January 2004 letters to the editor Archives of letters to the editor

We will rise early and pray for presbytery January 30, 2004 Since we cannot be physically present for the meeting, tomorrow morning we will arise early on the West Coast, and will be in earnest prayer for the Presbytery of Western North Carolina. We will pray that they will be imbued by the Holy Spirit as they deliberate and vote on their COM's egregious proposal to invalidate the ministry of Parker Williamson. And we will pray that God's will be done, knowing that, of course, it ultimately will be despite our futile human machinations. We hope that there is an important place for the PCUSA in bringing God's will to fruition, and will have a much better idea as to whether that hope is reasonable or not after the vote is recorded. If the PCUSA cannot allow and sincerely contemplate prophetic criticism and calls for repentance, we see little place for it in God's plan for humanity. Warren and Hedy Howe Bellingham, Wash. Another refrain of 'When will they ever learn?' January 30, 2004 Another four years of Cliff Kirkpatrick equates to an additional loss of 150,000 to 200,000 members of the shrinking PCUSA. As the old folk song goes, "When will they ever learn?" Rev. Peirce and her committee "gave a glowing report on Kirkpatrick's work" in spite of his failure to uphold the PCUSA constitution with respect to gay ordination, same gender marriages or unions, support of pluralism, and directing mission money to the NCC, WCC and the Washington lobby office – also, the Taco Bell boycott. Cliff is not an asset; he is negative influence in our denomination. He builds a strong case for his graceful separation by his inability or unwillingness to do the job that we pay him to do; i.e., to enforce the denomination's constitution. Unfortunately, the General Assembly, composed primarily of liberal voices, will undoubtedly approve Rev. Peirce's committee recommendation. They will also give us another liberal milquetoast moderator who will be strongly influenced by Cliff. We talk, talk and then talk some more about correcting the problem, but we fail to act. Were we as directed as the Presbyterian Covenant Network, we would petition General Assembly for church ownership by the local congregation and take steps for a denominational graceful separation. Limping along as we are now doing is not the answer. Being faithful to our Lord requires more. Why can't we learn? William Arthur Tucson, Ariz. Kirkpatrick deserves to be re-elected January 30, 2004 It seems to me that all of your critique's are reasons enough to re-elect Cliff Kirkpatrick as stated clerk. He is a good, decent, and very competent man who is deserving not only of re-election but your endorsement. While he is not above criticism, surely he is not the bad guy and incompetent you portray him to be. He stands for all that is good, decent and Biblically responsible. Has the Lay Committee ever reflected upon itself that it might just be wrong? I get the sense sometime that your strong beliefs in Christ do not reflect what it means to follow Christ. H.D. Valentine Language of church leadership appears to be 'money and power' January 30, 2004 The leaders of the "church" in Jesus' day responded to his teaching and growing influence in ways remarkably parallel to the COM of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina regarding Parker Williamson's ministry. There seems to be jealousy over the mounting influence of The Layman and desperation over the fallout from the Declaration of Conscience. Going back to ancient Babylon, Nimrod's empire appears to be a prototype of the empire-builders among us. As the ancient people of Babel were "one people speaking the same language," the common language of the present church leadership sadly appears to be "money and power." Parker Williamson and The Layman have stood firm on Biblical and reformed issues in the church. (Parker would be the first to agree that no one of us does this perfectly.) We are very grateful for his faithfulness and perseverance in this important work. How unfortunate for those who listen to false prophets, for they cannot hear the message of the truth. Regrettably, gracious separation may be the only choice. Charles and Hazel Cauthen Williamsburg, Va. Writer opposes committee's recommendation January 30, 2004 I categorically oppose the Presbytery of Western North Carolina's recommendation that the Rev. Parker Williamson's ministry should be invalidated. Eve Pomroy Houston, Texas Liberal theology rushes toward overthrow of all moral bounds January 30, 2004 That Marvin Ellison, a practicing homosexual who believes the institution of marriage is passé and that, well … if it moves it's fair game, is a Presbyterian minister is beyond disgust. The complete abandonment of morality, the total overthrow of all moral bounds is the ultimate ridiculous conclusion to which liberal theology rushes. That's where the PCUSA is going and it's moving there at an ever-increasing pace. Every hour of every day of every week, Presbyterians are separating. Gracious or not, folks … it's time to chuck it! Earl H. Tilford, Jr., Ph.D., elder East Main Presbyterian Church Grove City, Pa. 