In American Presbyterian history, intermeddling with civil affairs that concern the commonwealth (aka political activism) has always led to theological liberalism. I am not predicting that the adoption of Overture 12 by the 50th General Assembly, or its adoption by many presbyteries, will lead the PCA in the same direction. I was and am disturbed,... Continue Reading

It is not for the General Assembly to require lower courts or churches to dispose of their property against their will. Writing such provisions into the PCA constitution would set a dangerous precedent and would undermine the freedom and rights of local churches.   Overtures to the 51st General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in... Continue Reading

The bottom line is that evaluating candidates and judging differences is not an empirical question, but a theological one. Each court has the right to declare the terms of admission into its membership (Preliminary Principle #2). Simply because a stated difference is commonly granted as an exception does not mean the same difference must be... Continue Reading

The Standing Judicial Commission has published its decision along with concurring and dissenting opinions in a matter referred to it by the 50th General Assembly.   The PCA Standing Judicial Commission has released its decision in Case 2023-13, BCO 40-5 Matter re: Metropolitan New York Presbytery. The case came to the SJC by action of... Continue Reading

When the ruling elder cares enough to get involved, he will keep the church aware of the real world and the desperate need it has for the good news about Jesus Christ. At the same time, he will exercise a restraint on tendencies to depart from the faith….It is hoped that the trend toward a... Continue Reading

“Now I realized that I was in grave error. “Side B” is not good for the Church. Our doctrinal standards do not allow for Revoice’s stance towards so-called “LGBTQ” issues. The PCA should not leave room for the “Side B” position, for it is not in accord with sound doctrine. I am sorry that I... Continue Reading

Overture 23 (Item 2) on officers conforming to the biblical requirement for chastity has received the necessary 2/3 approval and WILL be considered for final formal ratification at the 51st General Assembly. With the hopeful ratification of this amendment, the PCA shall close the door on the Revoice Movement or so-called Side-B Christianity. Of the 64 presbyteries, 63 have... Continue Reading

What happened in the RCA? In the words of one former RCA pastor, the RCA had gangrene in their right foot but amputated their left hand. “What would have made more sense is the progressives to go to the PCUSA or UCC if they were willing to leave,” said Bremer. “They were in the minority and... Continue Reading

Guilt must be proven in church courts, just as in secular courts. At stake is the possibility of wrongly condemning the innocent and the very existence of justice itself. The presumption of innocence, however, is in peril in the evangelical world. In fact, there are many who believe that a presumption of innocence is the very... Continue Reading

Overture 23 (Item 2) on officers conforming to the biblical requirement for chastity has garnered favorable support from almost all the presbyteries that have considered it. This item is likely the final amendment in response to the Revoice Conference and corresponding movement promoting so-called Side-B Christianity. Of the 40 presbyteries which have voted so far,... Continue Reading