Denomination to ordain 'non-celibate' homosexuals
Allie Martin - OneNewsNow - 7/14/2008 7:00:00 AM
During its recent meeting in San Jose, California, the highest governing body of the PCUSA voted in favor of a proposal that would allow for the ordination of non-celibate homosexual men and women. The General Assembly also initiated a process to revise the Heidelberg Catechism to delete the Bible's prohibition against homosexuality.
Charles Burge is executive director of the Presbyterian Lay committee, a conservative group, which publishes The Layman. He says it is clear that the PCUSA has lost its biblical moorings, and that there are several actions for congregations to take. "Some churches and presbyteries are looking for ways to get out of the denomination," he details.
"Some churches are looking to withhold per capita giving from the denomination, essentially refusing to fund any denominational activities, and are redirecting their giving to missions [with] which they are familiar and which they trust," Burge explains. Unless the PCUSA reverses course, he says, it is in danger of extinction.
The conservative spokesman believes there is a "groundswell" of biblical Christianity rising up, and that more young people are interested in solid theology. He says that provides some hope outside of mainline denominational structures.
The Presbyterian Lay Committee is also encouraging all PCUSA churches to prepare to defend property rights against claims of ownership by the denomination.
