June 25, 2014
Dear Members of Fort Hill Presbyterian Church,
Grace and peace to you through our Lord Jesus Christ!
As your pastors, we are writing to inform you of recent developments at our biennial gathering of our General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in Detroit last week. The General Assembly is a national council made of commissioners (ruling and teaching elders) from all presbyteries across the country. A variety of topics of our faith were studied and discussed in an atmosphere of worship, prayer, and theological reflection. Some matters have been highlighted in the national media, one of which is the covenant of marriage. Your session has met and agreed that we need to study and reflect on this matter together. We plan to do so as soon as possible with current officers, and will offer opportunities to do so to the whole congregation. A link to resources are found at the end of this letter, along with letters from our Presbytery Stated Clerk and the PC(USA) Moderator, Executive, and Stated Clerk.
First, an authoritative interpretation (AI) was rendered which allows pastors based on our principle of “freedom of conscience” to perform same-sex marriages in states where they are legal (currently 19 and D.C.). The same AI does not require pastors to perform weddings, nor sessions to approve weddings to be held at the church. As you may know, same sex marriage is not legal in the state of South Carolina. Secondly, an overture to amend the Book of Order was presented changing the language from marriage is between “a man and a woman” to “Marriage involves a unique commitment between two people, traditionally a man and a woman.” Seventy-one percent of the commissioners voted in favor of sending the amendment to the presbyteries for a vote. To change the Book of Order, the proposed amendment will go to our 172 presbyteries to be approved or disapproved.
As your pastors, we know that some of you may be experiencing a range of emotions. Some are rejoicing, others are upset and disappointed, still others are conflicted. Faithful members disagree on these matters. The prospect of broken ties as a result of conflict saddens us; however, conflict is inevitable in life. You may feel led by the Spirit to break ties with our fellowship. Some churches in our denomination may ask to leave. Please speak to your pastors if you have questions or concerns. We would welcome an opportunity to share with you why we are not considering leaving over this issue. The ordination vows we made to follow God’s call and serve Christ’s church are promises we will keep. Our trust in God and our reliance on the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ never fail.
Perhaps your beliefs and feelings have been put to the test. It will not be the only time for any of us. As pastors with a heart for all God’s children who struggle, we feel called to embody the grace, mercy, and peace of God to one another. Christ, who came to reconcile us with God, calls us to the ministry of reconciliation.
We are grateful to serve as your pastors. Each of us is available to talk with you. Let us covenant to pray for one another, for Fort Hill Church, and the Presbyterian Church (USA). In Christ we have unity even in the midst of our diversity. Unity is not dependent on our agreement, but on the ever-faithful love and grace of our Lord. Thanks be to God for that good news!
Grace and Peace,
Laura Conrad, Pastor
Mary Morrison, Associate Pastor
Rodney Norris, Associate Pastor
Kelly Roman, Associate Pastor
Resources:
Letters from our Presbytery Stated Clerk and PC(USA) Moderator, Executive and Stated Clerk: June 23 letter from Foothills Presby
A bulletin insert from the Presbytery Outlook: 2014+GA+Summary+(2-up)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Marriage: FAQs-Same Gender Marriage