wfn.org | [PCUSANEWS] Stated clerk reflects on Biblical percursor of

[PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ECUNET.ORG>]

Note #8990 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

05578
Oct. 26, 2005

The neverending season

Stated clerk reflects on Biblical precursor of Theological Task Force

by the Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick
Stated Clerk of the General Assembly

LOUISVILLE - The recently issued report of the Theological Task Force on
Peace, Unity, and Purity of the Church, A Season of Discernment, offers great
hope for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). 

	But this isn't the first time the church has appointed a group to
offer guidance as to how a divided church can find the way to the peace,
unity, and purity our Lord intends for the body of Christ.

	The approach taken by the task force has its roots in the Council of
Jerusalem, described in Acts 15. 

	There, a church was deeply divided over which practices were
essential for the Christian life, and which should be left to freedom of
conscience. A group of "apostles and elders" was convened, apparently those
with strong convictions on the issues. They were to discern the mind of
Christ for the church. Through study, prayer, and vigorous debate, they came
to a common mind and heart about the things that make for the church's peace,
unity, and purity.

	While not wanting to take the analogy too far, I believe a similar
process has been happening through the work of the Theological Task Force.
Like the Council of Jerusalem, the task force serves as a model for all of
us, in our respective congregations and presbyteries, of how we can discern
together the mind of Christ across our differences and divisions. I hope our
church will receive their report as well as the New Testament church received
the voice of the Council of Jerusalem.

	The task force reminds us that we are called to oneness in Christ and
unity in the church, to allegiance to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and
to be a people shaped by the power and authority of Holy Scripture. 

	It does not propose fundamental changes of our policies on ordination
and human sexuality. Yet it does offer us fresh guidance, deeply grounded in
Presbyterian principles, about how to uphold the essentials of our faith and
practice with a pastoral spirit, while respecting freedom of conscience.
	
	The task force members' pilgrimage together has not brought them to a
common mind on all the issues that vex the PC(USA).
 
	However, this amazingly diverse group of Presbyterians affirms a
common conviction that God intends us to remain together as a denomination.
They suggests that we can find a better way to respect one another and deal
with our differences as we seek to be faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ and
to the teachings of Scripture.

	Their most important recommendation, maybe, is that all of us
replicate their experience over the year ahead. They propose that those with
deep divisions in presbyteries and congregations come together in covenant
community to pray, study Scripture, share deepest convictions with one
another, and deal seriously with the task force's report and recommendations.

	Their own experience gives testimony to the power of the Holy Spirit
to work in such groups, just as it did in the Council of Jerusalem. The
process they recommend will not resolve all conflicts, but will do much to
meld us together for the peace, unity, and purity of Christ's church.

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