Approved resolution says PCUSA more interested in shepherding sheep, not property litigation
The Layman, June 28, 2008
SAN JOSE — The 218th General Assembly voted Friday night to call for steps involving congregations and disputed property claims that show “consistency, pastoral responsibility, accountability, gracious witness, openness and transparency.”
“We are more interested in shepherding the sheep than litigation,” said the Rev. Robert Austell, one of the sponsors of the commissioner’s resolution.
The resolution asked the commissioners to express their “will” on what has become explosive property disputes involving congregations that vote to leave the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Approved in a vote of 519-157-8, the resolution was a response to PCUSA churches, especially those in the New Wineskins Association of Churches (NWAC) leaving the denomination for the more conservative Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC).
The resolution urges congregations considering leaving the PCUSA, presbyteries and synods to “implement a process using the following principles:
- “Consistency: The local authority delegated to presbyteries is guided and shaped by our shared faith, service, and witness to Jesus Christ.
- “Pastoral Responsibility: The requirement in G-11.0103i to consult with the members of a church seeking dismissal highlights the presbytery’s pastoral responsibility, which must not be submerged beneath other responsibilities.
- “Accountability: For a governing body, accountability rightly dictates fiduciary and connectional concerns, raising general issues of property (G-8.0000) and specific issues of schism within a congregation (G-8.0600). But, full accountability also requires preeminent concern with “caring for the flock.” o “Gracious Witness: It is our belief that Scripture and the Holy Spirit require a gracious witness from us rather than a harsh legalism.
- “Openness and Transparency: Early, open communication and transparency about principles and process of dismissal necessarily serve truth, order, and goodness, and work against seeking civil litigation as a solution.”
Rev. Matthew Schramm of Newton Presbytery, spoke against the resolution. “I have a plan for gracious separation. Leave the keys for the people who want to stay in the PCUSA.”