The Presbyterian Decision
Like many mainline denominations, the Presbyterian Church USA has been considering changes on the denominational level that would allow for marriage equality. According to the Presbyterian Outlook, the overture made at the 219th General Assembly that would have allowed “Presbyterian pastors to perform marriages for same-gender couples in states where these marriages are legal” was tabled. Effectively this decision means that Presbyterian pastors may not officiate such ceremonies for at least another two years.
One Pastor’s Response
Brian Merritt is an ordained Presbyterian Church USA minister who currently serves as pastor of Palisades Community Church in Washington, D.C. Earlier today, Merritt posted An Open Letter to the 219th General Assembly on his blog, which articulates his frustration that the denomination did not act to affirm marriage equality. Excerpts of his letter follow:
On the issue of same gender marriage, I stand with the teaching of Pauline Christology when he claims to the uncircumcised gentiles of Galatia and Rome “against such things there is no law.” I do not believe that our 219th General Assembly, or anyone for that matter, has the authority to bind the conscience on matters that the Spirit of God is directing portions of her church. I therefore cannot follow the definition of marriage set out by our current Book of Order. Through prayer, careful study of Scripture and discernment, I believe that this definition is unnecessarily restrictive to our members whom we claim have full membership rights within our churches.
I believe the inaction of the General Assembly, the abdication for fear of losing some of our most conservative elements, and the culture of disciplining only progressive ministers unfairly constitutes a betrayal of the “true liberty of conscience” spoken of in the Westminster Confession. The complicity of our governing bodies in unjust actions against progressive and liberal ministers who have scruples and endeavor to hold fast to their Presbyterian system is the true definition of injustice. All this while those who cry and wail “apostasy” at our church get what they want and stay uncomfortably as living schisms. Absolute and blind obedience to this type of governing is of destruction to some of our liberties in Christ. True love casts out fear, so let us not govern our church within it.
Since the General Assembly refuses to give any concrete guidance on issues of marriage equality, those of us who work in locations where it is legally permitted to marry those of the same gender are left in a quandary . . .
What you have left liberals and progressives is the terrible choice of lying or hiding their actions of conscience, binding their conscience and losing their liberty in Christ, or to face the emotionally, spiritually and psychologically draining possibility that evangelicals will use church courts to sell their ideology in the name of “purity.”
For too long my denomination has been more than willing to cede their view as “people of the middle way” to the threats of Biblical literalists. It has slowly eroded the character of what it means to be a historic Presbyterian in the United States and insults an expanding history of the Reformed tradition. Some of us refuse to agree out of scruples with something that binds our conscience against the things that the Spirit of God is calling us. It is time for us to be a “big tent” denomination in allowing all of our ministers to practice their full gifts, discernment and direction in which the Spirit is calling them, and not merely excluding a few so that the majority “may” feel comfortable.
So What?
The issue of marriage equality continues to be as divisive as any in many mainline denominations.
Do you know your denomination’s current stance? Do you agree or disagree with that position? Why?
Going forward, how can each denomination create space for Christian brothers and sisters who hold to differing views? If the conservative view is policy, how free are progressive clergy to act on their beliefs? If the progressive view is policy, how free are conservative clergy to act on their beliefs?
Note: To connect with Brian Merritt, read his blog, friend him on Facebook, or follow him on Twitter.