TTF final report

Theological Task Force
on the Peace, Unity and Purity of the Church
Responding to the Final Report

Read the full text of the final report
in PDF format, on the PC(USA) website

Some of the comments offered here or on other pages include:

A response from the board of the Witherspoon Society >>

Personal comments from members of the Board:

President Ken Smith

Issues Analyst Gene TeSelle

Editor Doug King

On this page you'll find comments from:

	That All May Freely Serve
	The Covenant Network
	More Light Presbyterians
	Michael Adee, MLP staff person
	Rev. Hal Porter
	Presbyterians for Renewal
	Presbyterian Coalition
	Members of the Theological Task Force offer brief comments

And on another page:

	A place at the table is not guaranteed
	Comments on the Witherspoon statement
	One gay person responds
	Not Justice, Not Progress, Just the Same Second-Class Status: An Evaluation of the Theological Task Force Report, by the Rev. John Shuck

See earlier reports on the Task Force's work >>

If you have comments on this important document,
please send a note,
to be shared here.

Theological Task Force members in their own words [1-12-06]

The Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity and Purity has spoken collectively in its final report. Presbyweb has offered to post an op-ed article by the members individually. They are posting the 16 articles they have received in alphabetical order, one or two at a time.

• Why I support the Task Force report – by P. Mark Achtemeier
"...In short, I support the task force report because I am convinced it represents a step toward a more faithful, truthful, and sustainable way of working through our differences as we seek together to be the one body of Christ in mission to the world."

• A more faithful, life-giving way of "being church" – by Scott Anderson
"...The Peace, Unity, and Purity Task Force experience is one of the best I’ve had as a Presbyterian... and I long for the wider church to have this same experience of unity in Christ even as we continue to disagree on important issues."

It seems to be impossible to access these pages from outside the Presbyweb site. So apparently you'll have to go to the PresbyWeb home page and see if you can find your way from there.

Note: You will be asked to register to access this site, and to make a contribution to continue using it.

More thoughts on the Theological Task Force report [11-1-05]

Witherspooner Arnold Rots offers some new thoughts and questions about the report by the Theological Task Force on the Peace, Unity and Purity of the Church – even pondering some points in the theological section.

The upcoming Covenant Network conference spurred me to spend some more time with the TTF report and the various comments that have been made.

There is much that is positive in the report's recommendations, in particular the exhortation for discernment and [their recommended] Authoritative Interpretation (AI). However, there is a contradiction in the former, as already pointed out by Doug King: if we are not simply to agree to disagree and if the TTF, after four years, has not been able to move beyond that situation, how are we to expect the church to achieve anything along this line in the 21st century?

As to the AI, the suggestion that the principle of declaring scruples not only applies to faith issues but also to polity matters is extremely helpful and positive. But as many commentators have pointed out, some extra wording is required to guide this process. I might add that the call to take examinations seriously is a very good thing, but it requires a caveat, lest there be the danger that some examinations might turn into inquisitions. In particular, when combined with the comment that "sexual behavior ... is not purely a personal matter" (lines 583-584), one has to be very careful that it does not feed into an unhealthy pre-occupation with what is happening in other people's bedrooms.

There are more things that are missing from the report.

The section in lines 557-564 on ordination in the reformed tradition could have mentioned the right of the people to elect their leaders.

The report does not tackle the question whether, if individual members of a governing body would declare a scruple on a particular issue, that governing body in effect could declare such a scruple. I believe there have been efforts to squash that option, but I don't think the last word
has been said on it.

More substantively, there is no reference to the very central Presbyterian notion that neither governing bodies, nor human beings may bind one another's conscience. Maybe it is not accidental - this is the core problem with G-6.0106b: it binds the conscience of many of us, unconstitutionally; and emphasizing this aspect would invalidate the TTF's 6th recommendation. It is up to us to emphasize it and argue for the rejection of recommendation 6.

Finally, there are some peculiar choices of language in the report.

The word "obedience." It is used in connection with polity (line 834) and scripture (line 1187). I just wonder why. "Upholding the constitution," yes, but obedience? And "obedience to God," yes, but to scripture?
So far, nobody (that I have seen) has said much about the Theological Basis, though it is recommended by the TTF for serious study and as the foundation for the work laid out in the recommendations – and even more than that, for "Discerning our Christian Identity in and for the Twenty-first Century" (lines 35-36). There is much in that section that I will cheerfully affirm, but I also found some disturbingly conservative statements that made me wonder whether it can really lead us in this century. I will lift up two of them.

