Who we are
January 1, 1998
In each issue of the Presbyterian Layman we publish columns (p. 7) by the Moderator of the General Assembly, the Stated Clerk, and the Chairman of the General Assembly Council in order that they might speak directly to more than 575,000 Presbyterian readers. For the second time, the current moderator has chosen this opportunity to comment on our publication. On this occasion she highlights phrases in our statement of self-identification that usually appears on the cover of The Presbyterian Layman. We have no desire to engage in a war of words with Mrs. Brown, nor do we harbor any animosity toward her.
Criticism of our work leads us to reexamine it. Here is what we said – and continue to say – about our presence and purpose in the life of the Presbyterian Church (USA):
“Who Are We? We’re Presbyterians, members of the Presbyterian Church (USA) who pray and work for change in the policies of our denomination. We are an independent, non-profit organization called the Presbyterian Lay Committee. The Presbyterian Lay Committee was organ-ized in 1965, when essential differences over the foundational issues of the authority of Scripture and faithfulness to the Reformed tradition began separating Presbyterians in the pews from national leaders.
“We created the Presbyterian Layman, a report to the people. Its purpose is to inform Presbyterians of their denomination’s policies and programs and to offer analyses of their impact on the life and mission of the denomination.
“We are supported by the voluntary contributions of Presbyterian people who believe that the one great mission of the Church is to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and to call all people to a saving faith in him.”