PLC’s urgent call to action:
Send a message to BOP today
The Layman, September 21, 2010
The 219th General Assembly has asked the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (USA) to extend medical and retirement benefits to the same-sex partners of PCUSA employees. These new benefits are to be funded through increased dues paid for through the offerings of PCUSA congregations.
Every member of every PCUSA congregation is affected by this proposal as the cost of all benefits is spread across all plan members. Every PCUSA congregation pays mandatory dues to the BOP for installed pastoral positions. There is no way to opt out and unlike per capita, there is no provision to withhold or redirect. These dues are not voluntary but mandated by G-14.0534 of the Book of Order.
The GA pre-approved a 1 percent increase for all plan members effective Jan. 1, 2012. “One percent of what?” you might ask. The answer: effective salary, which includes salary, housing and other allowances. Currently, the bill from the BOP is 31.5 percent of effective salary. That will climb to 32.5 percent or a 3.17 percent cost increase for every congregation.
If you find this proposed change contrary to the plain meaning of Scripture as it relates to homosexual practice and therefore contrary to the normative values of the church, now is the time to communicate your concerns to the BOP. The next meeting of the BOP is Oct. 21-23 so time is critical.
Board of Pensions chief executive, Robert W. Maggs Jr., issued an invitation for every Presbyterian to make their voice heard. As reported by the Presbyterian News Service, Maggs affirms that the BOP “will actively seek the full spectrum of views from our various constituents as we work to balance the interests of all concerned.”
Write the members of the BOP and share your thoughts on this matter. Write your own letter to the Board of Pensions
Click here for a list of names and addresses for Board of Pensions members
Some have said:
“It’s wrong to mandate that Presbyterian church members subsidize a lifestyle that the Scriptures clearly prohibit.”
“This as an imposition of an immoral requirement contrary to the standards expressed in the Bible, our Confessions and our expressed constitutional standards.”
“Another option is available: please direct those employers who desire to provide this coverage to other insurers.” Read letters written by other Layman readers
“G-10.0102i gives the session unqualified control over the expenditure of offerings for our congregation and if this coverage is extended, I intend to help my session find a way not to pay the increase.”
Urge the BOP to not allow itself to become the PCUSA’s new battleground for debate of sexual standards and urge the BOP leadership not to adopt the changes requested by the GA.
A link to names and contact information for the BOP Board of Directors are listed in the box to the right. You may also write to BOP management care of Andy Brown, Board of Pensions, 2000 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-3298. And you can post a comment to the BOP website at www.pensions.org. Click the “Contact Us” option and use the comment field.
Send a copy of your communique to us via e-mail at laymanletters@www.layman.org and we’ll post it for the benefit of others.