Why the Petition?
Guest Column by Rev. L Rus Howard, Peters Creek Presbyterian Church,Venetia, Pa., November 22, 2002
My friends and enemies have been asking me the same question, “Why did I post the petition calling for the resignation of Clifton Kirkpatrick as Stated Clerk of the PCUSA?”
The most succinct answer is: “I have lost confidence in Clifton Kirkpatrick’s ability to serve effectively as our Stated Clerk, particularly at this time.”
The petition is NOT about Cliff as a person or as a believer. It is not intended to cast inclusive judgment upon all of his work as Stated Clerk. Personally, I have enjoyed his oft-times chipper and humorous presence at the meetings of the General Assembly.
My problem with Clifton Kirkpatrick is that he seems unwilling to aggressively and personally support the constitution, particularly the “fidelity and chastity” amendment. His ambivalence towards its enforcement is quite obvious.
Ambivalence reveals itself when an individual is conflicted over an issue.
Either Clifton Kirkpatrick does not want to enforce the “fidelity and chastity” amendment because he does not agree with it or because he is unwilling to take a stand against his friends.
Simply stated, “I believe Clifton Kirkpatrick is deeply conflicted between doing what he knows he should do and what he wishes he did not have to do.”
His repetitive refusal to vocally, publicly, and consistently call individuals, sessions, presbyteries, investigative committees, PJC’s, and even synods to task for their repeated failure to obey the “fidelity and chastity” amendment and uphold the constitution can no longer be overlooked.
Clifton Kirkpatrick knows what he should be doing, but it seems to me that he lacks the heart and the commitment to do what a Stated Clerk needs to do when there is wide-spread and growing defiance of our constitution at every level of our governmental and judicial process.
Because of this, he has failed us and he has lost my confidence. Furthermore, I believe he has lost the confidence of many in the church.
If every individual and governing body within our denomination was committed to upholding the constitution, Clifton Kirkpatrick would be a splendid Stated Clerk. His style of leadership is relational, personable, and built on trust.
The individuals who are leading the crusade to defy the constitution are taking advantage of Clifton Kirkpatrick’s trusting spirit. I suspect that if Clifton Kirkpatrick would bare his soul, he would say, “Many of my friends, many of my colleagues have disappointed me because they have broken the trust relationship we have.”
Those who oppose the “fidelity and chastity” amendment know exactly what they are doing. They also know that Clifton Kirkpatrick does not have the stomach to battle them openly and aggressively as he knows he should as our Stated Clerk.
At this time in our common life, we need a leader who will stand up, fight for, and lead us in the battle against those who are determined to defy our constitution and confessions. Clifton Kirkpatrick is not this person.
During peace, Clifton Kirkpatrick is a great parliamentarian. During war he is a weak leader.
We are at war in the PCUSA. We are battling an army of folk who want to destroy our constitution.
We need a leader, not a parliamentarian. We need a leader who is willing to step up, to speak up, and to defend our constitution with passion and courage. Clifton Kirkpatrick is not doing this, if he would, I’d withdraw the petition.
We need a Stated Clerk ready to fight the hard fight! Clifton Kirkpatrick is not this person.
As harsh and judgmental as I know it sounds, “He needs to resign!”