tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7560220615271337359.post4692790703542599328..comments2024-03-12T08:04:47.314-07:00Comments on Naming His Grace: The Covenant Network seeking unityViola Larsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09146967423654966140noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7560220615271337359.post-37755175263463059132011-10-31T15:16:33.618-07:002011-10-31T15:16:33.618-07:00Jim thank you,
That should have been the top thoug...Jim thank you,<br />That should have been the top thought on my posting. So now, you will need to-SHOULD-write a blog posting on your blog! <br /><br />Please do.Viola Larsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09146967423654966140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7560220615271337359.post-46259981601266536212011-10-31T14:52:17.445-07:002011-10-31T14:52:17.445-07:00Viola,
You name two sound reasons why the Covenan...Viola,<br /><br />You name two sound reasons why the Covenant Network (CN) decision is not as sweet as they would want it to sound. There is also a third reason.<br /><br />The third reason is this: CN is endorsing a tactic that relies on an Authoritative Interpretation (AI) for success. Shrewd as CN is, it knows that getting a constitutional amendment by 173 presbyteries would be a monumental task, perhaps "a bridge too far." Thus, CN is cleverly opting for an AI, which passed only by a single General Assembly.<br /><br />CN can very likely get a General Assembly to do its bidding. The General Assembly voting commissioners are a skewed bunch, far different in opinions and beliefs from Presbyterians as a whole. CN can play them like a violin and GET its AI passed without breaking a sweat. The AI would allow for same-sex marriages. Mission accomplished.<br /><br />Had CN opted to go the whole nine yards and try for a constitutional amendment to allow same-sex marriages, it would need to amend the Book of Order, the Directory for Worship, and several confessions. It would take approval by two General Assemblies, plus approval from two thirds of the presbyteries (for the confession amendments) in order to pass.<br /><br />That would be a big order, and quite likely the CN would fail. Then it would have to deal with defeat. So CN takes the easy route with an AI. It does the job--albeit illegitimately, but it works.<br /><br />What's more, CN comes across as such nice folks, such reasonable diplomats for not disturbing the waters with yet another constitutional amendment. But that is as phony as a $3 bill. If CN truly wanted peace, it would not use oily stealth to get what it wants, at the expense of denominational peace, unity, and, most of all, purity.<br /><br />The Covenant Network is clever and effective. However, it is not and probably never will be a true statesman in the life of the PCUSA. Don't anyone be fooled by its gesture with the false appearance of kindness and good sense.<br /><br />Jim Berkley<br />Roslyn, WAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7560220615271337359.post-56742472660177826172011-10-31T11:43:29.335-07:002011-10-31T11:43:29.335-07:00Matt,
Unfortunately it is highly unlikely that co...Matt,<br /><br />Unfortunately it is highly unlikely that course would be useful. Under the current state of the law, it is virtually impossible to get a conviction without pictures, or an admission of an actual sexual relationship. And if an acquittal is the result at trial, due to recent amendments, the prosecution cannot initiate an appeal. Lastly, it is far from clear that the GA would even find this to be an offense given the removal of 6.0106B from the Constitution.<br /><br />I think the season of litigation, at least by evangelicals, is just about over, and has failed. The next season of litigation will be by the other side, with evangelicals, at least evangelicals who won't get with the program, the target.<br /><br />Whit BriskyWhit Briskyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11746100531417140598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7560220615271337359.post-34817522585588892912011-10-31T06:43:13.991-07:002011-10-31T06:43:13.991-07:00I, for one, will file a church case against any or...I, for one, will file a church case against any ordained leader who is in a sexual relationship----be it opposite gender or same gender--- outside of marriage---which is between a man and woman, as defined in God's Word (the Bible) and by Jesus (the Word of God). If they want to ordained those in same gender sexual relationships they must redefine marriage to allow for it. They either need to fish or cut bait and we should not allow them to try to have it both ways. <br />Matt Ferguson<br />Hillsboro, ILpastormattferghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00974575160023047330noreply@blogger.com