The Plumb Line was created almost two years ago in response to spiritual schism arising in the EPC: a turning away from God’s Word by those seeking to embrace the homosexual culture. Our goal was to hold up the unerring plumb line of Scripture (Amos 7:7), to educate and inform our elders, and to strive for the reformation of the church.
It has now been more than two months since the 46th General Assembly. What we once considered a faithful and conservative denomination is facing internal strife resulting from over 40 percent of commissioners rejecting the path chosen by leaders in the EPC. Although some may think the controversy is ended now that Greg Johnson and Memorial Church have withdrawn their application for membership in the EPC, the battle is far from over.
Standards of ordination within many Presbyterian denominations remain unbiblical. Many of us who attended the 46th GA were stunned with the admission made in an open forum on the issue of ordination of same-sex attracted candidates that the EPC had already ordained some pastors (the exact number was not disclosed) who are same-sex attracted (SSA). The PCA also is contending with a disciplinary matter before its Standing Judicial Commission on the ordination of an SSA pastor. And, of course, the PC(USA) long ago embraced the LGBTQ agenda with the ordination of openly gay and lesbian pastors and has now created a study group to determine if monogamy is a requirement for ordination. In every case, homosexuality is the wedge issue that is dividing and destroying denominations.
In addition, we have heard from EPC church members who are heartsick to learn about the results of the 46th GA because elders in their churches did not inform them about the issue either before or after the GA. They only learned about it after the fact from sources outside of their local churches. This failure to shepherd the flock by hiding important information and keeping them deliberately in the dark is a breach of trust from officers in the church. These elders, now exposed, are trying to justify their secrecy and rationalize the deviation from historic orthodoxy by the majority of commissioners at the GA.
In this fall issue, the editors of the Plumb Line respond to an open letter from the Office of the General Assembly of the EPC in “Repent and Spin No More.” Peter Larson writes in “What is Schism” that a church experiences schism when unfaithful branches depart from Christ and are no longer in union with the true vine and are no longer in union with Christ.
In “Exercising the Right to Withdraw,” James Rimmel — Moderator of the 10th General Assembly and former moderator of the PJC — explains the process of G.5-10, the right reserved to the local church to seek dismissal from the denomination. Another former moderator of the PJC, Yvonne Chapman, discusses the process for considering the descending AIC overtures that Presbyteries will be voting on in the coming year in her article, “Does BoG Amendment Make Any Difference?”
In addition, we have two articles written by Teaching Elders who have made different choices about staying in the EPC. Joseph Yerger describes how his church transitioned a year ago from the EPC to the PCA. On the other hand, John Carpenter describes his decision to remain in the EPC despite the results of the 46th GA in the article, “Stay and Contend for the Faith.”
Finally, to help keep us grounded in the spirit of good humor is the regular column of Gordon Miller, “A Moderator’s Meanderings.”
You will notice that recent publications in the PPL have expanded beyond activities in the EPC alone; our support of elders and leaders in the greater Church is broader than any single denomination. The Plumb Line will continue to serve as a resource and encouragement for churches and individuals regardless of affiliation. We do not intend to advocate or advise any church or person to leave any denomination, recognizing that God alone is Lord of the conscience and that this is a personal choice and decision.
We are grateful for your support and encourage you to share The Presbyterian Plumb Line with others. As always, we welcome your response to the articles we have published.
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