'Where's the Word and sacrament?' January 30, 2004 I've always understood the priesthood of all believers to be an essential tenet of the Reformed faith. The ministry to which we are all called is quite vocational, no matter what the "career path." Now Rev. Williamson comes to a juncture where he is in the ecclesiastical questioning of whether or not his ministry is a validated call within the Presbyterian Church (USA). Advocacy has always been on thin ice, in my opinion. The legislative side of church was not in question back in the days of the Acts churches. So communication and conveyance of the Gospel was not something done by publications or lobbyists. I have done youth ministry (non-ordained) for eight years, alongside elders elected and ordained because they had pulses; pastors who drove cars I would never be able to afford, and other church staff who were not ordainable because while their roles in congregations were a labor of love, their masters-level qualifications were not acceptable for ordination. I also dropped out of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary due to my disillusionment in the fact that its professors were not attending chapel. (They're teaching us to be spiritual leaders of the Body of Christ?) So if each of us is called, when do we ordain someone as a leader? Are seminary professors ordained to teach theology? Can a person write articles, pass out brochures and call this "Word and sacrament?" I believe this is ministry, but is it Word and sacrament? The reason I am a minister of the church, but not an ordained minister of the Word and sacrament is the same reason I watch this proceeding with curiosity. May the will of God for the publishers and lobbyists of the Presbyterian Church (USA) be made more clear through these events. I do not see this as a conduct issue. I see this as the question: "Where's the word and sacrament?" Andrew Byrne Greenville, N.C. Gibson ignited most of controversy for Passion January 30, 2004 Just a couple of short comments on the article "Critics line up on both sides of Mel Gibson's The Passion (July 25,2003) by John H. Adams. Much of the controversy about this movie was instigated by Mel Gibson himself when he barred most Jews from watching its previews. I do not believe it was done for any other reason than to generate controversy and publicity for his project. I am Jewish and have not seen the film. I cannot comment on the film, but the fact that Mr. Gibson did not want allow those of the Jewish faith to see his interpretation of the Passion in pre-release can in no way be justified. If it was not anti-Semitic it was cynical at the very least. Also, regarding Mr. Adams' article the following quote is extremely chilling. "In the current global clash of civilizations, I'm surprised that some Jewish leaders would protest a movie portraying the final hours of Christ's life. There is a great deal of pressure on Israel right now, and Christians seem to be a major source of support for Israel. For the Jewish leaders to risk alienating 2 billion Christians over a movie seems shortsighted," Ted Haggard, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, said. "On one hand, it actually feels trite. It would have been ridiculous for England to have launched a public relations effort against Braveheart because it portrays William Wallace in a positive light, who led a rebellion against the British." No, the Brits did not protest 'Braveheart,' but they were allowed to see that film and telling Jews to shut up or else is exactly what many Jews find disturbing with this media drive. Personally, I find both Mr. Adams' and Mr. Haggard's viewpoints spiritually and politically tone-deaf as well as naive. The tragedy is that this film will not be seen on its merits by the public, but refracted through the prism of distrust and prejudice that has been purposely generated to market it. Peter Markus Bible study recommended for WNC presbyters January 29, 2004 Presbytery of Western North Carolina c/o of Stated Clerk J. William Taber, III 114 Silver Creek Road Morganton, NC 28655 I am writing to express my support of Rev. Parker Williamson and encourage that his ministry continue to be validated. Parker and The Layman have kept theological, evangelical Presbyterians like myself aware of the events in the PCUSA for many years. It is interesting that a denomination that claims to be so very tolerant and inclusive (even to the point of allowing open opposition to the Book of Order and Scripture from churches and ministers with no disciplinary action) is so anxious to take action against the editor of The Layman. Before the vote on January 31 concerning validating Parker's ministry, I would urge the commissioners to the presbytery meeting to do a little Bible study. The Old Testament lesson is from Jeremiah 36. It seems that the Lord had given the prophet Jeremiah some inside information that if the people didn't repent and turn from their sinful ways, disaster would come upon the land of Judah. Jeremiah had been banned from going to the temple, but his secretary Baruch took the scroll to the temple and read it. Some of the king's officials heard the reading and wanted the king to hear it. As Jehudi read the scroll to the king, the King Jehoiakim cut off the scroll, section by section, threw it in the fire and burned it. Of course, getting rid of the scroll didn't solve anything. The Lord instructed Jeremiah to re-write the scroll and let the king know God would punish him, his children, his attendants and those in Jerusalem and Judah for their sins. The object lesson: God's word cannot be ignored or destroyed. It is true and will happen just as written. The New Testament lesson is from Matthew 23 and consists