Posted on 07/08/2021 7:20:08 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
The Presbyterian Church in America has voted to change a rule in its governing document that would disqualify all gay men from serving in its ministry.
The resolution to change the rule, “Overture 23,” was passed 1,400-400 at the denomination’s 48th annual convention in St. Louis, Missouri, last week.
“Officers in the Presbyterian Church in America must be above reproach in their walk and Christlike in their character. Those who profess an identity (such as, but not limited to, ‘gay Christian,’ ‘same-sex attracted Christian,’ ‘homosexual Christian,’ or like terms) that undermines or contradicts their identity as new creations in Christ, either by denying the sinfulness of fallen desires (such as, but not limited to, same-sex attraction), or by denying the reality and hope of progressive sanctification, or by failing to pursue Spirit-empowered victory over their sinful temptations, inclinations, and actions are not qualified for ordained office,” the amended rule states.
The amended rule will go to local church bodies for a vote before the second round of convention balloting next year following which the language would be placed in the PCA’s “Book of Church Order.”
The Washington Times quoted Chris Norris of the Calvary Presbytery as saying during the debate: “Sanctification begins with one’s identity as a new creation in Christ. … Taking a gay identity flies in the face of the new creation.”
The denomination also affirmed “Overture 37,” which refers to pastoral candidates.
“…Careful reflection must be given to his practical struggle against sinful actions, as well as to persistent sinful desires,” it states.
“The candidate must give clear testimony of reliance upon his union with Christ and the benefits thereof by the Holy Spirit, depending on this work of grace to make progress over sin. … While imperfection will remain, he should not be known by reputation or self-profession according to his remaining sinfulness (e.g., homosexual desires, etc.), but rather by the work of the Holy Spirit in Christ Jesus,” it adds.
During the annual convention, the PCA also endorsed Lifeline Children’s Services as its “preferred adoption and orphan care ministry” due to its “commitment to the sanctity of life” and not Bethany Christian Services, which recently announced it would be offering its services to LGBT couples.
The endorsement of Lifeline came three months after the Michigan-based group Bethany, which is the nation’s largest Protestant adoption and foster agency, announced it would begin placing children with adults who identify as LGBT.
In a statement to The Christian Post at the time, Nathan Bult, senior vice president of the historically evangelical organization, said that faith in Jesus is at the “core” of their mission,” but they were “not claiming a position on the various doctrinal issues about which Christians may disagree.”
They’ll be the next churches burned.
Headline doesn’t match the story.
This is a courageous move to take, in today’s politically correct culture.
I’ve always found the concept of “a governing body of the Presbyterian Church” to be amusing. The eggheads in Louisville were the ones who took down PCUSA.
The fact there were 400 votes against this concerns me that the PCA is gradually becoming the PCUSA.
They have to take a vote?............................
RE: They have to take a vote?............................
In every organization or group, there will always be those who rebel, there will always be traitors.
Jesus had his Judas, how much more the PCA?
There are many sexually immoral things that would be pleasurable to the flesh that must be denied in your walk with Christ.
The push to accept the homosexual/bisexual vice within the church is confounding. While one might find homosexual sin personally disgusting, it’s no different than adultery, open marriages, sex outside of wedlock, etc.
If you don’t want to be a Christian and you want to do any of the things listed (or not listed) above, that’s on you. You can’t change God or His word to accept your sin.
Denying oneself, taking up the cross, and following Jesus means just that.
I’m not perfect by any means. But I try to change myself rather than what God said. I fear the Lord too much to mock His word, even if I fail to live up to it.
Unrepentant sinners must be removed from the congregation.
This is a good move.
Why don’t they just throw out the rest of the Bible?
RE: Unrepentant sinners must be removed from the congregation.
Why do they join the Presbyterian Church of America (PCA)? This was a breakaway Congregation when the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) turned liberal and apostate several decades ago.
If they want an openly gay pastor serving, they can always go back and join the PCUSA.
“Why do they join the Presbyterian Church of America (PCA)? This was a breakaway Congregation when the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) turned liberal and apostate several decades ago.
If they want an openly gay pastor serving, they can always go back and join the PCUSA.”
Correct. As Rush often said the natural trend is for organizations to become increasingly liberal. Even the PCA has to take preventive steps to keep any liberal renegades in check.
because that’s what apostates do - they look for faithful churches/organizations and seek to corrupt. The entire book O’jays Jude is devoted to warning us about it.
O’jays = of. Darn auto correct.
Because this is the plan for any church that stands firm on the Word....
.....or for that matter any Christian college, seminary, or institution...
Infiltrate!......weasel in......destroy the foundation
Presbyterian Church PCA has been fighting this fight since the 70’s
“Officers in the Presbyterian Church in America must be above reproach in their walk and Christlike in their character. Those who profess an identity (such as, but not limited to, ‘gay Christian,’ ‘same-sex attracted Christian,’ ‘homosexual Christian,’ or like terms) that undermines or contradicts their identity as new creations in Christ, either by denying the sinfulness of fallen desires (such as, but not limited to, same-sex attraction), or by denying the reality and hope of progressive sanctification, or by failing to pursue Spirit-empowered victory over their sinful temptations, inclinations, and actions are not qualified for ordained office,” the amended rule states.
Well, just dayum! I’m flabbergasted but impressed that PCA is pushing back. May God protect them.
Wow, that is bad. The PCA has been on a slippery slope for a while now.
Christ Himself said so.
If left unadmonished and unremoved, they will corrupt the rest of the congregation and leave it an ineffective witness for Christ.
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