Calvin Synod Herald, 2006 (107. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2006-03-01 / 3-4. szám
6 CALVIN SYNOD HERALD Renewal Leaders’ Reactions to UCC General Synod Resolution on Same-Sex Marriage The statement adopted by the UCC favoring same sex marriage is another nail in the coffin of a church founded by the Pilgrim Fathers which once was a leading voice proclaiming the historic evangelical faith that made America great. It is sad to see what once was a great church now on the path of self-destruction. Many true Christians in all churches are praying for the Biblebelieving members of the UCC and that a revival of holiness and true and undefiled faith in the Word of God will yet prevail and save the church from the follies of those leaders who no longer proclaim the heart of the Gospel message. Vinson Synan, Dean of the School of Divinity Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA □□□ I have again pondered the question of the UCC circumstance, especially since it parallels the one I was in, in the Episcopal Church. I think that there are some mainline denominations where a determined effort may just pay off -orthodox Methodists and Presbyterians still have a shot of winning. I also think there are churches where the battle is truly over - Episcopal Church. While, as you so rightly point out, “Jesus is building the church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it” - this does NOT guarantee the survival of particular denominations. The Church will survive, but not necessarily the UCC or the Episcopal Church or any other church. God will defend The Church, but not churches. So I put to you and those with you who will help many others decide what to do the following three questions: 1. Realistically - not what you think, not what you wish, not what others want you to believe - but TRU LY what percentage in the UCC is orthodox believers? How believable are your numbers? Really. 2. Will the orthodox FIGHT for the faith and for their denomination? Not stand on parade ground in their conservative uniforms, but FIGHT. What evidence do you have that when the orthodox leaders ask the orthodox believers to do things - send money, vote, write letters, do press releases, have rallies-the believers do these things? Evidence. 3. Are you who lead them willing to do a full court press? Nothing immoral or unchristian, but unquestionably relentless. Relentless. The thing we found in the Episcopal Church was, sad to say: (1) there were NOT nearly as many orthodox believers as we CHOSE to believe; (2) many of them would not DO anything: (3) the full court press came too little too late. It was not full court on our side but definitely was on theirs. So, I exhort you and the other orthodox leaders planning a strategy to do a fearless, HONEST, appraisal of these three questions. If the answer is, yes, there are many orthodox believers, they will respond to leadership, and the leaders will really and truly CONTEND for the faith, then go for it. If not, you have lost and to stay around will embitter many and waste resources better used for kingdom building outside the doomed UCC. Rev. Canon Dr. Mark A. Pearson Institute for Christian Renewal □□□ The United Church of Christ has divided itself further by adopting the homosexual marriage resolution, a violation of its own historic creeds and practice, and of the Christian Church worldwide for over two thousand years. The fallacy of the UCC resolution is the omission of God’s laws governing gender relationships. God’s laws limit sexual relations to the union of a male and female in the covenant of marriage. Holy Scriptures always speak of two genders in a marriage relationship: a man and a woman, a he and a she, a bride and a groom, a husband and a wife - never a same sex marriage. A true believer’s loyalty is to Jesus Christ as Lord, not a denomination. But each believer must find God’s direction as to where, when, and how to serve the kingdom of God when major integrity problems occur within a denomination. Jesus sought correction of the religious establishment of His day, but in rebellion against Him it finally self-destructed. My own calling is to seek renewal and correction of the churches in which God has placed me. Our Christian ancestors made great commitments to pass on our heritage of faith. Their investment should not be given over to the pluralists, unbelievers or perverts. Conservative believers work to correct the churches and a denomination until the Holy Spirit directs them otherwise. The activist homosexual agenda seeks to establish biblically condemned behavior in the Church, even if it brings the destruction of churches and a denomination. The evil intent is apparent when they could choose to join the Metropolitan Community Church which embraces homoerotic, same-sex relations. God’s prophets must continue to cry out for the correction of evil within the Church. The Gospel of Jesus Christ brings deliverance from the demons which drive destructive behavior. The power of the Holy Spirit through the Gospel brings a transformation of life and character. I commend your leadership in Focus Renewal Ministries for giving hope and help to UCC members and churches which honor Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and seek to advance His kingdom. You hold up God’s standard through His Word by the power of the Holy Spirit for the well-being of the whole Church. May God’s truth and righteousness prevail to correct the divisive and destructive decisions on same-sex marriage made at the 25th General Synod of the United Church of Christ. Rev. Gary K. Clark National Chairman Holy Spirit Renewal Ministries American Baptist Church USA