The bodily resurrection is affirmed in line 51. Why is the word "bodily" in that sentence? It distracts from an otherwise perfectly sensible and helpful paragraph. I thought that the issue of bodily resurrection has been laid to rest in 1927.

The paragraph in lines 69-81 attempts to deal with non-Christian faith communities. I will not pretend to understand fully what it is trying to say, but the message appears to be the old, narrow view that there is no grace and no salvation outside the Christian faith: "we must emphasize both the necessity and sufficiency of the grace by which God..."; and the quotes from John 14:6 and Acts 4:12 that are heavy on the "There is salvation in no one else." Even if the last sentence of the section intends to put this in a wider context, it does not do so convincingly (but maybe it does not intend it anyway). I find this section to provide meager, if any, support for the challenges that face us in the religious diversity of 21st century society.

Peace,

Arnold Rots
(Waltham, MA)

Moderator comments on report on Peace, Unity and Purity [10-5-05]

Rick Ufford-Chase, moderator of the PC(USA), has posted a lengthy note on his blogspot, "UC: What I See," offering his personal reflections on the report by the Theological Task Force on the Peace, Unity and Purity of the Church.

While acknowledging that both LGBT Presbyterians and conservatives are critical of the report, he finds points to appreciate in it. First is the report’s insistence that we’re all one family, and that we are all "trying very hard to be faithful." (In essence, this seems to be saying that the PC(USA) is not a fundamentalist church with clearly defined "essentials" of belief and behavior.) Second, the report offers suggestions about processes that might help us into a process of discernment rather than the typical win-lose choices of legislative process, And finally, he says, the Task Force recommendations are "classically Presbyterian," returning us to earlier patterns of dealing with differences.

The Moderator seems to be taking seriously concerns about the report from various sides, while affirming its hope for maintaining some kind of unity of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

We encourage you to look at his full statement. You may want to accept his invitation to send a comment of your own.

For the full text of the report >>

We also invite you to look at some other evaluations of the Task Force report.

	The Witherspoon board has posted its comment, along with individual comments from a number of officers and others. (Just scroll down that page.)
	More Light Presbyterians has posted its response, as has That All May Freely Serve.
	The Covenant Network has also issued a comment.
	We have posted links to a number of other comments, as well. (Scroll on down for more.)

We invite you to share your reflections here!
Just send a note.

That All May Freely Serve responds to the Theological Task Force report [9-6-05]

Urges continued efforts to remove ordination ban from Book of Order

Their press release begins:

Essential to the work and core values of That All May Freely Serve is the belief that there can be no second-class membership for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people in the full work and worship of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Covenant Network responds to Theological Task Force report
[8-31-05]

The Executive Committee of the Covenant Network has issued a statement in which they express appreciation for the report’s affirmation of the unity of the church, along with concern that it does not address the steps needed for a more just and inclusive church.

Read the Covenant Network response >>

More Light Presbyterians issue statement on the Task Force final report
[8-28-05]

The National Board of More Light Presbyterians (MLP) wishes to thank the twenty members of the Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity and Purity of the Church (TTF) for its four years of soul-searching prayer, work, reflection and response. The mission was enormous, and much of the result has been monumental and heartening. The TTF has now released its final section, the recommendations for our consideration. While we can applaud much of what the Task Force commends to us, particularly the need for continuing discernment of what it means to be the church in the 21^st Century, we are dismayed at one proposal in particular.

The proposal of the TTF that the 217th General Assembly adopt "no additional authoritative interpretations, to remove no existing authoritative interpretations, and to send to presbyteries no proposed constitutional amendments that would have the effect of changing denominational policy in the major areas of the task force's report ..." is clearly in denial of the very real, very present circumstances that affect the day-to-day lives and ministries of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Presbyterians.

Discernment in the form of prayer and dialogue is invaluable. But true discernment cannot come unless all parties are free to speak openly about their lives and how Christ is active in their lives. For the church, after 30 years of struggle, to now tell its LGBT members, their families and supporters that we will again step back to think and talk some more is deeply insulting. The legislative process is the only remaining place where our voices are truly heard by the church, and to remove this option risks binding the work of the Spirit among us.

