Looking Ahead to San Jose!
The church gathers in General Assembly June 20–28, in San Jose, CA. Covenant Network will be there and we hope you will be, too!
This G.A. can make real progress:
In light of the recent GA PJC decision in Bush V. Presbytery of Pittsburgh, the Covenant Network believes that our hopes for a just and gracious church require working at this Assembly both to reaffirm the traditional Presbyterian process ratified by the 2006 Assembly and to change the standards for ordination.
To that end, we urge the General Assembly to take several actions:
- Approve the overtures designed to support the 217th GA’s approval of the authoritative interpretation of G-6.0108.
- Issue an Authoritative Interpretation making it clear that the “definitive guidance” statements that preceded G-6.0106b, and the subsequent affirmations of them, have no force or effect.
- Send to the presbyteries an amendment of G-6.0106b that would remove the provisions aimed at excluding LGBT persons from ordained service.
Rationale and more recommendations – please click here.
If you'll be in San José, we hope you’ll join us at our...
Commissioners’ Convocation Dinner
Friday night, June 20
An opportunity for commissioners, advisory delegates and observers to think together how to make a difference in the coming week. Commissioners and advisory delegates will have an opportunity to meet others on their committee, and the volunteers who are committed to supporting them throughout their G.A. experience. Plan to join us in the beautiful glass-domed rotunda of San Jose’s City Hall. Susan Andrews, Moderator of the 215th General Assembly and General Presbyter of Hudson River Presbytery, will address our legislative hopes for this G.A.
Covenant Network Luncheon
Monday, June 23
Hear our founding Co-Moderator John M. Buchanan (Moderator of the 208th General Assembly, Editor and Publisher of The Christian Century, and Pastor of Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago) reflect on our continuing vision of a church that celebrates the welcoming gospel. Also, Harry Knox, Director of the Religion and Faith program of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), will speak about HRC’s 2009 Clergy Call initiative. Join old friends and new at our (now bi-)annual celebration.
You can order tickets for both events online. Note May 19 order deadline. And please visit us at Booth 105 in the Exhibit Hall!
Information Resources
Find full information about the General Assembly here.
The G.A. is posting all business it will consider on a special website. You can see all overtures, recommendations, and other business under the Committees that will consider them. You can also follow business during G.A. through this site.
Information and recommendations from several progressive groups can be found at JustPresbys.org
Moderator Candidates
Four presbyteries have endorsed candidates for Moderator:
Carl Mazza — PNS story • Website
Bruce Reyes-Chow — PNS story • Website
Roger Shoemaker — PNS story • Website
William Teng — PNS story • Website
Extensive information can also be found in the Candidates’ booklet, now available for download.
Ways you can help!
If you’ll be in San Jose, Covenant Network would love your help! From hospitality to supporting commissioners and advisory delegates to running errands; from an hour to a day to the whole week and more — we have numerous opportunities for service that can help you enhance your knowledge of the PCUSA, make new friends, and make a difference in the church's witness. To learn more or to sign up, contact National Organizer Tricia Dykers Koenig 216-658-1770 or, triciadk@covenantnetwork.org.
If you can’t come, you can still take part!
• Sponsor your presbytery’s commissioners, or an Advisory Delegate or two, to attend Covenant Network’s Convocation Dinner and/or G.A. Luncheon by offering to buy their tickets. Contact Program Coordinator Lou East for information, 336-643-9424 or loueast@covenantnetwork.org
• Knit rainbow-colored scarves for commissioners and others to wear to show their support of an inclusive church. Directions from the Rev. Janet Edwards are here. |
Plan your 2008...
with exciting upcoming events.
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GA PJC Rules on Three Cases about 2006 Authoritative Interpretation
The General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission, in three cases testing the Authoritative Interpretation of G-6.0108 by the 217th General Assembly as recommended by the Theological Task Force on the Peace, Unity, and Purity of the Church, ruled that
- Neither the GA nor the GAPJC can change any ordination standard, though they may interpret them.
- The Adopting Act of 1729 provides guidance in understanding the concept of “essentials.”
- Presbyteries and Sessions may not adopt policies that purport to establish essentials of Reformed faith and polity outside of the context of an examination of an individual candidate, nor may they declare that any or all departures from standards will be prohibited.
- Presbyteries and Sessions must conduct meaningful, case-by-case examinations of candidates for ordained office, honoring individuals’ freedom of conscience and showing mutual forbearance.
- The decisions of examining bodies may be reviewed, and factual determinations by examining bodies are entitled to deference by reviewing bodies.
