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The 218th General Assembly of the
Presbyterian Church ended last Saturday. GA dealt with over 400 items
of business. They decided that the best way to attract the under 40
generation was to elect one as moderator "New GA moderator holds
post-election press conference
". In one of the few decisions that upheld tradition, the GA reject an attempt to redefine the definetion of marriage. This GA is going to be known for its dramatic changes to the Consitution. It approved changes to 1962 Heidelberg translation to reform
its prohibition against homosexuality. Apparently the word
homosexuality was not in the orginal manuscript. The GA also decided to
recommend adding that well-known confession, the Belhar Confession.
However, the one item for which it will be remember is the change
to the Book of Order to remove the fidelity and chasity clause
from thereby allowing those who believe that sexuality outside of
the traditional bounds of marriage between a man and a woman can be
consistant with living in obedience to Jesus Christ. If the
presbyteries approve the Amendment, it will allow for practicing Gays,
Lesbians, Bisexuals, and Transvistites along with singles living in a
heterosexual relationship but not married to be ordained. The top
church leaders have sent a letter
to all the congregation asking for the church to honor the standards
that are still in place and not to panic if you disagree with the
changes.
Two renwal groups have issued their response. The New Wineskins
have called the actions of the General Assembly schismatic. They are
inviting Presbyterians to come an talk about the issues in Atlanta, Aug
6 and 7. The Presbyterians for Renewal
has announced that they are not going to debate the issue any more.
They are going to actively work for the defeat of this Amendment.
Howver, the GA has created a war chest to litigate any church that tries to leave the denomination.
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