Although church liberals love to insist their policies appeal to the rising generation, all of the available evidence indicates just the opposite. Liberalizing churches don’t attract young people, who, even if themselves liberal, tend to flock to churches they respect for not pandering to them. The same is true for racial minorities, who largely avoid... Continue Reading

This is a moment of constitutional and confessional crisis for the PCUSA. If the Assembly proceeds down the path of allowing consideration and ultimately passing an Authoritative Interpretation of the Constitution that creates an express contradiction, the Assembly will be willfully disregarding its own constitution. How are we functionally a constitutionally formed people if we no... Continue Reading

The divestment resolution targets companies that divestment supporters say supply electronic and earth-moving equipment that help Israel violate Palestinian rights. Presbyterians in support of the resolution described it as a long overdue stand on behalf of Palestinians suffering under the occupation, which began in 1967 when Israel pushed back attacks from neighboring countries.   (RNS) The Presbyterian Church (USA) voted... Continue Reading

God will not be mocked and those who substitute their own felt desires for God’s unchangeable Truth will not be found guiltless before a holy God.  The Presbyterian Lay Committee will continue to call for repentance and reform: repentance of those who have clearly erred at this General Assembly and reform of the PCUSA according... Continue Reading

By a 76-24 percent vote, the General Assembly of the 1.8 million-member PCUSA voted to allow pastors to perform gay marriages in states where they are legal. Delegates, meeting in Detroit this week, also approved new language about marriage in the church’s Book of Order, or constitution, altering references to “a man and woman” to “two persons.”... Continue Reading

There are seven overtures and two agency recommendations coming to the Detroit assembly that all seek to convey criticism of Israel’s human rights record, by harsh words or by BDS economic pressure.  On the other side, there is only one overture casting doubt upon this confrontational strategy. Regarding the rest of the world, there are... Continue Reading

Cascades Presbytery has approved an overture (Ovt. 021) that completely re-writes the Book of Order’s section on marriage – W4.9000, to “to allow marriage between ‘two people’ rather than limiting marriage to ‘between one man and one woman’ and to allow PCUSA church officials to perform marriage ceremonies between same sex couples,” according to the overture’s rationale.... Continue Reading

A small group of weary but grateful evangelical commissioners gathered together following the plenary session, which ended at 1:30 a.m. Saturday morning. They all gave glory to God for the miracle they had witnessed, offered prayers of thanks, and concluded their time together by singing the doxology.

In general, evangelical churches looking for succor or safety, or for accommodation of their enduring beliefs and practices in a progressive era, will be disappointed. Little quarter was given, and other than being able to query candidates about their view of ordination standards, or to expect repentance of the ordained, little ground was gained in the 220th General Assembly.

1. Gay Ruling Elder preaches just prior to debate on same-sex weddings; 2. Approves boycott of Israeli settlements; rejects use of Apartheid’ for Israel; 3. Approves actions in support of immigrants; 4. Rejects return to ‘fidelity and chastity’ language; keeps 'Teaching Elder' and 'Ruling Elder'