of a condemnation of the senior pastors, elders and church leaders by none other than Jesus of Nazareth. It seems that in the time of Jesus the religious establishment didn't like this itinerant preacher and miracle worker from the sticks in Galilee stirring up the common people and upsetting their power structure as the religious establishment. Not only did the religious leaders not validate the ministry of Jesus, they got together and made a deal with Judas to betray Jesus. They had Jesus arrested, bound him, and turned him over to Pilate (Mark 15:1). The object lesson: In the end the religious establishment will be toppled. To Parker Williamson, I would give this word of encouragement from the Lord to Jeremiah the prophet: "Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, and conceal not" (Jer. 50:2 KJV). Peggy A. Alexander Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Tulsa, Okla. Session supports Williamson, PLC January 29, 2004 I wish to apologize for the lateness of this matter but the session of Tully Memorial Presbyterian Church, Sharon Hill, Pa. did not meet in time to discuss the Open Letter to the Western North Carolina Presbytery and authorize a donation to aid in Rev. Williamson's defense (and poor weather caused further delay). Realizing that the meeting will be on January 31st, I thought I would try to reach you via E-Mail to affirm our support and let you know that our contribution is forthcoming. Our entire session is in accord in this matter and we truly hope that you will be able to stop this tragic move by the Western North Carolina Presbytery. Marian Spor, clerk of session Tully Memorial Presbyterian Church Sharon Hill, Pa. Assumption of 'inclusive church' will be put to test Jan. 31 January 29, 2004 I do not blame our stated clerk, Cliff Kirkpatrick, for not "weighing in" at this stage of the process in Western North Carolina Presbytery concerning Dr. Williamson. Just as our president cannot "weigh in" when there is a problem in each individual state so, our stated clerk should not be expected to do the same. There is definitely a time for Cliff Kirkpatrick's Office of the General Assembly to be heard but not yet. No, I say let's trust the process! We talk all the time about being an "Inclusive Church." This Saturday, January 31 that assumption will be put to the test! There has to be and should be a place in our Presbyterian family for Parker Williamson's voice to be heard. We have written letters on his behalf, emailed his presbytery and requested prayer in our churches for Western North Carolina's forthcoming presbytery meeting. There comes time when we have to say: "Lord, I have done everything I known to do. If there is anything else I have not done please reveal it to me." I believe we have arrived at that moment. Let us cleave to Jesus Christ, trust the process and wait on the Lord! Rev. Don McGarity Gainesville, Fa. Thank you for 'being there' January 29, 2004 Please assure Mr. Williamson of our prayers for the right to be done in his behalf. We thank you, and him, for "being there." Take courage, all. Stan and Helen Simonsen FPC, Tacoma, Wash. Conservative Christian is troubled by labels January 29, 2004 I'd like to state that although I consider myself a conservative Christian I am deeply troubled by the labels that are being thrown around by the left and the right. As a conservative, I still have a brain and cannot mindlessly follow just because someone labels something conservative. The war in Iraq, for example. As a veteran of the Vietnam era (noncombat) I have to wonder what are the real facts and why did we put our sons and daughters in harm's way if we did not have the facts as it appears. Second, where are the great conservative voices clammering for better healthcare for the average citizen. I hear no such voice and it troubles me a great deal. As conservatives I am afraid we have sold our soul to party that either does not hear this problem or choses to ignore it both are sins. My hope is that conservatives take on another word that begins with c and that is compassion. While many would argue we have already my response is our actions do not show it. All Christians should oppose every war, but if we believe it to be a "just war" then we should be leading our sons and daughters down to the recruiting office to help fight it. This is not happening. A friend of mine was singing the praises of the Pres. Bush and saying how we should be in Iraq and I asked him which of his three sons would be enlisting. He got very quiet and said no more. My son has been there and is going back and it is hard to stay true to the course when we had no plan for the peace. John Alexander Hillsville, Va. COM's case against Williamson lacks Biblical foundation January 27, 2004 After reading the report from the Committee of Ministry of Western North Carolina Presbytery I must confess how thankful I am that I am not a member of Western North Carolina Presbytery nor its Committee on Ministry. First, it is my understanding that this report outlining the COM's case against Parker Williamson was written after the decision was made to recommend against validating Parker's ministry. If I had been a member of the COM, I would have insisted that this report have been completed before my vote. In a matter as serious as this, you would think that the COM members would have demanded that this critical document be completed before being asked to put their vote and name to it. Second, the