We value the position of the task force that lifts up the appropriate role of presbyteries and local governing bodies in discerning the ordination and installation of officers. It is, however, unreasonable to expect that well prepared, committed lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Presbyterians who are otherwise eligible to serve the church will be in a position to fully share their witness while G-6.0106b looms as a threat to their ordination.

More than a season of discernment, we call again for a season of illumination where openness and honesty are encouraged. We urge the Presbyterian Church (USA) to delete G-6.0106b from the book of order and we encourage Presbyteries to continue to send delete-B overtures to the 217th General Assembly. We join the task force in calling for continued dialogue and discernment in and among local governing bodies within the Presbyterian Church (USA) and we commend to the Church the document, "Historic Principles, Conscience and Church Government" (adopted by 195th General Assembly) that plainly states, "The diversity of the church is its strongest asset in seeking to discover God's will and that diversity will be expressed in very different opinions. This biblical perspective on God's will for the church means that Presbyterians are willing to be uncomfortable, uneasy, disturbed, as these experiences are required." Finally, it states, "The church protects its own minority point of view as if it were protecting its future, recognizing that the dissenter may well represent the will of God." Through over 30 years of failure to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Presbyterians from spiritual, psychological, material, and judicial violence, the church has violated its own historic principles. G-6.0106b must be removed if the church is to repent and go forward in peace.

Michael Adee, More Light staff person, reflects on the Task Force report in a pastoral letter to MLP members and friends [8-27-05]

The note’s subject line reads: "RE: Reflecting upon the PCUSA Theological Task Force's call for a moratorium on justice and for continuing prejudice and discrimination against LGBT persons, our families and allies."

This note has been sent to us and others by its author; we share it here as an important observation on the Theological Task Force report from a person who has for years been engaged in the struggle for an equal place for lgbt persons in the Presbyterian Church. This reflects our commitment "to listen and learn from those who have been silenced, as we seek solidarity with them." We commend it to your thoughtful consideration.

Dear More Light Presbyterian members, friends, allies, advocates and inquirers:

RE: Reflecting upon the PCUSA Theological Task Force's call for a moratorium on justice and for continuing prejudice and discrimination against LGBT persons, our families and allies

These are sad and disheartening days indeed to realize that the Theological Task Force charged to lead Presbyterians into the 21st Century with a new vision about how to be the Church instead has called for a moratorium on justice and seeking justice, as well as a call to continue prejudice and discrimination against their own daughters and sons, sisters and brothers.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Presbyterians, our sacred worth, faith, spiritual gifts, relationships and calls to ministry were not only summarily dismissed, the recommendations of the Theological Task Force tragically encourage spiritual violence against us by calling for more rigorous examinations focused upon sexuality rather than faith. Heterosexist and homophobic assumptions persist within this report and its recommendations assuming moral fitness with persons merely in heterosexual marriages and assuming immorality with persons who fall in love with those of the same sex. Again, one's faith and character, call to ministry, desire to serve God in and through God's church seem not to matter in the least in this report.

Such appalling categorical prejudice and discrimination is not only not rational or logical, it is not consistent with the Gospel, the example of Jesus and his teachings or how to live together in Christian community. Such prejudice, a call for a moratorium on seeking justice and a call to continue discrimination against LGBT persons of faith must surely break the heart of God.

In the Gospel of Matthew 22: 34 - 40 what have been described as the first and second great commandment of Jesus are found: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." While there are some commendable portions of the TTF report, there is much that is not and plenty that cannot be reconciled with these two great commandments that Jesus offered to his followers.

The Theological Task Force missed a profound opportunity to bring a good word, and "good news" to all of God's children. I am thinking now, as I often do, of way too many youth and young adults who are at risk to suicide, vulnerable to harassment and rejection at school, at home and even the church as they seek to discover and embrace their sexual orientation or gender identity. This report and its recommendations are a barrier to evangelism, to the sharing and living out of the good news of the Gospel. It has made the Presbyterian Church (USA) less welcoming, less inclusive, and less safe.

