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Letters
August 16, 2003

 

Dear Presbyweb:

Pastor Anderson's trenchant observation about "consensus" and PUP's consideration of it as the model for its decision making, reminded me of one of my favorite contemporary quotations:
 


"Consensus may fairly be viewed as the antithesis of a moral position. Moral positions, when seriously held, do not admit of compromise. Morality, by definition, requires discrimination and, indeed, authority. The prevailing American preoccupation with consensus betrays our growing tendency to rely upon procedural norms to substitute for common values and ideals." —Elizabeth Fox-Genovese

Consensus decision making within the church is fine for fixing the color of the pew cushions or opting to have only decaf for the fellowship hour. It has no place – NONE – in determining what Scripture and our Constitution [Book of Confessions and BOO] direct for the Peace, Unity, or Purity of the PCUSA..

Shame on us for creating a GA and OGA that would even consider such a wholly secular idea.

Derek J Simmons, Elder
Attorney At Law
San Clemente, California
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