“The elders have been very clear in their own conversations that no conclusion has already been reached and that this process calls us to genuine discernment about our future,” the letter read.   The 2,631-member Grace Presbyterian Church in Houston, Texas voted to enter into the discernment process with its presbytery this past Sunday (10/20/13).... Continue Reading

The conference at Central Reformed Church, 10 College Ave. NE, starts Thursday, Oct. 24, and includes a 7 p.m. worship service open to the public. A 7 p.m. Friday concert and keynote speech by Justin Lee, The Gay Christian Network founder and author of “Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays vs. Christians Debate,” also is... Continue Reading

At the core of the dilemma for liberals is a total loss of nerve when it comes to talking about Jesus, sin and salvation, the need for New Birth and pressing such ancient doctrines as justification and sanctification. Liberals would sooner talk about the need for anti-racism training, eco-evangelism, poverty issues, women’s issues and almost... Continue Reading

The first two on the list I understood, but the third I didn’t. Why would pastors be a credit risk for a bank loan? Here are a few mitigating answers. They don’t excuse irresponsible behavior; they explain it.   “Never loan money to poets, painters, and pastors.” the banker told me. He called it the... Continue Reading

The Church of Scotland’s website last week had 77 properties for sale, including churches, halls, manses and plots. When the asking prices are totalled they are worth well beyond £10 million.   Bargain hunters have been looking at properties ranging from £20,000 for an island church to £500,000 for a city-centre site in the Edinburgh... Continue Reading

Three non-profit religious organizations, including a division of the Nashville-based Southern Baptist Convention, are suing the federal government over a controversial contraceptives regulation that is a part of the Affordable Care Act. The organizations Monday announced the class-action lawsuit against the federal requirement that employers cover the cost of contraceptives, including drugs that can cause... Continue Reading

At a hearing punctuated with occasional humor from the bench, the Episcopal Church in South Carolina sought to have the order lifted, which forbids them to use the seal and the name of the Diocese of South Carolina. The Diocese departed from The Episcopal Church nearly one year ago after that body once again sought... Continue Reading

It is tempting to conclude from this analysis that conservative churches in the PC(USA), as represented by those seeking departure, are in general larger than moderate or progressive churches. This does not immediately follow since it can be argued that larger churches would leave preferentially because they are in a position to better support themselves... Continue Reading

“Pastors who are participating are recruiting other pastors,” Stanley said. “I believe this really is becoming a nationwide movement of pastors who are saying, ‘You have no constitutional right to in any way interfere with what I preach from the pulpit to my congregation.’”   Bishop Aubrey Shines believes it’s important to present his Tampa,... Continue Reading

Similarly, almost all of the original 12 complainants are friends that I have worked with over many years in this presbytery and synod. This was for me very much a family struggle and while I am glad that I could be part of the resolution, I am saddened by how this originally developed and the... Continue Reading