Studies & Actions
of the General Assembly of
The Presbyterian Church in America
[24th General Assembly (1996), 24-37,
III, 14, p. 212.]
HOMOSEXUALITY
1996,24-37, III, 14, p. 212. That the General Assembly answer Personal
Resolution #4 in the negative.
Grounds:
1. The PCA is not in ecclesiastical relationship with the Episcopal Church
in the US and, therefore has no basis for addressing her.
2. The PCA's position against the evils of sodomy and other sexual perversion
has been clearly stated and reiterated in the past.
3. The issue is again being addressed by other personal resolutions to
this GA.
4. It is impossible for the PCA to address every deviation from Biblical
Christianity within the multiplicity of denominations and churches.
5. A prophetic voice is being raised within the Episcopal Church in the
US against this sin.
We encourage our members to pray and to support those within the Episcopal
Church who are opposing this error.
Personal Resolution 4: TE James A. Smith "Statement to Episcopal Church
for Ordination of Homosexuals"
Whereas, on the one hand, it may be unwise to intrude into the
affairs of other churches;
Whereas, on the other hand, we do have the responsibility to the
Lord to uphold sound doctrine and to admonish one another;
Whereas, a court of the Episcopal Church has handed down a judgement
which in our opinion is clearly out of accord with the teaching of Scripture;
Whereas, this decision was made too late for a formal overture
from Presbytery to be considered at this General Assembly;
Whereas, the significance of the matter and of meaningful response
would suggest that postponing consideration of our responsibilities for
a year is probably unwise;
Therefore, we respectfully request the General Assembly to consider
the wisdom of making a statement (or some other response that may be considered
to be more appropriate) to the Episcopal Church in similar form and spirit
to the enclosed letter sent by the Presbytery of New Jersey to the Presiding
Bishop of the Episcopal Church.
Letter sent by Presbytery of New Jersey:
Edmund Browning, Presiding Bishop
The Episcopal Church
815 Second Avenue
New York, NY
Dear Sir: The Presbytery of New Jersey, affiliated with the Presbyterian
Church in America, notes with sorrow, the decision of your ecclesiastical
court on May 15, 1996, "that there is no core doctrine prohibiting
the ordination of a noncelibate, homosexual person living in a
faithful and committed sexual relationship with a person of the
same sex." We believe that this decision is a departure from the
teachings of Scripture and that noncelibate homosexual activity
is incompatible with historic, biblical Christianity. Your decision
brings shame on the Church of Jesus Christ. It is our prayer that
the 1997 General Convocation of the Episcopal Church will revise
the canon law of the Episcopal Church to prohibit the ordination
of noncelibate homosexuals. Know of our continued prayer for the
faithful expansion of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
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Sincerely,
/s/ James A. Smith
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| 1996, 24-58, III, 25, p. 315. That Personal Resolution 7 by RE
Tom Leopard, "Oppose Legalization of Homosexual Marriages" be
answered by reference to previous actions of the General Assembly
(e.g., M5GA, p. 67-8, M21GA, p.129ff) and the following statement. |
"We affirm the Bible's teaching that promotion of homosexual
conduct and relationships by any society, including action by
the governments to sanction and legitimize homosexual relationships
by the legalization of homosexual marriages, is an abominable
sin calling for God's judgment upon any such society (Lev. 18:22
and Rom. 1:18-32). We also reaffirm our belief in the transforming
power of God's grace and our commitment to 'speaking the truth
in love' to those in the homosexual community."
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Adopted as amended
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| 1996, p. 319, 24-58, III, 26, p. 319. That Personal Resolution
6 by RE Tom Leopard "Oppose Disney's Promotion of Homosexual Lifestyle" be answered by reference to the Assembly's action on Recommendation
25 and by the following statement -- "We abhor what Disney and other
corporations do to promote the homosexual lifestyle." |
Adopted
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