August 2011

An interesting question was asked during the July 29 Appeal Hearing which bears some amplification. As background, we had presented the message of Scripture as being univocal and unambiguous on three points: 1. Marriage is always based on a male/female prerequisite; 2. Every command regarding homosexuality is a prohibition in the strongest terms; and 3. There is not a single biblical passage that affirms homosexual practice of any kind. A judicial commissioner inquired as to which theological starting point anchors this view, “orders of creation” or “covenant theology.” My mental wheels started turning, and I realized that the questioner presented

I have been bothered by a comment made more than once during the July 29 appeal hearing. I think it was two elders who said, “We’re not theologians here; it isn’t our job to adjudicate differences of biblical interpretation.” By way of background, permanent judicial commissioners are either ministers or elders (now known as teaching elders and ruling elders) who have been elected by the General Assembly to six-year terms on the church’s highest court. Their comment begs the question, “So whose job is it?” Turning the case back to the Synod for a revision of its ruling, the GAPJC

After thirty-six years of marriage, I can still surprise my husband. I broke the “Mary mold” a few months ago when I declared—out of the blue—“This is the year for me to climb Half Dome in Yosemite.”  Andy looked at me in astonishment and asked, “Who are you, and what have you done with my wife?!” The church I have known, loved, and worked hard within for thirty-six years has surprised us all with an about-face in the last few months. This radical departure from our heritage has occurred in stages. The first was the replacement of Amendment 10A for

“Can’t we just all get along?” Yes, we can: we can be cordial, gracious in our dealings, non-attacking, and patient with the weaknesses of others. Awhile back I was having a dinner party for folks from many Christian traditions. One replied to the invitation with a private word, saying his wife would not feel free to attend if alcohol of any kind was served at the party. I told him, “Having your wife with us is far more important to me than exercising my Christian liberty to have wine with dinner. Tell her she is more than welcome, and we