- The freedom of conscience guaranteed in G-6.0108 applies only to interpretation of Scripture; yet
- The determination as to whether a candidate has departed from essentials does not depend upon distinguishing between belief and behavior; some behavioral mandates, including refusal to repent of some practices the confessions call sin, may be considered non-essential.
Very confusingly, and in contradiction of the clear intent of the Authoritative Interpretation adopted by the 2006 General Assembly, the PJC also ruled that
- The only ordination standard from which a governing body may not allow a departure is that of “fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (W-4.9001), or chastity in singleness,” so this “specific” clause is lifted up as functionally essential (until it is removed) – making the most controversial provision in the Constitution of the PCUSA the only predetermined “essential.”
Please see the statement of Jon M. Walton and Deborah A. Block, Co-Moderators, Covenant Network of Presbyterians, regarding this GA PJC action. A much fuller discussion of the decisions, by Covenant Network Director Doug Nave, is posted on the Presbyterian Outlook website. |
Twin Cities Restores Paul Capetz to Ordained Ministry
The Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area, at a special called meeting on January 26, voted by 70% to restore theologian Paul Capetz to the office of Minister of the Word and Sacrament. Dr. Capetz, Associate Professor of Historical Theology at United Theological Seminary and a gay man, had asked to be released from the exercise of ordained ministry in 2000, as a protest against the deeply flawed theology of G-6.0106b.
Both before and during the day-long meeting, the presbytery employed several of the practices of open-hearted listening, shared worship, and communal discernment commended by the 2006 General Assembly and the Theological Task Force. The Committee on Ministry considered Dr. Capetz’s request for restoration in the context of the 2006 G.A.’s Authoritative Interpretation of G-6.0108.
By a 70% vote, the presbytery approved the COM’s recommendation that “Dr. Capetz’s declared departure from G-6.0106b be not found to constitute a failure to adhere to the essentials of Reformed faith and polity under G-6.0108 of the Book of Order.”
The presbytery then voted by a similar margin to restore him to the exercise of the office of Minister of Word and Sacrament, and by a voice vote to validate his teaching ministry at United Seminary.
Presbyters had the opportunity to consider Dr. Capetz’s statement of departure from G-6.0106b and to question him directly. He emphasized that his disagreement with the provision was based on its non-Reformed treatment of required celibacy as a kind of works-righteousness that the Reformers specifically rejected.
Read Dr. Capetz’s statement to the presbytery. |
San Francisco Presbytery Approves Lisa Larges as Ready for Examination
On Tuesday, January 15, San Francisco Presbytery accepted the recommendation of its Committee on Preparation for Ministry to find candidate Lisa Larges “ready for examination, with a departure.” In so doing, San Francisco became the first presbytery to employ the process outlined in the Authoritative Interpretation (A.I.) of G-6.0108 adopted by the 2006 General Assembly. That A.I. permits candidates for office to declare a conscientious scruple or departure from constitutional standards for office, and requires ordaining bodies to determine whether the particular departure “constitutes a failure to adhere to the essentials of Reformed faith and polity.”
With a vote of 167 – 151, a majority of the presbytery agreed with the CPM that Lisa Larges’s statement of departure from G-6.0106b, taken together with her Faith Statement, educational qualifications, service, character, and ministry, was not an “essential” departure and hence not a bar to proceeding toward ordination.
Lisa Larges has been under care of San Francisco Presbytery and its CPM for ten years, after having been an inquirer or candidate for twelve years in the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area. An out lesbian, she currently serves as Minister Coordinator of That All May Freely Serve.
In welcoming San Francisco Presbytery’s very thoughtful and thorough process and the action taken to advance Lisa Larges, the Executive Committee of the Covenant Network stated:
“We have a long way to go as a church to be as just and generous or as bold and missional as the church God needs and desires. The church has not solved its division over sexuality and ordination. But yesterday it took a modest but significant step forward.”
Read the whole statement.
Read Lisa Larges's Statement of Departure. |
Support the Covenant Network
Only with your help can we continue educating, advocating, and networking toward a more fully inclusive church. Your tax-deductible gift makes an essential difference.
The 2006 General Assembly offered Presbyterians a new way of relating to one another despite disagreements, and reaffirmed the responsibility of sessions and presbyteries to look at each candidate individually in discerning call.
With your help the Covenant Network has made a real difference in the church. It has...
