First Pres Response To PCUSA |
Essential Tenets (PDF) |
The statement below is First Pres' response to recent actions of the 217th General Assembly (2006) of the PCUSA. It was prepared for release to the church family and Yakima community on behalf of the pastors and session of First Presbyterian Church of Yakima:
First Presbyterian Church of Yakima is part of a larger national group of churches called the PCUSA (Presbyterian Church USA). Presbyterians have a rich heritage of standing firmly on the essentials of the Christian faith, among which are the beliefs that: Jesus alone is God among us and through his death 2000 years ago is our only hope of being freed from our rebellion and sin and restored to a new living relationship with God, that the Bible is God’s word to us and the only infallible rule for our life and faith, and that, although the doors of the church are open to everyone no matter what struggles or situations they find themselves in, leadership within the church demands a clear obedience to the ethical boundaries spelled out in the Bible. While understanding the urgent need of the church to address the debates raging in society, it is with deep disappointment and regret that the pastors and session (leadership board) of First Presbyterian Church must speak to express their strong disagreement with current decisions made by the national church gathering (General Assembly). The recent affirmative vote on the “Peace, Unity, and Purity” report changes the manner in which those desiring to serve in leadership within the church will be evaluated. This decision opens the possibility for individual regions of the church to select as pastors and leaders those who have alternative lifestyles at odds with Biblical standards, or who may disagree with essential beliefs of the Christian faith. This is a grave error and is but a symptom of a much deeper problem which the PCUSA is struggling with; what role does the Bible have in the life of individual Christians and the life of the community of faith? This shift may create an unworkable situation for many within the Presbyterian Church. Those of us serving as pastors, and on the session, here at First Presbyterian Church of Yakima wish to speak out against the recent changes voted on at this year’s national gathering. Our desire here at First Yakima is to serve Jesus by holding together both grace and truth (John 1.14-17). The grace of God invites all people, regardless of the condition or struggle of their life, into the church. The truth of God compels us to lovingly and boldly speak words of hope found only in Jesus that will lead us closer to God and call us to live lives of love and obedience. We believe those called to leadership must strive to live a life pleasing to God, while at the same time understanding that we live by His forgiveness and mercy. Together with Jesus we proclaim, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and do not sin again.”{John 8.11) Steve Barker, Senior Associate Pastor |
