Covenant Network newsletter attacks Layman editorial
The Layman Online, April 22, 1999
Editor’s Note: The following letter from Robert Bohl and John Buchanan appears in the April, 1999 issue of the Covenant Network newsletter.
Dear Friends,
The March/April 1999 edition of The Presbyterian Layman features an article, “Covenant Network to help presbytery defy constitution” and an editorial entitled “Fidelity and Integrity?” which denounces the actions of the Executive Committee of the Covenant Network and questions the integrity of its Co-Moderators. In addition to replying to the Layman directly, we offer this response to our friends throughout the church. [Editor’s Note: As of April 22, The Presbyterian Layman has not yet received any direct reply.]
Each of us, in ministry for over 35 years, has been deeply involved in the life and mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in our presbyteries, synods, seminaries and ecumenical organizations. Each of us has experienced the privilege and honor of serving as Moderator of the General Assembly. From that experience we know that differences of opinion are a source of energy for the church. Rigorous debate is part of the church’s search for unifying truth.
It seems to us, though, that the most recent attacks by the Layman move beyond authentic debate. What is advanced when one Christian questions the integrity of another Christian? Questioning the intentions of those with whom one disagrees is destructive. Conversations are ended, debate is closed, any possibility of reconciliation is destroyed. Is that the Layman’s hope?
We find reckless and offensive language like “imperils the covenant” and “declared war.” In our ordination vows we pledged ourselves to live by the provisions of our constitution. We take those vows seriously, needless to say. What we are doing – defending Presbyterians affected by Amendment B and seeking change through our democratic process – is at the very heart of constitutional Presbyterianism.
The Layman labels the Call to Sabbatical “a deal through which Covenant Network leaders sought to neutralize the Presbyterian majority while more radical elements orchestrated another assault on the Book of Order.” This gives us entirely more credit than we deserve! We are not nearly that sophisticated. What the Layman knows is that a diverse group of Presbyterians, gathered together by our Stated Clark and including Jack Haberer, Roberta Hestenes, John Galloway, Laird Stuart, and John Buchanan, came together to craft the Call to Sabbatical. In attacking the Call to Sabbatical, the Layman attacks a group of Presbyterians who seek to move toward the reconciliation of the church we love so dearly.
We would ask The Presbyterian Layman , and Presbyterians of all opinions and positions on the issues which divide us, to engage in decent, civil discourse – as we will endeavor to do. When we disagree, and we will, let us disagree over positions and not offer attacks on brothers and sisters in Christ. That is the nature of the unity we seek in Christ Jesus.
In the meantime, we will continue to stand with those adversely affected by Amendment B, as we have said we would do all along, a response that is both faithful and constitutional. We will pray for the church and will work for faithful change within it. And we will continue to seek reconciliation with those with whom we disagree, remembering our Lord’s Holy Week vision “that they all may be one.”
In Christ’s service,
Robert W. Bohl
Pastor, Village Presbyterian Church
Prairie Village, KS
Moderator, 206th General Assembly
John M. Buchanan
Pastor, Fourth Presbyterian Church
Chicago, IL
Moderator, 208th General Assembly