As the 142nd General Assembly approaches, I am moved to describe this season in the life of the church as one perched between bliss and ignorance. I do not know which way the balance may tip.
Bliss, because we seemed finally embarked on a systemic, sensible and truly national discussion of the relationship between sexuality and the sacred, as defined by our reformed, Presbyterian policies and practice. As a member of the Justice Ministries Advisory Committee, I was proud of the work done by Justice Ministries in the development of a response (which was referred back) to Overture 4, 2015—work that will continue. Congregations and presbyteries have dutifully engaged in discussions, which have been both faithful and fruitful. This is the way I learned that the Presbyterian Church in Canada is supposed to work, and it is both thrilling and challenging to be part of that work.
Ignorance reveals itself in the seemingly innocent work of those who claim sole responsibility for the discovery of righteousness and truth—people who have taken the same ordination vows as I have; vows that bind us in a covenant together, to seek the movement of the spirit in scripture, through study, and prayer and respectful debate in the courts of the church. Those voices, banded together by a seemingly clever acronym, have been raised through clever advertising campaigns in the Record, and through unsolicited correspondence to sessions in various parts of the country. True, there are a good many groups who may offer opinions and seek support through these methods, but to seek such short cuts while still claiming to be working “for the good of the church” is duplicitous and contrary to the ordination vows of both teaching and ruling elders. The vows include this statement, best understood in its entirety:
“Do you accept the government of this church by sessions, presbyteries, synods and general assemblies, and do you promise to share in and submit yourself to all lawful oversight therein, and to follow no divisive course but to seek the peace and unity of Christ among your people and throughout the Holy Catholic Church?” (Book of Forms, section 447.3)
Acceptance of the system of governance and submission to all lawful oversight. This is no small thing, to be cast aside because one fears the outcome of the discernment of the assembled church. I urge you, who are soon to gather as commissioners of the Assembly: consider your Baptism, and give thanks—consider your vows, and give due diligence to the business that does come before you. And may the peace of God which passes all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, our Lord.
Rev. Jeff Lackie, Thorburn, N.S.
