Minneapolis Musings

More than a week has passed since the gathering of the Fellowship of Presbyterians[i] in Minneapolis.  Despite the fact that I share the Fellowship’s passion for missional church and a deep fatigue with denominational fighting and politics over ordination standards, I went to Minneapolis with a good deal of apprehension.

As I waited to board the plane, I felt like I did when I first flew into Hanoi (Vietnam)… like I might be going into hostile territory.  I feared that I would be viewed as the enemy because I am Presbytery Staff and feared being labeled because I don’t share all of the concerns of the Fellowship folks.  But I was pleasantly surprised and discovered a good measure of hope and encouragement throughout the two days.

Here are some of the things that I found encouraging:

1. The refusal of the Fellowship leaders to act from a position of anger, and their refusal to engage in name calling or rock throwing.
2. The commitment of the Fellowship leaders to stop trying to outvote the other side.  They frankly
   acknowledge the futility of continuing to try to ‘win’ on an issued where the church is so clearly divided.  And they realize that continued votes do nothing but distract the church from the more important work of mission.  (Amen?  Amen!)
3. The highest value is the congregation and its missional vocation.  (As Moderator Cynthia Bolbach said, we want to give witness to the gospel in ways that are both authentic and effective.)
4. The acknowledgement that people on all sides of the issue(s) are good and faithful Christians.
   Our divisions come not because some honor scripture and others don’t, but because different believers interpret scripture in different ways.
5. They are committed to find ways to stay in relationship to the PC(USA) even while carving out “a place to stand” that has theological integrity with their convictions.
6. They resisted either-or thinking and presented a wide variety of possible ways to address concerns of congregations, based on the context in which they find themselves.  These options ranged from “do nothing” all the way to “affiliate with a new reformed body (not denomination)” These options were grouped into four “tiers” that are quite well explained in the PC(USA) news report found at http://www.pcusa.org/news/2011/8/29/tiery-eyed/

Pondering the implications and possible applications of all this for Cherokee Presbytery, I am tempted to “fix it” by working with the Coordinating Team to create some solution or another.  However, before I/we get ahead of ourselves, I think it is important to re-affirm some of our core convictions as a presbytery, namely:

• The task of Cherokee Presbytery is one of supporting the ministry of congregations, connecting congregations with one another and networking so that congregational resources can be shared.  (i.e. we do not wish to be hierarchical)
• Cherokee Presbytery is a place of worship and renewal rather than a provider of programs and services.
• For Cherokee Presbytery, building relationships with God and one another, being in mission together and empowering congregational mission are primary… governance is secondary.

Thus, it seems to me that we are already working toward becoming a missional presbytery similar to that envisioned by the Fellowship of Presbyterians.  We seek to be a body that strengthens and encourages our member ministers and congregations in serving Christ where we have been planted (and beyond).  And yet, some of our brothers and sisters have deep concerns about recent decisions and what they might imply for the future.  So, for me the question is this: Can we construct solutions that address these concerns, help our congregations do their best ministry, and not create factions or schisms?

As I review the various tiers of options offered in Minneapolis, I’ve begun to brainstorm some possibilities for Cherokee Presbytery:

• Encourage congregations to affiliate with the Fellowship of Presbyterians if they so desire, and to identify themselves as such (similar to the way some congregations have identified themselves as “More Light” Presbyterian congregations )
• Create a cooperative commission with Greater Atlanta that will serve the needs of the concerned congregations from both Presbyteries (the commission may have the powers of COM, CPM and/or other powers as needs require)
• Encourage an “overlay” presbytery to be formed by those who wish to join (would require 10 or more congregations and approval of both synod and GA)
• Encourage congregations to clarify their standards and expectations for ordained leadership.  (several of our congregations have already done this)

I believe that our Coordinating Team and Presbytery members are committed to finding a constructive way forward.  What that will look like is as yet unknown, anddepends in large part  on the specific needs and concerns of the congregations involved.  Until clarity emerges, I encourage you to join us in prayer and brainstorming. [Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas here via “comments” or by sending me an email at rebecca@cherokeepresbytery.org]
 

And let us all remember the words of Julian of Norwich

“All shall be well, and all
shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well.”