‘Something that is apostate’
Ohio church cites three initiatives as grounds for PCUSA split
By Jason P. Reagan, The Layman, May 23, 2011
As opposition to recent changes in the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s ordination standards continues to become more vocal in several congregations, an Ohio church has decided to disaffiliate from the denomination.
On May 15, Westminster Community Church in Canton, Ohio voted 55-11 to leave the PCUSA and to seek departure from the Muskingum Valley Presbytery.
“We have not taken this action in haste nor in anger or hostility, but from a deep and abiding commitment to God’s Holy Word, the doctrines of the orthodox Christian faith, the historical standards of the larger body of church of which we are but a small part,” stated the session in a letter to the presbytery.
The letter further cited the recent changes ratified in Amendment 10A, which will allow for the ordination of non-celibate single heterosexuals, those who commit adultery, lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender individuals to positions as deacons, elders and ministers in PCUSA churches. The changes to the Book of Order will take effect on July 10.
According to Westminster’s senior pastor, the Rev. Bill Pawson, the split was also influenced by upcoming votes on the denomination’s New Form of Government (nFOG) measure as well as the possible adoption of the Belhar Confession.
The 122-member congregation had previously been assessed a per capita allocation of around $4,000, according to Pawson. Due to financial hardships, the church has not contributed for the last 5 years.
“Each year we send a statement and receive from them a respectful letter, informing us that they are not paying because they don’t have the financial resources and not as a form of protest,” said Marty Radcliff, stated clerk of Muskingum Valley Presbytery, adding the presbytery wants to work with Westminster and will form an administrative commission to facilitate the process.
“If that discernment leads to disaffiliation, we will make the arrangements to bless and release them. The work of building the kingdom of God is more important than institutional survival and we choose not to waste scarce resources on protracted legal battles,” he added.
Specific issues
Pawson says the church did not specifically vote to leave due to the recent passage of 10A but that the plan had been forming for a few years due to several theological disagreements with the PCUSA, including the nFOG proposal, which is currently being considered by presbyteries. Vote totals stood at a 76-76 stalemate as of May 20. The initiative requires approval from a majority of 173 presbyteries.
“Under the new Form of Government, anyone who points a finger and says ‘That’s wrong,’ is dividing the church even if they have the Bible on their side,” Pawson said in commenting on what he believes to be the pro-nFOG faction’s view, adding that, in Westminster’s view, a church opposing PCUSA policy under nFOG would be perceived as “the bad guy.”
“As power moves up into the hierarchy, rather than with the local congregation and the local presbytery, I think they’ve set it up so that – they used to talk about all voices at the table. But, the only voice that counts is theirs,” he said.
In terms of its opposition to 10A, Westminster stated in its letter to the Muskingum Valley Presbytery that the recent shift in ordination standards had also fueled the departure.
“We believe [the PCUSA] has chosen to enshrine in its church law blatant departures from God’s Word with regard to ordination standards and sexual behavior,” the letter stated.
“What we saw coming … is we are now involved in something that is apostate,” Pawson said of the current theological climate.
“We are some 11,000 particular churches but it is one church. So, what is done somewhere else is done in our name,” he added.
Pawson went on to say that this view remains true, “unless ‘connectionalism’ is a crock — you can’t have it when it’s convenient and not have it when it’s inconvenient.”
From the perspective of the presbytery, Westminster’s parting presents both an organizational and personal loss according to some officials.
“I am saddened,” Radcliff said. “I count Pastor Pawson as a friend and colleague in ministry, and I know many of the members.”
“Our unity in Christ is a very precious yet fragile treasure,” he added. “It is my hope and prayer that, no matter how this works out, Christian love will still bind us together.”
The 60-year-old church plans to seek membership in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.