It will be interesting and informative about the state of the PCA, to see what White’s church and presbytery do if he does not change his position. In some ways, White’s position on the separation of church and state is not too far distant from the Two Kingdoms view popular in some evangelical and reformed circles.

Andrew White is a Democrat running for his party’s nomination for Texas Governor. He supports Roe v. Wade and opposes any restrictions on abortion. So far, so good.

Well, you know what I mean–opposing abortion restrictions is what Democrats do.

The twist, however, it that White is an elder of a Houston church that is part of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), one of the more orthodox evangelical denominations in America. The PCA opposes abortion and gay marriage. As an elder in the church, White has vowed to uphold the doctrines of the church.

The Westminster Larger Catechism is one of the confessional documents of the PCA. Relevant to the abortion question, it states in part:

Question 136: What are the sins forbidden in the sixth commandment?

Answer 136: The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment are, all taking away the life of ourselves, or of others, except in case of public justice, lawful war, or necessary defense; the neglecting or withdrawing the lawful and necessary means of preservation of life; sinful anger, hatred, envy, desire of revenge; all excessive passions, distracting cares; immoderate use of meat, drink, labor, and recreations; provoking words, oppression, quarreling, striking, wounding, and whatsoever else tends to the destruction of the life of any.

The PCA in 2016 adopted this statement on gay marriage:

The PCA, like other evangelical, conservative, orthodox, and traditional Christians from many denominations, believes that from creation God ordained the marriage covenant to be a bond only between one man and one woman. That understanding is what the Church has always believed, taught, and confessed. It is based upon the teachings of the Holy Scriptures and is clearly stated in the doctrinal standards of the PCA.

White, however, dismisses any connection between his faith and how he would govern if elected: “My personal faith is personal to me, but I will not let it interfere with how I govern.” He sees no conflict between the doctrines he has vowed to uphold and his statement, “I’m for marriage equality and everyone deserves to be treated equally under the law.” On top of that, the Houston Chronicle reported, “If elected governor, he promised to respect Roe V. Wade and not push for further abortion restrictions in state law.”

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