By Steve Salyards
Last weekend (May 3-4) the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission (GAPJC) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) heard a remedial case brought against the Presbytery of New York City (PNYC) concerning details and process related to their Gracious Dismissal Policy (GDP). The complainants filed the case against the Presbytery concerning irregularities in the Gracious Dismissal Policy shortly after it was adopted. The Synod PJC agreed with the complainants and the Presbytery appealed it to the GAPJC.
The Executive Summary is that the GAPJC sustained none of the specifications of error in the SPJC’s decision, the GDP has been rendered null and void, and this decision has given other presbyteries something to think about. The first specification of error dealt with the claim that the PNYC GDP “conferred a unilateral right on a congregation to depart from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).” The second was that the GDP “does not give effect to the Trust Clause.” Specifically, PNYC had specified a formula in their GDP for compensation for property and the GAPJC reaffirmed that this must be determined on a case-by-case basis. The third specification of error related to dismissal simply because there were theological differences. The GAPJC said:
It is the nature and weight of theological difference that is critical in a justification for dismissal. The mere presence of theological differences does not preclude coexistence within the PC(U.S.A.).
The fourth specification may be, from my experience, the one with the most implications. It was in regard to a congregation in schism and the GAPJC responded that “It is clear what a presbytery must do when confronted with a property issue… a presbytery is obligated to serve the interests and guard the rights of the ‘true church within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).” The final error related to PNYC allowing churches to retain their records.
OK, now let’s drill down into the detail.
Read more at http://blog.gajunkie.com/2014/05/11/pcusa-gapjc-decision—-presbytery-of-nyc-v-mcgee-and-others.aspx
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My comment to all faithful churches and pastors left in the PCUSA is keep the faith, never lose hope. As the modern day Pharisees in the PCUSA oppress the faithful by confiscation of property and assets, we are reminded in Scripture that evil reaps as it sows. In the providence and justice of God are seeds for the PCUSA demise. Their demographic profile is of an aging church and membership base that cannot and will not renew itself or reinvent itself. As the structure and matrix of the organization becomes more enfeebled, more dysfunctional, and more consumed its own Godless partisan battles over Israel and marriage, more and more will flee the apostate organization. The structure and governance will collapse upon its own weight and baggage. No amount of money, no amount of real estate seized or gotten by extortion or threat of can save them. They choke on their own property clause and sense of entitlement, arrogance, blinded by their own pride. Much like the Pharisees, Romans of old. Remain faithful and trust in the Lord. You will see the end of your bondage, and you will be free. And that is a promise from God in Christ. Not to be found in a constitution or Book or Order.