Changes in the PCUSA

Sometime this month the newspapers will be reporting on an important change to the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. Amendment 10-A replaces language that to this point expressly excluded from ordination those sexually active outside the covenant of marriage. Whereas the previous constitutional standard for ordination was “living faithfully within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or chastity in singleness” the new language calls for “joyfully submitting to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life.” The amendment seeks to broaden the call for obedience beyond the arena of sexuality and to allow individual ordaining bodies greater freedom in interpreting specific standards.

As for Clear Lake Presbyterian Church, nothing much will change in our life and ministry because of this. We’ll continue to reach out into our community with the good news of Jesus Christ, inviting others into personal relationship with him, seeking corporately and individually to grow in Christ’s grace and Lordship as we visibly demonstrate the Kingdom of God.

In my own preaching and teaching, I will continue to affirm God’s design for human sexual intimacy within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman. And, even more important, I will continue to preach and teach God’s amazing forgiveness and life-changing grace which free us from all kinds of sexual anarchy.

Undoubtedly, some sessions and Presbyteries will welcome this constitutional change as opportunity to ordain practicing gays and lesbians. However, it is important to understand that the new wording actually underscores the right and responsibility of each ordaining body to thoughtfully and prayerfully examine every candidate for ordination. This means CLPC has autonomy to define and maintain our particular standards according to Scripture for ordained pastors, elders, and deacons.

I welcome your comments and questions here and for others to join in on the conversation. In subsequent posts I will offer some more thoughts and resources on the topic.

End of Lent

Well, Lenten experiment of ironing my own shirts and praying for the countries on the tags has ended. Next week I'll start taking my shirts to the cleaners... whew!

The experiment has been interesting. I had no idea that my clothing came from so many places around the world. And I couldn't help but think about what a luxury it is for me to even have the option of having someone else wash and iron my shirts. I would sort of grouse to myself every time the stack of clean un-ironed shirts started piling up. It felt like such an inconvenience to have to break out the iron and ironing board... Until I remembered that surely most of the people making the shirts I whining about would not have that option.

As you'll recall, part of my commitment was to save up the money I would have normally spent on laundering and give it away. I had imagined giving it to some particular ministry in one of the countries of my shirts. I haven't exactly decided where to send my meager contribution (I'm open to suggestions!) but I am intrigued by Kelsey Timmerman's blog. Kelsey is the author of a book entitled "Where Am I Wearing" in which he chronicles his travels to the countries where his clothes were made.

Thanks to all of you who are following my blog. I really am trying to do a better job of keeping it up! Stay tuned for some posts about the upcoming change to the PCUSA's Book of Order regarding ordination standards.