A well-defined task
November 18, 1998
The National Network of Presbyterian College Women (NNPCW) work group has been appointed (see story p. 8). Here are its instructions: “ … to evaluate the resources, publications, and program of the National Network of Presbyterian College Women to ensure consistency with Scripture and the Constitution; and to submit a complete report, including recommendations for future funding to the 211th General Assembly (1999) …” (General Assembly Minutes, 1998, pp. 92-93).
Liberal pressure groups appear intent on turning this evaluation into a political football. Resolutions support this organization’s “right to exist.” A letter-writing campaign has produced a flurry of complaints that right-wing extremists are attacking young college women. One session defended an NNPCW coed, expressing its confidence in her Christian character. These matters have nothing to do with the work group’s assignment.
NNPCW’s resources include authors who deny the divinity of Jesus Christ, reject the doctrine of the atonement, declare that God is merely a life force within us, promote lesbian behavior, and discard scriptural authority.
The General Assembly did not ask its work group to determine whether NNPCW girls are naughty or nice. It has not asked the group to decide if the denomination should sponsor campus ministries. It has only asked if the “resources, publications and program” of this organization are consistent with Scripture and the Constitution. That’s a well-defined task. Any other consideration is irrelevant.