Since the announcement on Jan. 7, 2015 that Grace Presbytery defrocked Joe Rightmyer as censure for his participation in the process that lead to Highland Park Presbyterian Church’s realignment to another Reformed denomination, many in the Presbyterian Church (USA) have been voicing their outrage at the denomination and their support for Rightmyer.
He is universally respected across a broad spectrum of people in the PCUSA. He is one of the most gracious, considerate, consistent, conciliatory people you could ever hope to meet. He worked tirelessly across the aisle for decades seeking to bring unity and renewal to the denomination where God called him to serve.
The thanks he received in the end? He was stripped of his ordination.
Here are excerpts from my conversation and subsequent email exchange with Joe Rightmyer on January 15th:
Q: Joe, your friends want to know how you’re doing. You are beloved by so many and they want to know that you’re okay. What would you like to say to say to them?
A: “I want my friends to know that I am fine. In fact, I am honored to have served HPPC as its Interim Senior Pastor during those most challenging days, and I would gladly forfeit my ordination all over again for the sake of gaining a deeper relationship with Christ. The intimacy I experienced with our Lord and the sense of God’s pleasure in my work are treasures beyond value.”
Q: If you had to summarize what happened with Highland Park, Grace Presbytery and Joe Rightmyer, how would you sum it up?
A: “Grace Presbytery demanded and received a large sum of money and a pound of flesh. HPPC, on the other hand, received her freedom and preserved the control of the pulpit — which, in the end, was the church’s most sacred trust.”
Q: You were the interim pastor. Was the pastoral transition a significant part of Highland Park’s decision making process?
A: “The leadership of Grace Presbytery made it abundantly clear that any candidate for pastor would have to pledge loyalty to the denomination and subscribe to a ‘big-tent’ ideology; meaning that he or she would have to tolerate and perhaps even celebrate what God deems intolerable in the body of Christ. With the church’s children and grandchildren at heart, the leadership of HPPC felt a clear responsibility for the ‘preservation of the truth’ and fidelity to the Scriptures in the preaching of Christ. When seen in that light, the vote to disaffiliate from the PCUSA became a spiritual mandate and the cost was minimal compared to what was gained.”
Q: Joe, you and I have worked as colleagues seeking the renewal of the PCUSA for many years. Tell me how you see the landscape of the denomination to have shifted and where you are now in your thinking about the future of the PCUSA.
A: “God called me to preach the Word for the sake of His sheep in the PCUSA. But after the denomination removed clear Biblical standards for ordained leaders and now is seeking to redefine marriage, God instructed me to lead this particular flock to safe pasture. Many will interpret this action as ultimately addressing homosexuality, but it is ultimately about the Gospel. Marriage between a man and a woman speaks of Christ and His church, bringing life into the world. Distort that message and you proclaim a false gospel.”
Rightmyer concluded,“My heart goes out to those who want out of the PCUSA and cannot get out. I also have the deepest respect for the many faithful servants whose place of service remains in the denomination. Both will face increasing difficulty and demands for conformity with the status quo. I pray the faithful will find consolation and encouragement in our Savior’s words of promise of great reward for those who endure to the end.”
An appeal?
Many people have asked, “Will Rightmyer appeal the presbytery PJC ruling?” He did not say during the interview — he still has time to decide — but I hope so. The precedent set by allowing this ruling to stand could be detrimental to pastors serving churches currently discerning their denominational future. It is also a negative precedent in terms of the narrow interpretation of the new Form of Government which was supposed to allow for greater flexibility and freedom. Instead, this PJC ruling essentially says that if it something is not expressly allowed in the FOG, then it’s forbidden. If that stands the PCUSA can look forward to an unimaginable number of overtures seeking to add litanies to many sections of the Book of Order as sessions, presbyteries and synods will need express language in the denomination’s constitution to function in new ways.
The Board of Directors of the Presbyterian Lay Committee condemns the defrocking of Joe Rightmyer by the Presbyterian Church (USA). While Presbyterians for Renewal and the Presbyterian Lay Committee have approached renewal efforts differently in the past, the organizations have a high level of mutual respect and the PLC has deep appreciation for Rightmyer’s collegiality over the years. The PLC board is unified in its assessment that the censure in this case in punitive and vindictive in nature; clearly contrary to the restorative purpose of discipline espoused in the denomination’s constitution. The ruling and action of this PJC is the latest example of how the denomination’s praxis diverges from the mutually agreed upon standards. The Presbyterian Lay Committee calls on the Synod of the Sun to overturn the ruling of Grace Presbytery’s PJC.
21 Comments. Leave new
Great story Carmen. Thanks for sharing it.
