The ECUSA and PCUSA – Two peas in a pod
An Open Letter to the PCUSA by, Nate Leaman, February 13, 2004
When the 2003 General Convention of the Episcopalian Church (USA) met in Minneapolis last summer, two young ladies stood up for truth against overwhelming pressure. This stand continued through the consecration of Bishop Gene Robinson and the intense media attention it attracted. Even now, as the media hype has lessened, these warriors in God’s army continue in the battle.
Jillian Lewis, 16, Katie Trafton, 18, and their small parish of 40 people in New Hampshire are at the center of the raging controversy that is the Episcopalian Church, USA. This parish’s unpopular position that Robinson should not be consecrated as a bishop because he is an active, unrepentant homosexual has set in motion a series of events they could never have anticipated:
- As of November 9, their priest, the Rev. Donald Wilson, has been removed from his position for declaring that he would not accept Robinson as bishop. In addition, he risks being defrocked if he returns to the state.
- The church is operating in a state of impaired communion since, in spiritual anguish, parishioners are refraining from taking Holy Communion.
- There is talk about leaving the denomination, but fear of losing the church building weighs heavy in the air.
What sounds like a nightmare scenario in the Presbyterian Church (USA) is very real to the Church of the Redeemer in Rochester, N.H.
Youth for the Truth became aware of this small church from a Reuters story published shortly before Robinson’s consecration ceremony. The most notable part of the account came when Jillian Lewis was quoted as saying, “[Gene Robinson] is supposed to be leading us, but he’s giving us false teachings because he’s not following God.” Immediately, there was a connection.
In a recent phone call with Jillian and Katie, Youth for the Truth was able to get a clearer picture of the battle facing these young women and their church. “We were the only two young people at the General Convention that were willing to say ‘No’ to Gene’s consecration,” Katie said. “Most of my peers at school don’t agree with the position I’ve taken,” added Jillian. Both agreed it has been tough, but their convictions were unshakeable.
Beyond the personal struggles, Jillian, Katie and many others in their small church are deeply concerned about the direction of their denomination. There are rumblings of a massive split on the horizon as most of the Anglican world has aligned itself with Biblical orthodoxy and against the rogue positions of the relatively small, 2.3-million member Episcopal Church, USA. “Nobody wants a split but, in reality, the ECUSA is the one splitting away,” said Kathleen Lewis, Jillian’s mom.
For its part, the Church of the Redeemer is trying to take steps that would bring it out of the state of impaired communion and into a more congenial relationship with the Episcopal Church, USA.
“One of the things we are trying to do,” Katie Trafton said, “is to affiliate with the American Anglican Council,” an organization that aligns itself with “classical Anglican orthodoxy.”
In addition, they say there is a movement to take control of the vestry away from the current leadership that does not represent the majority of the parishioners. This needs to be done, they say, in order to start the process of affiliating with the more Biblical and orthodox Diocese of Albany, N.Y.
It did not take too long for the Leadership Committee of Youth for the Truth to recognize the similarities between the ECUSA and the PCUSA. First, both denominations have left their Biblical, theological and historical roots for a more open, inclusive and progressive theology. Consequently, both denominations are in the ongoing battle over the issue of homosexuality. Second, both denominations have people in positions of leadership who are in direct violation of Biblical standards. Third, both denominations have an abundance of social liberals in bureaucratic leadership positions who can exact a heavy toll on any church or minister who dares stand against them.
But, by God’s grace, these are not the only similarities.
Both denominations have ministers who are willing to lose their jobs for the sake of Christ and Biblical fidelity. Both denominations have lay personnel who are understanding the true nature of the battle and are increasingly willing to do what it takes to be faithful to Christ. And, perhaps closest to the heart of Youth for the Truth, both denominations have young people who are willing to proclaim the Truth regardless of the consequences.
This battle is not Episcopalian in nature, or Presbyterian or Baptist or Methodist. Rather, this is the same battle that was begun with a simple bite in a garden long ago. Who are we going to submit to? Will we follow the path of a progressive theology that places man as the final arbiter of Truth? Or will we submit to God’s instructions allowing Truth to speak for Himself? Youth for the Truth has chosen, and so have Jillian and Katie.
One need not go to Rochester, N.H., or Louisville to fight this battle. It rages in every corner of every town on this planet. And while it sometimes is assumed that the battle has been won by the “other side,” there are faithful warriors like Jillian and Katie willing to lay down their reputations, indeed their very lives, for the Truth.
Youth for the Truth stands with them. Will you?