As many of you are aware, the EPC is at a potentially dangerous turning point in its history. Sadly, the preliminary report of the Ad Interim Committee (AIC) recommends that the ordination of persons with unnatural sexual desires may be acceptable. We pray that the AIC will modify this recommendation which is out of line with both Scripture and historic Christianity. The AIC is inviting feedback on their recommendations. Go to epconnect.org/feedbackssa and let your voice be heard and encourage others to share their perspectives. Our position on the question of ordaining same-sex attracted persons and our response to the AIC report were in the last issue of the Plumb Line if you missed it (presbyterianplumbline.org/vol1-4).
It’s encouraging to hear that Sessions across the EPC are beginning to discuss the issue of SSA and ordination, responding to concerns of church members and ruling elders about where the denomination is headed. Transparency is imperative, and we encourage every congregation to get engaged. If your Session or congregation has not been informed about what is happening in the EPC, be a person who speaks up so discussions can begin. Numerous articles in this and past issues of the Presbyterian Plumb Line may be useful resources — see the Archives tab at the top of any issue. Also, do not hesitate to reach out to us if we can be of assistance. The Plumb Line Editors will host a Zoom call on Thursday, September 11, from 7:00-8:30 pm (EST) to discuss: “What’s at stake in the EPC?”
In this issue, Peter Larson’s article describes the 2025 General Assembly lunch discussion of the preliminary report from the AIC on same-sex attraction (SSA) and ordination. He highlights that what the EPC needs most is clarity, which the current version of the AIC report does not provide. There was a presentation at the General Assembly on the EPC ethos. Don Fortson weighs in on this topic based upon his research in writing the EPC history, Liberty in Non-Essentials. He reveals the EPC founders’ wisdom in returning to historic Presbyterian roots. In the article, “Is Racism Our Biggest Problem?” Brian Evans, an African American EPC pastor in urban Detroit, asks that question. We think you’ll find his biblically perceptive answer encouraging.
Be sure and check out the News items in this issue. These articles provide updates on overtures to the General Assembly, a status report on financial accountability in the Office of the General Assembly, the launching of a new network in the EPC, and a sobering interview with one pastor whose congregation recently decided to leave the EPC. And don’t forget the Moderator’s Meanderings by Gordon Miller, which includes links to several excellent articles in other publications that we think are worth reading.
Thanks again for reading the Presbyterian Plumb Line. Please tell others about this website — it is urgent now more than ever that EPC folks are informed about what is happening in our beloved EPC.
Previous issues are available on the Archive page, where they can also be downloaded in PDF format. As always, we welcome and value your comments.
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