The work continues
...and so does Covenant Network's need for your support. It costs money to write, publish and distribute critical resources for sessions, candidates and presbyteries. It costs money to offer legal support and training as judicial cases work out the new polity of ordination. It costs money to organize for effective action at next June's General Assembly. It costs money to support Covenant Network chapters for effective local action. It costs money to offer national and regional conferences across the country.
The Covenant Network is entirely reliant on your support. Please send your generous year-end gift. Take advantage of the Network's online e-store and donate now. You can remember or honor someone who’s been important in your own journey with a memorial gift; our office will be glad to notify the honoree. Also please ask your session to start, or increase, its support of the Network.
Let us work together to create a church as generous and just as God's grace!
To donate on-line, please click here.
To donate by check, mail your gift to 2515 Fillmore St., San Francisco, CA 94115, or call 415-351-2196.
To sign the Call to Covenant, please click here.
Thank you for your support!
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An Important New Film
For the Bible Tells Me So is about scripture and how Christian families do (or fail to) come to understand their gay children. Made with the help of the Human Rights Campaign, the film features interviews with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Harvard professor Peter Gomes, Bishop Gene Robinson (and his family), former House Majority Leader Dick Gephardt (and his lesbian daughter), and three other American, Christian families of gay children. Now in selected theaters. Reviews, prizes, and release schedule here. |
Synod of the Trinity PJC Rules on Washington Presbytery
Remedial Case
In March of this year, Washington Presbytery voted to adopt a resolution declaring essential standards for Ordination and A Statement of Biblical Standards for members to sign. Both of these actions were challenged in remedial case, a trial was held, and the resolution was set aside.
Read the SPJC Finding.
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The Covenant Network
2515 Fillmore St - San Francisco - CA - 94115
415 351 2196 (v) - 415 351 2198 (f)
Executive Director: Pam Byers
Website feedback: Webspinner
RSS Feed: http://covenantnetwork.org/feed.xml
Covenant Connection Subscription Management
The Covenant Network of Presbyterians is a broad-based, national group of clergy and lay leaders working for a church that is simultaneously faithful, just, and whole.
The Covenant Network seeks to:
- support the mission and unity of the Presbyterian Church (USA);
- articulate and act on the church's historic, progressive vision;
- work for a fully inclusive church;
- find ways to live out the graciously hospitable gospel by living together with all our fellow members in the PC(USA).
You are invited to this covenant community of envisioning a graceful and inviting church – a church reaching out; offering the gospel to a world in need and gratefully welcoming the gifts of all whom God calls to ministry and service.
To join with other Presbyterians and make your commitment to envision a church that is as generous and just as God’s grace, please sign the Call to Covenant Community and donate through our on-line E-Store. |
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Spring Covenant Connection
Newsletter Now Available
The spring edition of the The Covenant Connection has been mailed. It is also available here: download. (PDF, 8.5 megabites, 20-40 seconds on cable or DSL. Not suggested for dial-up connections.)
This issue includes information about:
- Recent PJC decisions (p. 5) and CovNet's response (p. 1)
- Two presbyteries' use of the 2006 Authoritative Interpretation (pp. 2-3)
- Excerpts from Beverly Gaventa's Reflection on Romans (pp. 6-7)
- Conferences and G.A. events (pp. 2, 5, 8)
We are pleased to send The Covenant Connection without charge to anyone who requests it. To be added to our list, or to submit a change of address, please click here: Covenant Connection Subscription Management.
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Covenant Network Responds to Recent PJC Decision
On February 11, 2008, the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission issued decisions in cases arising from the presbyteries of Pittsburgh, Olympia, and Washington. You can find them posted as decisions #218-09, -10, and -15 at the PJC website, http://www.pcusa.org/gapjc/decisions/decisions.htm#0608.
In response to the cases, Covenant Network Co-Moderators Jon Walton and Deborah Block issued a statement saying in part:
“One decision of the PJC was profoundly disappointing. In the case of Bush v. Pittsburgh Presbytery, the PJC ruled that the second sentence (including “chastity in singleness”) of G.6-0106b is an “essential of Reformed faith and polity,” from which behavioral departure is not acceptable for those seeking church office. This ruling lifts one sentence in the Book of Order to a position of authority above all others in the Constitution, including the Book of Confessions of the church. We do not believe that there is any sound theological or legal basis for making such a distinction. . . .
“In inexplicably lifting up one sentence as outside the bounds of discernment, the PJC appears to have disregarded the wisdom of that General Assembly and its clear intention as made explicit in the report of the Theological Task Force. We pledge to do everything we can to help set the church back on the path that the PJC decision has partially blocked.”