It is remarkable that this Task Force seems to have operated within a vacuum, forgetting our history of the tragic failures of previous dialogues on sexuality and ordination, calls of moratoriums, etc. How could this Task Force have not taken into account the spiritual violence and loss of hundreds, now probably thousands of faithful, qualified LGBT clergy, seminarians and candidates for ministry, along with elders, deacons and families? Having participated as an out gay Elder during the 1993 - 1995 National PCUSA Dialogue on homosexuality by speaking at churches in Ohio, Kentucky, and Michigan I experienced that spiritual violence firsthand. A judicial case against our church and my ordination was the result, brought by persons I had never met.

How could any group of Presbyterians come to the conclusion that G-6.01016b has served our church, mission and our world well, or advanced the Gospel? It has been used for great harm and spiritual violence against hundreds, now into the thousands of persons and families. It has been the platform for abuse of our judicial system and a weapon that has hurt many persons, families and churches, in addition to costing our Church tens of thousands of dollars that could have been spent in mission and put to constructive use. It has been the cover and taken our attention away from the real problems within our church of clergy sexual misconduct and domestic violence, concerns that way too many supporters of anti-gay church law do not want to face. It is much easier to make "gay people" the problem than to clean up one's own backyard.

Moreover, the link between anti-gay statements and prejudice is clear; and the link to prejudice that turns into homophobia is direct to hate crimes perpetrated against LGBT persons. Sadly, there will be those who will see this report and its recommendations as sanctions for prejudice, hate speech and hate crimes. In earlier days in our history the Presbyterian Church (USA) stood for social justice. The PCUSA has a long and storied history of working for civil rights, equality for women, peacemaking, economic justice and mission. How can it be possible that it can "fold" so easily on the simple matter of recognizing LGBT persons as equally created in the image of God, children of God, and persons who are called just like our heterosexual sisters and brothers to serve in the church?

Instead of building bridges between persons and families, this report builds walls. Instead of trusting the Spirit to be at work within our Church, within future General Assemblies, this report attempts to control what the Spirit might be calling our Church to be and become by calling for a moratorium. Within the reformed tradition, of course, God is not to be controlled, God is to be trusted. It is a sad day indeed when any group of Presbyterians suggest that the Spirit is not to be trusted and neither are God's people. Maybe God is about to do a new thing within us, in spite of us even. This is my prayer, that God will do a new thing in us.

While many of our sister denominations are seeking and finding ways to be and bring good news to persons of all sexual orientations, gender identities and all human differences, sadly this Task Force report asks us to stop seeking ways to bring good news to all persons, to stop seeking justice, to close our hearts and doors to the Spirit and Gospel that calls us to be open, to include, to embrace, to be the Church. Contrasting with this report is the United Church of Christ's recent statement of support of same-sex marriage equality, with no barrier to service for qualified LGBT persons as clergy for more three decades. The United Church of Canada opens its hearts, doors and service as clergy to LGBT persons and their national church leadership lobbied for the recently approved federal same-sex marriage law in Canada. This could be the Presbyterian Church (USA) and we still have the opportunities to pray, seek and work for that change.

In the midst of these profoundly disheartening times, I encourage you to feel what you need to feel, and express those feelings with trustworthy persons near you. This is a time to lament, no question. I have been reminding myself that the Presbyterian Church is not God in these hours. I have been reminding myself that this denominational institution is not the body of Christ. God, the Spirit, the life and teachings of Jesus, the Gospel and the Church are not bound by my beliefs about them or this report, or any decision made by a group of followers, thank God.

Within minutes of the release of the TTF report and recommendations, National More Light Presbyterian leaders were reading, reviewing, discerning, praying. We are keeping our hands to the plow, absolutely committed to being the Church while we are working for change within the Church. The Vigil for Justice leading us to Birmingham for the General Assembly in 2006 continues. The Victory 2006 campaign and call for ordination overtures and the seeking of justice continues. We will not be hindered or intimidated by the call for a moratorium on justice or seeking justice. To do so would not only be unfaithful to the call of Jesus to "love God, neighbor and self," it would also be unfaithful to the call to "do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God." (Micah 6:8)

This report and its recommendations suggest that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons are not children of God in the same way that heterosexual persons are. This is not true. This report and its recommendations suggest that LGBT persons are not capable of genuine faith, loving relationships or the ability to create family. This is not true. This report and its recommendations denies that God has called, is calling, and will continue to call LGBT persons to serve as deacons, elders and ministers of word and sacrament. This is not true. This report and its recommendations suggest that God is not at work in our midst and the Spirit cannot be trusted, so moratoriums and restrictive legislation must be put into place. This is not true and not necessary. The truth is that LGBT persons are and can be faithful, morally responsible and spiritually enriching members and leaders within congregations and our Church.