case against Parker as presented is shallow and falls short in providing any specific documentation of the claims made against him. If a prosecutor had presented these charges against a defendant at a preliminary hearing in our judicial system, the presiding judge would have dismissed this case immediately. As an outsider, I expected to see the COM present a solid case. If I was a member of Western North Carolina Presbytery, I would be embarrassed and angry. Third, the COM's case lacks a Biblical foundation. Yes the COM does quote from Ephesians 4:2 "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Surprisingly, the COM failed to read on where Paul writes "It was Christ who gave some to be prophets ... to build up the body of Christ until we all attain the unity of the faith ... so we are no longer to be children tossed back and forth by the waves and carried about by every wind of teaching by the trickery of people who craftily carry out their deceitful schemes." (Eph 4:11-14, NET Bible) If the COM was serious on building a case against Parker Williamson, I would have thought they would have relied more on the Word of God, rather than a process outlined by the presbytery. Fourth, I am embarrassed by the silence of our stated clerk, Clifton Kirkpatrick. If I was a member of Western North Carolina Presbytery, I would be looking for some Biblical and constitutional leadership from the one man in the PCUSA who has been given the absolute responsibility to defend the constitution of our denomination. Maybe if Parker Williamson was a prophet who worked for the NCC, the WCC or Taco Bell, we would have heard from our stated clerk before now. Finally, I must confess that I am ashamed to be a clergy member of the Presbyterian Church. When a member of the congregation I am called to serve asks me, "How is it that the PCUSA ordains those who defy the constitution and yet rejects those who support the constitution, our confessional heritage, the authority of Scripture, and the Lordship of Jesus Christ?" I am speechless. I am speechless because I am astounded and I am ashamed. If the members of Western North Carolina Presbytery do not resoundingly reject this recommendation from their own COM, it will be a dark and sad day for the PCUSA. L Rus Howard, pastor Peters Creek Presbyterian Church Venetia, Pa. Outlook editorial shows spite and jealousy January 27, 2004 John Sniffen's recent screed against The Layman and its readers reveals The Outlook's spite for The Layman – tinged with guile and perhaps more than a little professional jealousy. Like a hall monitor run amok with power, Sniffen issues a grade of C- to the class bully and plays friends to more moderate publications (most of which share a majority of the The Layman's theological views). They accuse The Layman of creating a "Ministry of Fear"– of "making" other Presbyterians "fearful." So The Layman must now take full responsibility for the feelings of others? Now that is scary. According to The Outlook, it is the fears of the fearful that are to be served by the rest of the church. Presbyterians everywhere should rally around the easily frightened and take comfort in the sound of The Outlook's knees knocking together. Sniffen has not only shown his true colors here – as a finger-pointing fussypants enraged by The Layman's ongoing influence – but with no attempts at avoiding pretense he strikes a pose as the advocate of The Layman's many nameless victims. As a result, he has unwittingly made a case for Williamson's validation. In the opinion of many Presbyterians, when it comes to the issues determining denominational health and viability, the PCUSA is nowhere near scared enough. We need The Layman – and Parker Williamson – even if only to keep The Outlook's staff and readers afraid. Noel K. Anderson, executive pastor First Presbyterian Church Bakersfield, Calif. PCUSA conference: remnants of re-imagining January 27, 2004 I am writing to express concern over the opening worship of a conference I just returned from. There were 800 Presbyterians in attendance and the conference as a whole was well planned and presented. We are a 350 member mid-west congregation that want to learn how to do cutting-edge worship without giving up the beliefs and doctrines we hold dear as Presbyterians. We spent a great deal of money to send our pastor and three members to this conference. The opening worship began with dinner family-style around circular tables. In the center of each table, we were told, were elements to be used in worship. We were concerned immediately to find candles, bread, a chalice of grape juice, and a chalice of milk. Images of the tales of the Re-imagining Conference of the 90's came flooding back. Worship after dinner offered each of these elements as the Lord's Supper and our fears were realized. We were told that we were being stretched. In the midst of worship, a courageous, unknown to us, male pastor stepped forward and picked up the chalice of milk from the communion table and denounced it. He then picked up the correct elements of communion and proclaimed them so. Then he was quietly seated. The woman celebrant went on obviously angry and in what offended us most, her angry voice, spoke the usual words of institution. When will this stop? Is nothing sacred? We love our church, why must it be so divisive. Rev. Dr. Katie Hopper, co-pastor First Presbyterian Church Danville, Ill.

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