Presbytery to have committee consider ‘Gracious Separation’
The Layman Online, November 12, 2003
The Presbytery of Washington in Pennsylvania has instructed its moderator to appoint a committee to prepare a “fair and balanced process” for discussing a proposed overture calling on the Presbyterian Church (USA) to be divided into two distinct denominations.
The proposed overture, introduced at this week’s presbytery meeting by the Rev. L Rus Howard, pastor of Peters Creek Presbyterian Church, supports a plan known as “Gracious Separation,” which calls for a multi-year dissolution of the Presbyterian Church (USA) as a corporation, the formation of two new Presbyterian bodies and congregational choice on which one they would affiliate with.
The presbytery has set Jan. 19 as the date for the full discussion of the proposed overture. If action is taken that date, it would leave sufficient time to submit the overture for consideration by the 216th General Assembly when it meets in Richmond, Va., in June.
Overtures calling for constitutional changes – which “Gracious Separation” would require – must be submitted for review at least 120 days before the General Assembly convenes.
In a statement to the presbytery, Howard said, “All of us have been in deep anguish over the continuing conflict which has been causing problems for us during the past 10, 15, 20, and 30 years. These conflicts, which have detracted us from our ministry as a congregation and a denomination, are rooted in key theological and faith differences, particularly our understanding of the Lordship of Jesus Christ, the authority of Scripture, and the call to holy living.
“A growing number of individuals believe that we will never reach a point where our differences will disappear. The net result of our conflict is that the ministry of local congregations and the denomination have been adversely affected. This negative effect is expected to broaden and persist.
“This overture for Gracious Separation is a well-developed overture that provides for a fair and orderly process for dissolving the PCUSA and for creating two new reformed bodies. While I suspect your first reaction is, ‘No way,’ let us remember that gracious separation was practiced in Scripture. In Acts 15:36-40, Paul and Barnabus had a sharp disagreement over Jon Mark. Instead of continuing in futile conflict, they chose to graciously separate one from the other. Barnabas went with Jon Mark and Paul went with Silas. Their gracious separation led to the advancement of the gospel.
“During the past three months, members and elders at Peters Creek have said to me, in light of the divisions taking place in the Episcopal Church, ‘Thank God it’s not the Presbyterians!’ Their joy diminishes quickly when I point out that we are only 2-3 years away from a similar rupture. The Episcopal congregation which is our neighbor and which has a vibrant and faithful ministry is struggling now because of the events that have unfolded in the Episcopal Church.
“This overture provides us the opportunity to have a healthy division, rather than a painful rupture. The goal of gracious separation is to move us beyond the distraction of irreconcilable differences into a focused advancement of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“This will be a major decision for us, one which we should not make hastily. Therefore I move that we refer the motion to a special committee of seven individuals, appointed by the moderator, for the specific purpose of designing a fair and balanced process for discussing the overture at our January 19, 2004, presbytery meeting in order that we may cast an informed vote at the meeting.”