Let no one encourage you to doubt that you are a child of God, created good in the image of God, and unconditionally loved by God. Since 1974, we have been working to create sanctuary – safe, welcoming and affirming places for you and your family within our Church. Together we are building a Church for all God's people. Do not lose heart, keep the faith and believe with us that God is doing a new thing within all of us. Blessed be.

with hope and grace,

Michael

Michael J. Adee, M.Div., Ph.D., National Field Organizer
More Light Presbyterians, 369 Montezuma Avenue #447, Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 820-7082, michaeladee@aol.com, www.mlp.org

The Rev. Hal Porter comments on the More Light statements ...
[8-31-05]

Dear Friends,

Let me quickly commend both the Board of More Light Presbyterians for their respectful but critical statement and Michael Adee's stirring and heartfelt comments, both directed to the final report of The Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity, and Purity of the Church.

Surely the MLP Board is right to state: "For the church, after 30 years of struggle, to now tell its LGBT members, their families and supporters that we will again step back to think and talk some more is deeply insulting." No group has been more faithful to the peace, unity, and purity of the church than More Light Presbyterians. The Presbyterian Church needs to embrace their mission if we are to have an identity for the 21st Century that truly reflects God's unbounded love.

Also, it is very significant that in Michael's response he reminds the church of Jesus' summation of what is required of us. That we "love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and love our neighbor as our self." In the TTF report, acknowledging the "core convictions of Christian faith," their core list, which includes the Nicene and Apostles' Creeds, the Lord's Prayer, and The Ten Commandments, this summary of Jesus' greatest teaching is left out. No wonder many of our neighbors in the Presbyterian Church feel excluded in this report.

The polity of the Presbyterian Church, well described in the report, is indeed a marvelous vehicle enabling the presence of the Holy Spirit to more fully permeate our whole body but not when we are called to shut it down. "The Sprit floweth free, high surging where it will."

Hal Porter

The Rev. Hal Porter is Pastor Emeritus of Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, Ohio

Presbyterians for Renewal offers a preliminary review – and it’s mixed
[8-27-05]

PFR Executive Director Michael R. Walker first notes that his response, "while carefully considered, is also initial, given the fact the report includes some complex recommendations that will need to continue to be carefully weighed." May we all observe such caution!

He begins:

The Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity, and Purity of the Church has delivered to the church a report and some recommendations that require a mixed response. On the one hand, there is much to commend in its theological statement. On the other hand, its most significant polity recommendation is a disappointment, as it would give local governing bodies the license to overlook an individual’s clear violations of national ordination standards, thus creating a more rather than less divided church. More >>

Task Force members share personal thoughts on their work

Jim Berkley, PFR Issues Ministry Director, has contacted the members of the Theological Task Force and gathered their personal reflections on their work and its results. Most are positive – but very cautiously so. More>>

You can also jump from Berkley’s article to biographical sketches of the Task Force members, in case you wonder who’s saying what.

The Presbyterian Coalition expresses concern
[8-27-05]

The Coalition’s brief comment:

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

The Theological Task Force has issued their recommendations after long study and discussion. The season has now begun for the church to prayerfully consider and respond to their work and the recommendations offered.

The Board of the Presbyterian Coalition will engage in the necessary study of the Task Force report to allow a thoughtful response to the implications of this offering in the life of the PC(USA). The recommendation of a new Authoritative Interpretation raises significant concern and may, if adopted, produce inadvisable changes in the polity governing our life together. We are particularly concerned that the proposed Authoritative Interpretation apperars to permit what the Constitution currently prohibits. The Task Force’s use of executive session during much of their substantive discussion of issues veils the intent of this recommendation in secrecy. We look for light to be shed on the work done behind closed doors, so that the church can discern truth from error.

At this uncertain time in our common life, we call the church to be a "house of prayer" dedicated to seeking the will of the Savior.

In Christ's service,

The Board of the Presbyterian Coalition