Dear Editor,

The Permanent Judicial Commission of the Presbytery of Central Florida notes G-18.0201 and G-14.0207b in ordering the session of First Presbyterian Church of Sebastian to rescind their “Confessing Church” statement. They allege that the only proper examination of those elected as elders is to ask the ordination questions. What I can’t understand is how the PJC can ignore G-14.0205 which reads, “When persons have been elected to the office of elder or deacon, the session shall confer with them as to their willingness to undertake the office. The minutes of session shall record the completion of a period of study and preparation, after which the session shall examine them as to their personal faith; knowledge of the doctrine, government, and discipline contained in the Constitution of the church; and the duties of the office. If the examination is approved, the session shall appoint a day for the service of ordination and installation.”

The meaning of many of our ordination questions is not self-apparent, particularly the question asking about the “essential tenets of the Reformed faith.” Since the liberal wing of our church has successfully stymied efforts to define those tenets, the definition must be up to the ordaining body. If this session believes that the three statements of their confession (all of which are directly linked to Scripture and our Book of Confessions) are essential tenets, then it is their duty to be assured that all candidates subscribe to them. This would be a necessary part of their examination regarding personal faith and doctrine.

It is outrageous that in the Presbyterian Church (USA) a session should be prosecuted for making a statement of contemporary and Biblical orthodoxy. Perhaps some, having failed to impose their agenda on the church democratically, are now trying to achieve their ends through this legislative witch-hunt.

As pastor of a church in which the session unanimously adopted its own “Confessing Church” statement, I’m even more convinced that we must stand before the courts and echo the words of Martin Luther as he stood before his inquisitors at Worms, “Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen.”

Sincerely,