Read the full statement
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Covenant Network Mourns
Theologian and Churchman Jack Stotts
“In life and in death we belong to God.”
The Covenant Network of Presbyterians joins others across the church in mourning the death of Jack L. Stotts, former president of McCormick Theological Seminary and President Emeritus of Austin Theological Seminary.
Among Jack’s many services to the church, he chaired the Special Committee that produced the Brief Statement of Faith. His pastoral presence and theological stature let him guide the deliberately very broad committee, drawn from all parts of the recently reunited church, to create a liturgical confession that is embraced by every part of the PC(USA). It begins, of course, with the strong affirmation above.
A noted theological ethicist, Jack was a founding board member of the Covenant Network. He offered our first G.A. Luncheon address, in 1998. Its topic was prescient: Unity and Diversity: An Enduring Agenda. He reflected on a seminal work in modern theological ethics in Christ and Culture Revisited, his address to our 2001 Covenant Conference. And he keynoted our 2004 Covenant conference on Christian sexual ethics with a thoughtful speech, In the Beginning Was the Relationship.
He was a friend and mentor to hundreds of former students or colleagues. His life and work are recalled in stories in the Presbyterian News Service, the Presbyterian Outlook, and the Austin American-Statesman.
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When are we going to stop complaining about the Church we see and start becoming the Church we dream of? What is standing in the way? What are you going to do about it? Who else can you work with to make this dream a reality?
Come together with Presbyterians across boundaries of age, gender, culture, race, theology, and other barriers to envision a Church Unbound. Experience speakers who are diverse, provocative, and challenging; workshops that hone skills; small groups that foster relationship-building; energizing worship and Bible study; and real conversations with real people doing ministry in different settings.
Register soon because of limited Montreat housing during the week of July 4th. Fee structures are designed to encourage students, spouses, newer ministers, and families. Recreational programs for children of conferees are provided.
For more information and to register: www.montreat.org/current/2008-church-unbound.
Printable flyer.
Co-sponsored by Presbyterian Outlook, Cross Cultural Alliance of Ministries, and Montreat Conference center
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Covenant Conference
Shares Stories and Hope
The 10th Covenant Network conference, held in Atlanta, Georgia, on November 1 – 3, 2007, satisfied its 300+  attendees with powerful and stimulating plenary sessions, inspiring preaching and worship, moving personal testimonies, varied workshops, opportunities to see a new film, The Bible Tells Me So, and plenty of chances to meet and enjoy the fellowship of those committed to a church as generous and just as God's grace.
What does losing have to do with testifying to our faith and what we need from our church? The Rev. Anna Carter Florence, Professor of Preaching at Columbia Theological Seminary, prodded us all to think about that in her address, “Testimony to a Dream: Waking Up the Witness.” Beverly Gaventa, Princeton Seminary Professor of New Testament, reflected on Romans as “Witnessing to God’s Own Hope.” She gave us the lasting image of hope as waiting on tiptoe for a train carrying a loved one – being unable to do  anything to hasten its arrival, but able to tend to each other while we wait.
Emory theologian and musician Don Saliers – and his daughter Indigo Girl Emily via video – spoke of “Opening Body and Soul: The Power of Music.” The many ways in which music speaks to us were amply demonstrated in magnificent worship services. Our musical treats included a hymn written by Michael Morgan especially for this gathering, an elegy written for one of the first men to die of AIDS and performed by a handbell choir, music with a definite beat provided by djembe, bells, flute and piano, music from the Taizé tradition, and hymns where the glory of so many good singers both in the chancel and the pews gave a special resonance to "Lift Every Voice and Sing."
In addition to a moving, candlelit Taizé prayer service, four other services included both personal testimonies and sermons by outstanding preachers Scott Black Johnston (text), Jessica Tate (text), Teresa Fry Brown (text), and Joanna Adams (text).
During the conference, Covenant Network leaders released a new statement describing their strategic focus. Director John Wilkinson explained why the board finds hope for real progress in the Authoritative Interpretation adopted by the 2006 General Assembly.
Much of the richness of the conference is available on CDs or cassettes from the CovNet store; sermons and addresses will be posted here as they become available.
Sorry you couldn’t attend this year? Put next year's conference, Covenant: God Is Faithful Still, on your calendar. It will be held November 6 – 8, 2008, in Minneapolis, MN. Walter Brueggeman and William Stacy Johnson will be the keynoters.
Kirsten Kingdon, Covenant Network Director;
Elder, New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, Washington, DC
The Presbyterian Outlook and Presbyterian News Service have also filed stories about the conference. |
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