, Purity, and Unity Task Force, which will meet twice annually for the next four years to address the current conflict in the P.C.(U.S.A.). He is one of 22 in the nation selected to participate. We have also endorsed his other national work as a speaker and bridge-builder.
We, your Session, ask you to pray that the Holy Spirit be present in the midst of these struggles, that God use Dr. Haberer to help us all work for the peace, unity and purity of the church, and, ultimately, that God's will be done.
If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact members of session or the pastoral staff.
Footnotes:
1
"Jesus Christ is Head of the Church. All power in heaven and earth is given to Jesus Christ by Almighty God, who raised Christ from the dead and set him above all rule and authority, all power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only of this age but also in that which is to come. God has put all things under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and has made Christ Head of the Church, which is his body." (G-1.0100a ) Book of Order"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
2
"That the Holy Scriptures are the only rule of faith and manners; that no Church governing body ought to pretend to make laws to bind the conscience in virtue of their own authority; and that all their decisions should be founded upon the revealed will of God." (G-1.0307) Book of Order"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work." (2 Tim 3:16-17)
3
"Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to Scripture and in conformity to the historic confessional standards of the church. Among these standards is the requirement to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (W-4.9001), or chastity in singleness. Persons refusing to repent of any self-acknowledged practice which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained and/or installed as deacons, elders, or ministers of the Word and Sacrament." (G-6.0106b) Book of Order"
So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:27)"Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh." (Genesis 2:24)
Recommended Resources:
"Daily News for Presbyterians"
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The Presbyterian Outlook, a monthly publicationCall 800-446-6008 or visit www.pres-outlook.com to subscribe.
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The Book of Order and Book of ConfessionsThey are available through the church office or library.
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Godviews by Dr. Jack Habereravailable through the church office