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Denominational Concerns Open Forum #4 March 25, 2012

Denominational Concerns Open Forum #4 March 25, 2012. Current Issues. SCRIPTURE AT FPCD.

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Denominational Concerns Open Forum #4 March 25, 2012

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  1. Denominational Concerns Open Forum #4March 25, 2012 Current Issues

  2. SCRIPTURE AT FPCD • The Bible is the only infallible rule of faith and practice. The Holy Spirit spoke through its authors and witnesses to us today that it is indeed and in truth the very Word of God, God’s gift to the world and guide for His people. Essential Tenets 2007

  3. Scripture in the PC(USA) • PC(USA) welcomes all understandings of the inspiration and authority of scripture by both its members and leaders

  4. PC(USA) on the Trinity • Father, Son, Holy Spirit • Rainbow, Ark, Dove • Speaker, Word, Breath • Compassionate Mother, Beloved Child, Life-Giving Womb • Sun, Light, Burning Ray

  5. FPCD on the Trinity • The LORD our God, the LORD is one. The one true God exists in three Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe that each Person of the Trinity is engaged in all that God has done, does now, and will yet do. The LORD our God is the One who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.

  6. F-1.0403 • God unites persons through baptism regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sex, disability, geography, or theological conviction. There is therefore no place in the life of the Church for discrimination against any person. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) shall guarantee full participation and representation inits worship, governance, and emerging life…

  7. “The Big Tent” • Because the PC(USA) does not state what is essential, virtually all views of the inspiration of Scripture and the nature of God and salvation are permitted among ordained leadership

  8. No Council of the church is permitted to set specific standards for ordination in addition to what is in the Book of Order.

  9. John Calvin The “true church” is characterized by: • Right preaching of the Word • Right administration of the Sacraments • Right administration of church discipline

  10. The Purpose of Church Discipline • Discipline is our attempt to steer people toward godly living, and protect the body from false teaching or immoral behavior.

  11. Recent Cases • John Schuck • Jane Spahr

  12. The Question of Ordination • 1978 – Authoritative Interpretation about homosexual behavior and ordination. • 1996 – “Fidelity and chastity” clause added to constitution

  13. 2006 – “PUP” Report allows candidates to declare a “scruple” to any constitutional provision • 2008 – General Assembly removes all previous Authoritative Interpretations regarding homosexuality, and all judicial cases based on that interpretation

  14. 2010-2011 Presbyteries remove Fidelity/Chastity requirement from the Book of order.

  15. Why is this important? • “Ordination to the ordered ministry of teaching elder is an act of the whole church carried out by the presbytery, setting apart a person to ordered ministry.” G-2.0701

  16. Sanctity of Life PCUSA currently advocates for abortion in the following ways: • Stated position- “The considered decision of a woman to terminate a pregnancy can be a morally acceptable, though certainly not the only or required, decision." • Sexuality curriculum -"...it can be an act of faithfulness before God to intervene in the natural process of pregnancy and terminate it."

  17. Financial support- PCUSA actively supports and endorses the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (formerly the Religious Coalition for Abortion Rights), and Presbyterians Affirming Reproductive Options. Both organizations are featured on the PCUSAwebsite. • Medical benefits plan- PCUSA’s plan pays for abortion without restriction.

  18. How did this happen? 1910 Five essentials named: • Theinspiration of the Bible by the Holy Spirit and the inerrancy of Scripture as a result of this. • The virgin birth of Christ. • The belief that Christ's death was an atonement for sin. • The bodily resurrection of Christ. • The historical reality of Christ's miracles.

  19. 19105 Essentials Liberal Orthodox

  20. 1927 “The Auburn Declaration” “We are united in believing that these are not the only theories allowed by the Scriptures …and that all who hold to these facts and doctrines, whatever theories they may employ to explain them, are worthy of all confidence and fellowship." 

  21. 1927“No Essentials” Orthodox Liberal

  22. Since 1927 Multiple waves leave to form: • Orthodox Presbyterian Church (1936) • Presbyterian Church in America (1973) • Evangelical Presbyterian Church (1981) • Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians (2012)

  23. Since 1927 • Seminary faculties become more and more representative of the liberal/progressive wing of the church.

  24. Since 1927 • Church hierarchy becomes more and more representative of the liberal/progressive wing of the church.

  25. Old Form of Government • 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. • G-6.0106b

  26. 2011 Form of Governent F-2.0104 • Councils shall be guided byScripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual candidates.

  27. Today Orthodox Liberal

  28. Local Process • Years of support for renewal ministries by session & pastors • Formation of Denominational Relations Team • Per Capita Decision by Session, May 2011 • Current Educational Efforts

  29. Scriptural Considerations • "The owner's servants came to him and said, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?' "'An enemy did this,' he replied. "The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?'.

  30. "'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.'" Matthew 13:27-30

  31. "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” John 17:20-21

  32. "The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.“ Romans 13:1b-2

  33. “I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.” Romans 16:17

  34. "I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world.

  35. But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people. 1 Cor. 5:9-11

  36. The Choice: • Spend the next thirty years as we have the last thirty, fighting with each other over the issue of gay ordination, the inspiration and authority of Scripture, the nature of God and salvation, and the application of church discipline, draining our energy and distracting our attention from the gospel ministry…

  37. Or… We could decide to separate institutionally, so that we might be free to lead our churches according to our differing convictions.

  38. February 20, 2012 • Session votes unanimously to begin dismissal process

  39. Presbytery Dismissal Policy • Policy was passed locally by Elizabeth Presbytery, November 2011. • Seeks peaceful resolution to further the Kingdom of God and seeks to avoid costly legal battles.

  40. The Process • Churches and pastors can discuss dismissal without fear of discipline • Team from Presbytery works pastorally with the session and congregation • Minimum 3-months discernment period

  41. The Process • Congregational vote (Quorum 50%, 80% majority vote required) • Dismissal to a reformed body (i.e. Presbyterian Denomination)

  42. Church Property • Dismissal policy requires payment of all back per capita • Provides framework for reasonable negotiation of property issues

  43. What’s Happening Now? • Session continues prayer and study regarding our future denominational home • First meeting with Presbytery “Resolution Team” tomorrow

  44. Next Steps • Discernment period including discussions with Congregation, Session, and Presbytery. • Congregational vote. • Presbytery approval. • New denomination approval.

  45. Q & A

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