I turn to this in my reflections on GA not just because this has long been a tension important in my own spiritual walk, but because I feel that this year's GA seemed to follow this guidance as well. The worship, both preaching and music, were wonderful, and several independent and long time GA observers said that it was the best in many years. The assembled commissioners "behaved like family" as the new moderator admonished us to do. I came away from the Assembly with a real sense of God's presence and the feeling that we had accomplished something not just in the bills and overtures we worked through but in the public witness of the unity of the church as well.
So what of the controversy? It is by no means over or even put very far aside. The proposed modifications to G-6.0106b* will be voted on by the presbyteries keeping the controversy close at hand this coming year. In theory, as was pointed out by the committee, the rewording of "fidelity and chastity," now "fidelity and integrity," changes nothing. The definitive guidance of 1978 is still in effect. The language is toned down and may provide some "wiggle room" and more room for individual conscience.
I like some of the new wording that makes it read like other sections of the Book of Order. And what I like most about the new wording is that it does less to single out one or two specific sins but reminds us that we are all sinners saved by God's grace and all in need of repentance. To some degree this helps with one of my greatest frustrations with the Amendment B debate, that we are really debating two different questions at once: 1) Should officers of the church be held to a higher moral standard and 2) Is homosexual practice a sin that, like other sins, needs repenting of? I am wondering if the new wording is the Spirit leading for the denomination to deal with these questions decently and in order?
As I have mentioned before, I am very impressed with the respectful way that the Assembly dealt with this question and with most other questions. I am also impressed at the prayerful and thoughtful way I have heard that the committee dealt with writing the new language. They really hoped that the new language would restore a small measure of unity and healing to the church and I commend them for that. I know how hard my committee worked rewriting a resolution of much less theological consequence, I can only imagine, and commend them, for the time spent on this. Many of us at GA were impressed with the bold move of the committee to craft an essentially new and compromise resolution from the overture.
In spite of all these positive signs I still have concerns for the unity of the denomination. There are still two sides with what I see as mutually exclusive positions on the issue of ordination. Either we do or we don't. In the long run I can not foresee the future of the church on this issue. It was clear that people at both extremes are not really happy with this compromise and as it looks from here they never will be. It seems that the future of the denomination, if unity is to be preserved, is a continued "cease-fire" with each side essentially ignoring the other. I can not imagine either side being content with this so it seems to me a running battle in the church's councils and courts is ultimately in store. However, I also realize that God works miracles and has a tremendous amount of grace and mercy. I am praying hard for His leading in this area and I see this as the only source of resolution with integrity for all. While becoming frustrated with this debate I have over the last six months become convinced of the necessity of the continuation of honest dialog on these issues. If showing the unity of the church is one of the chief ways of spreading the gospel, as John Buchanan admonished us in the opening worship service, we must look at this as a continuing process and be prepared to live with it for a while.
The Assembly's willingness to take a moral stand on one form of late term abortions I believe was a surprise to many of the commissioners, especially the committee leadership. But again, the grace of God and respect for each other was evident in making this decision. And throughout the Assembly there was a very evident passion for the church and our polity. Slight wording changes in motions were debated with passion and understanding. And a love for our form of government and our Biblical principles was everywhere evident.
I do realize that not every motive and action was pure. On almost every controversial vote I was lobbied by both sides. On the most controversial issues the debate did not change my vote (although it did on some lesser issues). I saw actions on the floor that, while legal, I did not consider in the spirit of the church. I saw political mussle being flexed by both sides. And yet, I still believe that God worked through all our fallenness that week and blessed the faithful actions of His people. Synods and councils err, but God is faithful none the less.
As I have said before, I count it a privilege to have been a part of the 209th General Assembly. I thank all who made it possible for me to go and for all who prayed for the Assembly. I truely believe that God abundantly answered the prayers and we showed the world that Christian unity is possible even among people of strongly held and very different beliefs. To God alone be the Glory.
*Proposed new wording of G-6.0106b: Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to Jesus Christ, under the authority of Scripture and instructed by the historic confessional standards of the church. Among these standards is the requirement to demonstrate fidelity and integrity in marriage or singleness, and in all relationships of life. Candidates for ordained office shall acknowledge their own sinfulness, their need for repentance, and their reliance on the grace and mercy of God to fulfill the duties of their office.