This is a wonderful interview, Carmen. Thank you for allowing us to hear the story in Joe’s own words. When I first read the report, I carefully went over the charges and was just speechless when I realized that each charge against him could have been brought against any pastor whose congregation has been engaged in discernment leading to dismissal. Here in Los Ranchos Presbytery we have carefully exercised restraint and made sure that the Session has led the process but ultimately it could be said that the pastors have “led their churches out”. It is the PCUSA’s loss that such leaders as Joe Rightmyer and so many others are now pastoring their congregations in different denominations. My prayers are with those who are still in discernment and wish to leave. I fear it will become more and more difficult for them.
A minister is Defrocked by the Presbyterian church USA? In all the years that I was a member of the Presbyterian church (over 33 years) I seen very few clergy defrocked. Just a few days ago a fellow church member was commenting in a sarcastic ( but sad and seriously) way that “you can almost violate every rule in the books that are the rule in the denomination and not be defrocked except for, if you are a bible believer, and follower of Jesus Christ… and if you are an evangelical minister, you are already in the short list to be defrocked”.
It seems to me that most decisions that comes out from the denomination these days only bring sadness and shame to the kingdom of God and bible believing Christians around the world.
I would say to the now Mr. Joe Rightmyer to not look back, while it is sad what they did to you, it is also good news, you are now free to do as God called you to do more than 40 years ago. Your ordination is intact as far as God is concern, because he ordained you and gave you the call to ministry. People cannot take away what God has given you. Our prayers are with you and your family.
In the case of Rightmyer, the pcusa is calling good evil, and evil good.
Carmen:
As you know, I too worked closely with Joe for many years as we labored side-by-side in the Presbyterian Renewal Network. I agree with your description of this good man as one of “the most gracious, considerate, consistent, conciliatory people you could ever hope to meet.” Further, I am outraged by the unfair and unjust treatment he has received at the hands of his presbytery — something that this gracious, conciliatory man could probably never be.
However, in all of the years that I have know him, I have never once seen him wear a frock. So, I suspect that the word you are looking for is deposed. Joe was deposed or removed from the ordered ministry of the PC(USA). He was not defrocked. But, by whatever name you call it, it still smells bad.
Thank you for your article, and the comments following. I am so thankful there is so much support for Joe Rightmyer, and his understanding of his call. It is so needed in this age,
Miriam Burke
Basically, he disobeyed the instruction of the presbytery. So he was disciplined, as he should be.
Country pastor “he disobeyed the instruction of the presbytery”
When I read this comment, I almost fell out of my chair laughing. What a joke. The presbytery got what they wanted $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.
This is another reason why the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. is a QUICKLY dying denomination. In my opinion, Grace Presbytery acted in the wrong as they were probably embarrassed to lose their largest and wealthiest congregation. In the end, they got want the wanted – money. Yes, greed can take over presbyteries and their leadership. Joe spent his career trying to bring congregations and PCUSA closer to God. Instead, the PCUSA is walking away from God as it is being attacked by the far left. Instead of spending time suing, battling congregations that want to leave to reformed congregations that have not been taken over by the far left and greed by squeezing money from those congregations, the PCUSA needs to take an inward look at itself and find ways to bring congregations together, pray that greed and retribution within, can be forgiven by God.
I was an active elder on the session of our church when my family and I chose to leave PCUSA.
A common misconception of religious traditionalists-conservative make in approaching an organization like the PCUSA is to grant them the assumption is that they are like any religious or church based organization and should think and feel, or react as if they were informed by either faith, confession, or some base line understanding of the faith. Such is not the case, and has not been for sometime.
In all corporate or exterior matters, especially in matters of property in schism, money and power, the organization behaves and acts totally as a post-modern, post-Christian entity, which they are. In its corporate dealings the PCUSA behaves more like a labor union or a secular political party. And as in power based politics you get examples of show-trials, shaming, character assignations, casting out, purging, threats and intimidation, and other behaviors which reinforces party loyalty and/or discipline. Such is on display now in this case.
But these corporate or collective responses are examples of institutions like the AFL-CIO, Cuban politburo, PCUSA which are in systemic and structural decline and collapse. They speak more to the end of an institution as opposed to any message of hope, grace, redemption, forgiveness, mercy and peace. Which by definition are religious values or that of faith, which should not be confused with Grace Presbytery.
PCUSA is a mixture of Thyatira and Sardis Churches= DEAD.
Marius: “There’s a grief that can’t be spoken. There’s a pain goes on and on…”
It will be helpful to all who are remaining faithfully along with those who feel called to exit faithfully if Joe will
confess what happened between his leadership of PFR and interim “senior” pastor role at HPPC that caused him to be less optimistic about what others have called the thanatos libido of the PCUSA as irretreivably apostate under current management since shortly after C67 became more “standard” than Westminster.
Just trying to connect the dots.
Blessings and Love!
