LGBT advocate is
new chair of PPC
The Layman, July 27, 2010
The Rev. Deborah A. Block has been elected to serve as chair of the Board of Directors of the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation (PPC), according to Presbyterian News Service. Block, a member of the PPC board since 2004, succeeds Kenneth Godshall.
PPC is the denominational publisher for the Presbyterian Church (USA), but through Westminster John Knox (WJK) Press, publishes a variety of materials. According to its mission statement, PPC “seeks to glorify God by contributing to the spiritual and intellectual vitality of Christ’s church. To that end, PPC
Rev. Deborah Block
publishes resources that advance religious scholarship, stimulate conversation about moral values, and inspire faithful living.”
Based on some of the titles PPC has promoted in the past, that claim is questionable. In 2006, WJK released “Christian Faith and the Truth Behind 9/11: A Call to Reflection and Action,” which accuses President George W. Bush and his administrative of treason and conspiracy by allegedly orchestrating the terrorist attacks of 2001. A WJK official defended publishing the book with the following statement: “We have a long tradition of being a publisher of somewhat progressive stances on theological and social issues, so it is not out of character for us to do this.”
WJK has published a number of books that attack Presbyterian beliefs and policy statements, including “Jesus, the Bible and Homosexuality” by former PCUSA Moderator Jack Rogers. The book claims that the Bible does not condemn homosexual behavior or same-sex marriages.
PPC’s first female chair
“Deborah Block’s historic appointment, as the first woman chair of the PPC board, follows in that same tradition of exceptional quality and strength,” PPC president and Publisher Marc Lewis said in a Presbyterian News Service article. “Deborah brings vision, leadership, support and a wonderful knowledge of PPC’s mission and its constituents. Her thoughtful guidance and wisdom will enable PPC to continue on its path to becoming an ever more helpful servant of churches, members, leaders, and future leaders of the PCUSA and the larger ecumenical Christian community.”
Block also brings a history of activism and progressive politics that are contrary to standards in the PCUSA constitution.
She is listed on the Covenant Network of Presbyterians’ Web site as co-moderator. As part of the organization’s leadership, she has fought for inclusion of non-repentant, practicing LGBTs (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) in PCUSA ministry, as well as repeal of the Book of Order’s fidelity/chastity standard.
At a 2000 debate on the authority of Scripture, Block was part of the delegation that argued the Bible does not define homosexual activity as immoral.
She attended the press conference as a spokeswoman for the Covenant Network following approval of an overture that, if approved by a majority of the denomination’s presbyteries, would remove language requiring ordained officers to be faithful in marriage or chaste in singleness.
“I think the next time is our time,” Block said, referring to a close vote in 2008 and 2009 to remove the standard and the upcoming presbytery referendum on removing the standard. The next vote will be the fourth attempt to remove the standard, which was added in 1996.
She was endorsed as a candidate for moderator of the 217th General Assembly by the Presbytery of Milwaukee, but was not elected.
Block is pastor and head of staff at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, where she began her ordained ministry in 1978. After receiving her Master of Divinity degree from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 1977, she went on to earn a Doctor of Ministry degree from McCormick Theological Seminary. She has served as a member of McCormick’s Board of Trustees for 10 years.