The following letter was publically released through the website of the World Reformed Fellowship. The Aquila Report will seek to report on activities within the PCUSA with regard to this crisis in the denomination. [Editor’s note: the original URL (link) referenced is no longer valid, so the link has been removed.]

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ of Highland Park Presbyterian Church,

As the elders and pastors of HPPC, we are writing to inform you of a recent event in our denomination, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Specifically, a significant change has been made to the PC(USA)’s standards for church officers (pastors, elders and deacons).

While this change is deeply troubling, it does not change HPPC. We have the freedom and the responsibility to continue upholding biblical standards for church officers.

For many years, the PC(USA) has been embroiled in debate regarding what standards ought to be required of deacons, elders and pastors. In particular, the debate has focused on whether our denomination should maintain “the requirement to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman, or chastity in singleness” (PC(USA) Book of Order, G-6.0106b).

An amendment to the PC(USA)’s constitution was recently approved, and this biblical standard for church officers will soon be removed from the Book of Order.

The Session of HPPC stands with the many congregations and individuals with whom we have worked and prayed to prevent this change, which we regard as a significant break in the covenant relationship of the PC(USA). This revision is a departure from the beliefs and practice of the historic and global Church.

Of course, media reports of this event may interpret it as progress toward tolerance and openness.

What will change in the Presbyterian Church (USA)?

De-centralization: The removal of the denomination-wide standard gives congregations and presbyteries (regional governing bodies) permission to make their own decisions about appropriate conduct for church officers. Some have stated that they plan to ordain leaders who do not abide by the “fidelity/chastity” standard that is being removed.

How will this impact Highland Park Presbyterian Church?

HPPC’s beliefs and practices are unchanged. We will continue to uphold biblical standards for church officers. The freedom we embrace is the freedom of the Gospel, which calls us all to live humbly in the righteousness of Christ (Romans 6:18).

The Session is studying and evaluating these events in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), together with a new task force established specifically for this purpose. We invite you to communicate any questions or concerns you may have, by writing to the Clerk of Session, Ben Brown.

Prayerfully Yours in Christ,

The Session (Elders and Pastors) of HPPC