. . .The PCUSA is a more liberal church. It is, as you note, more open to change. It has accepted female officers, and will eventually accept homosexual officers, although it doesn't currently. Underlying this is a more relaxed approach to applying Scripture. . . .
I'm taking another look at the PCUSA and am troubled by your "although it doesn't currently". I took a look at some upcoming votings in the moderater's meetings and read up on the changes that they want to make in the PCUSA's "Book of Order". It's disturbing to read that they want to tear a page out of that book and replace it with a new page.
here is a brief change for a quick overlook (striking = removing):
----------------------------
AMENDMENT LANGUAGE IS AS FOLLOWS:
Shall G-6.0106b be amended by striking the current text and inserting new text in its place as follows:
STRIKING:
Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to
Scripture and in conformity to the historic confessional standards of the
church. Among these standards is the requirement to live either in fidelity
within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (W-4.9001), or
chastity in singleness. Persons refusing to repent of any self-acknowledged
practice which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained and/or installed
as deacons, elders, or ministers of the Word and Sacrament.
AND INSERTING:
Standards for ordained service reflect the church's desire to submit joyfully to
the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life (G-1.0000). The governing
body responsible for ordination and/or installation (G.14.0240; G-14.0450) shall
examine each candidate's calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability for the
responsibilities of office. The examination shall include, but not be limited
to, a determination of the candidate's ability and commitment to fulfill all
requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and
installation (W-4.4003). Governing bodies shall be guided by Scripture and the
confessions in applying standards to individual candidates.
--------------------------
Ok, the change in PC-USA ordination rules does two things:
a.) Those ordained no longer have to "lead a life of obedience to Scripture", and
b.) Local presbyteries determine whether candidates for ordination are morally suitable.
This second clause (b) permits liberal congregations to ordain immoral individuals without the PC-USA as a denomination having to concur.
The whole idea being ordination of homosexuals and other immoral characters in violation of New Testament strictures.
Rome refuses to ordain females. They ostensibly refuse to ordain homosexuals, but unofficially have accepted huge numbers of homosexuals as priests.
The UMC has ordained a lesbian minister.
The Episcopal Church in America regularly ordains homosexuals.
I'm questioning if these (and the PC-USA) are faithful churches.
Originally I was seeking what the PCUSA mean by "those that have the gift"
--------------------
Ch X, WCF:
10:4 Others, not elected, although they may be called by the ministry of the
Word, and may have some common operations of the Spirit, yet they never truly
come to Christ, and therefore cannot be saved: much less can men, not professing
the Christian religion, be saved in any other way whatsoever, be they never so
diligent to frame their lives according to the light of nature, and the law of
that religion they do profess. And, to assert and maintain that they may, is
very pernicious, and to be detested.
----------------------
I see above:
". . .
not elected, although they may be called . . ."
" . . .
may have some common operations of the Spirit. . ."
My guess is that the Book of Order are changing to these statements. I believe some moderators believe that the gays can be called or have certain operations of the spirit and claims that the Homosexuals should use their calling or gifts in the office.
Maybe this isn't the same as being called to office or called to serve or use operations or gift in the offices.
There's the General Calling which anyone can receive ...including the reprobate.
And the Effectual Calling that utilizes the same message, but is addressed to the Elect.
The linchpin of the Gospel being regeneration ! Same Gospel. Only difference is in the hearer.
I wouldn't want go by much the leaders of the PC-USA say. Scripture pronounces those who condone homosexuality as being equally evil as those who practice homosexually (Romans 1:32)
Yeah, that's the watchword ...'being "welcoming gays" '.
Means we're being 'accepting'. Taking people as they are.
Jesus welcomed tax collectors and prostitutes, right ?
Actually, no. He accepted repentant sinners !
Mary Magdalene didn't spend all day listening to Jesus sermonizing... then all night doing tricks for Johns.
The "sinners" (Matthew 9:10-11, et. al.) whom Jesus hung-out with were repentant sinners. They felt guilt for their sins. NOT out-of-the-closet folks indulging their fav abomination !
I'm NOT saying that homosexuals can't become Christian.
"I have not come to call
the righteous, but sinners"
(Matthew 9:13 NIV)
NON-SINNERS NEED NOT APPLY
The first requirement for becoming a Christian is being a sinner !
However, the second requirement is repentance.
My question is , How can Homosexuals continue to practice their lifestyles and continue to be part of the church offices? That I don't understand.