Overture 47, which the Assembly approved, gives the study committee instructions “to study the relationship between Christian Nationalism, Ethno-Nationalism, and related teachings. Further, the committee shall advise on whether these teachings and formulations are in conformity with the system of doctrine taught in the Westminster Standards or where they may diverge from the system of... Continue Reading

Presbyterianism may be said to rest on a three-legged stool (thank you to T. David Gordon for this analogy). One leg is our doctrine. Another leg is our form of government. The third is our worship. Our worship is an expression of our doctrine. It arises out of our doctrine. We worship as we do... Continue Reading

We need to stand against the winds of culture and speak clearly to issues of the day. But we cannot let how something “looks” to those inside or outside the church dictate our faith or practice. Who cares how a moderator’s ruling “looks?” Was it according to Scripture, the BCO, and Robert’s Rules? Those are... Continue Reading

The Presbyterian Pew offers links to view recorded worship services and business meetings from the 52nd General Assembly held in Chattanooga, Tennessee.   The 52nd PCA General Assembly is officially in full swing! Below is an outline of the events for each session (according to the docket). As recordings of the livestreams become available, I’ll... Continue Reading

This year’s Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) General Assembly had the potential to be one of the most significant in the history of the PCA, but it did not live up to its full potential. Nonetheless, this was a successful Assembly as it largely continued the status quo of the last five years or so: upholding our... Continue Reading

Here is what concerns me.  The Statement says that I am not allowed to hold a view that “posits superiority of race or ethnic identity born of immutable human characteristics.” Of course, I believe that all men and races are equal as being partakers of the image of God, that all men and races are... Continue Reading

That the 52nd General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America does hereby join with the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (221st General Synod) and with the Reformed Presbyterian Church in North America (193rd Synod) in condemning without distinction any theological or political teaching which posits a superiority of race or ethnic identity born of immutable... Continue Reading

By the end of this third Chattanooga Assembly, many of the PCA founding cultural interests and efforts to avoid centralization were distant memories. With strong efforts, the conservatives who sought to bring the high-level officers more in line with certain notions had some success. Moreover, the progressive wing seemed more determined and efficient than ever... Continue Reading

The Assembly continued its work hearing reports, debating, and approving recommendations.   The Assembly reconvened at 8:30 a.m. and heard the report from the Cooperative Ministries Committee and then the report from the Review of Presbytery Records. You can read about RPR’s work here. After debates on several items pertaining to individual presbyteries, the report... Continue Reading

TE Kevin DeYoung was elected to serve as moderator. The Assembly heard various reports including those from the Stated Clerk, the Review of Presbytery Reports, and the Standing Judicial Commission. Four BCO amendments were ratified, and the Overtures Committee made recommendations on several overtures.   The Assembly opened with a worship service. Ruling Elder Steve... Continue Reading