I am a sinner, I confess my total depravity, yet God has chosen me in Christ since before the foundation of the world to belong to Him. By His grace alone, through faith alone, in His Son alone, according to His Word alone, for His glory alone I am His. I am a redeemed sinner. Because of my sin I deserve nothing good from God, all I deserve is death, but our Heavenly Father is loving and merciful. Knowing that I am nothing, but realizing that God is Almighty, I humbly speak these words.
A servant of the Lord is to be faithful to God alone , according to Scripture alone. Ultimately, the servant of the Lord serves Him in the universal invisible church, of which Christ alone is the head. Christianity, in this case specifically Reformed Christianity, abides by the marks that define the true visible church: 1) where the Word of God is preached in its purity 2) where the sacraments are administered in their integrity 3) where scriptural discipline is practiced 4) and where loving fellowship is maintained. Are the marks of the true church present in the denomination mentioned above?
So what shall be said about our brother Rightmyer…. No one can and no has defrocked or deposed Brother Rightmyer as an ordained minister in the true universal church; of the church where only Christ is the head.
Many denominations, not just the one mentioned in this article, have departed from Christ and the Christian faith, and are following the world. . . And I kindly say, these denominations should turn to Christ for repentance. We are called to serve Christ and not the world. 1 John 2:15-16 says:
15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.
We must remember as well what the Westminster confession of faith says in Ch. 25 “The purest churches under heaven are subject both to mixture and error; and some have so degenerated, as to become no churches of Christ, but synagogues of Satan.l Nevertheless, there shall be always a church on earth to worship God according to his will.”
Therefore, let us follow and serve Christ alone, according to His Word alone, for the glory of God alone. The Lord tells us in 1 John 1:5-6
5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.
Let your faithfulness be to Christ alone.
With love in Christ
Hector Reynoso
Joe Rightmyer used to be known as ordained minister of Word and Sacraments who had demonstrated his loyalty to the institution of the PCUSA in various ways. This was clearly observable when he served its renewal movements. But years later he violated some instructions of the Book of Order while serving the HPPC, at least judging from the findings of the PJC of Grace Presbytery.
I agree with Bob Kopp that it will help many if Joe Rightmyer tells us what changed his mind. I commend Joe that he voluntarily stood before the judgment seat of the PCUSA. He, unlike all of us sinners including all the judges who will have to appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ, could have renounced its jurisdiction before the trial or even before meeting with the investigating committee. After all, he would not have lost much. He would have kept all pensions benefits as he keeps them after sentencing. All he lost after his guilty verdict is the provisions ascertained by the ordination of the PCUSA. Now he is forced to leave the PCUSA and join other denomination. In order words, the fact of matter is that God is gracious for him to keep most unlike many who have lost much to stand for the truth in the history of the church including of the PCUSA.
Of stripping Rightmyer of ordination by the institution of the PCUSA, Calvin, the chief formulator of Presbyterianism, worked for the church faithfully and diligently throughout his entire life without ordination. He left the Roman church at the age of 25 to be faithful to the God of Scripture and this, he writes, “after a sudden conversion experience.” He immediately started to defend evangelical brothers and sisters in the Scriptural church against the persecutions by the institutional Roman church from which he gave up all the income (Cf. his early letters, Commentary on Psalms and first edition of Institutes).
In short, we would like to hear the reason or reasons why Joe Rightymyer changed his mind. We have heard from many how they changed their minds to support the homosexual lifestyle. Perhaps, now Joe can tell us why he has started to support an evangelical cause of Christianity in the North America.
Country Pastor, The tone of your comment assumes that Presbytery delt in good faith with Highland Park when it tried to leave the PCUSA. People tell me that Presbytery did not negotiate in good faith with Higland Park. What pray tell is a congregation supposed to do in such a circumstance?
I would certainly hope that Joe Rightmyer appeals this decision. I think it sets a very bad precedent indeed. There is nothing sacrosanct about the decision of a rogue presbytery.
One more thing. Joe Rightmyer was defrocked for presiding over sesssion and congregational meetings that every other church that left PCUSA was REQUIRED to have. What a catch 22.
Keep a stiff upper lip Joe. I remember a certain Galalian who spoke against the hypocritical leadership of the temple and, we know hao that went so, you’re in good company.
In my openion, the General Assembly has by throwing out the gospels of the Old and new Trestaments for the gospel of St. Social has, since the 19*60’s done mare to destroy this denomination than the powers of hell can come close to.
So, let the hypocrites put me on trial I would welcome it.
Joe is a Man of God from a rich deep heritage that is based in the sovereignty of Christ, the validity of the scripture. He stood up for what he knows to be Truth and God will honor sacrifice. It is heartbreaking that in its attempt to embrace the changing views of the world the church is sacrificing it’s very character.
Joe, just come on back to Fontaine Drive in Jackson,MS where we all love you.
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