The Forming of the PCA: Part 8

Read Part 1.
Read Part 2.
Read Part 3.
Read Part 4.
Read Part 5.
Read Part 6.
Read Part 7.

There are many questions circulating out there by some elders of the PCA concerning the future of our denomination. Since this is a Pastoral blog, I believe it a good thing to look back at some of the writings of the fathers of our denomination as they were nearing the end of the PCUS and considering themselves what was to become of their own denomination, which in the end led to the formation of the PCA.  I believe we can learn from them, and so the following is Part 8 of this little series looking back to 'the fathers of the PCA.'  Please take time to read the entirety though it is long for a blog.  Trust me this is crucial.

For The Advisory Convention in Ashville, N.C. In August, 1973

By W. Jack Williamson

Draft of "A Plan For A Continuing Church"

The program of the radical ecumenists is forcing a division of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. We have attempted to fight, thwart and reverse these trends within the courts of our beloved Church. We may have been able to slow down some of them; but generally these determined radicals have relentlessly and successfully pressed onward. They would eliminate the distinctive witness of our beloved Church and immerse us in some larger group for organizational unity. The first step is union with the Northern Presbyterian Church, then into COCU, and eventually union with Rome. This insistence of these radical ecumenists on promoting and pushing these plans for the liquidation of our Church has forced those of us, who wish to continue a Presbyterian Church local to Scripture and the Reformed Faith, to develop a plan for such a continuing Church. They have forced us to accept the apparent inevitability of division in the Presbyterian Church in the United States. We are determined to continue a Presbyterian Church loyal to Scripture and the Reformed Faith. Thus we would be foolish and derelict in our duty if we did not make preparation for such a division. Hence we are suggesting a plan for a continuing body of congregations and presbyteries loyal to the Scriptures and the Westminster Standards.

Notice that we said "a" plan, not "the" plan. We use the definitive article "a" rather than "the" for several reasons:

1. We recognize that the Sovereign Holy Spirit may be pleased so to revive our Church that revisions in this plan may be necessary. We do not limit the power of God. We know that God can bring a revival that can convict and change those in positions of leadership in our Church. In our human judgment, we see no signs of any such revival; but we do pray fervently for the same.
2. We think this is the best plan at this moment; but you and others are to participate in the finalizing of any plan. Hence we fully recognize that this plan may be revised as you suggest revisions that would improve it.
3. Future events may require revisions in this plan. This plan envisions the division of the Church at the time of adoption of a plan of union with the UPUSA Church. (sic) The radical ecumenists have set such a union as their first goal. If they were to change this program or seek to defeat us with unreasonable delays, our plan would probably need some revision. They have promised the Church that such a plan of union with the UPUSA Church would be presented to the 1973 General Assembly. (sic) We will accept the good faith of those who have promised until they have proven otherwise.
4. Our plan assumes that such a plan of union with the UPUSA Church will contain an acceptable provision permitting those churches who do not want to enter the union to elect not to participate in such union and to continue as a Presbyterian Church. (sic) This is the so called "escape" clause. The draft of such a plan of union now in the Church's hands for study contains such a provision for those churches who elect not to participate in the union. With certain minor alterations we believe such provision is acceptable. Both Dr. J. Randolph Taylor and Dr. Robert Lamar, the Co-Chairman of the committee for drafting the plan, have publicly and privately committed themselves to the preservation of an equitable escape clause. We believe that men of good will shall prevail in recognizing that when Christians have irreconcilable differences, it is much better to depart in peace in a spirit of fairness than to attempt to force a position which violates the conscience of others. As you know, the Moderator has appointed me to this drafting committee in accordance with the instructions of the last General Assembly to appoint one member who is "unhappy" with the plan. I have not yet met with the committee; but I will accept the good faith of those who have promised an acceptable escape clause in the plan of union until they have proven otherwise. We fully realize that any plan of union must be approved by the General Assembly. If the General Assembly fails to approve a plan of union with an acceptable escape clause, then our plan would probably have to be revised.

These are some of the reasons that we have suggested that this is "a" plan for the continuation of a Presbyterian Church loyal to Scripture and the Reformed Faith. We are not suggesting it as the final plan for we recognize the possible necessity for revision.

What then is this plan? It is really very simple. This plan is:

1. To support a plan of union with the UPCUSA church that contains an acceptable clause that permits local congregations and ministers to elect not to enter the union.
2. To exercise this election not to enter the union and continue our own Presbyterian Church.

Yes, we suggest support for such a plan of union as the most effective constitutional method of peaceful realignment. The covenants of agreement of the draft of such a plan of union contains a conscience clause. This clause advises that "a person might properly support the Plan of Union while conscientiously objecting to some particular provision thereof". This clause needs some refinement. But there is hope that an acceptable clause will b e drafted which will permit a person, in good conscience, to vote for the plan either as a vehicle for union with the UPUSA or as a method of continuing our own Presbyterian Church. (sic)

We believe that our plan, which envisions the preservation of a continuing church through the exercise of this election not to enter the union, is a good plan for several reasons, to-wit:

1. It will bring into the continuing body a broader base with a maximum number of churches because it forces a decision on a clear cut issue. UPCUSA Union is a clear doctrinal issue. Each congregation will have to decide whether or not it will go into the union or elect not to enter.
2. It provides full protection for any minister who elects not to enter. Such a minister electing not to enter shall be on exactly the same basis as the minister electing to enter the union as to their minister's annuity. Any other method by which a church withdraws leaves the faithful minister "high and dry" still a member of his presbytery.
3. It is a guaranteed constitutional method for a local church to elect not to enter the union and still keep its local church property. Many Presbyterians erroneously believe that the decision in the Savannah Churches case guarantees that a Presbyterian congregation may withdraw from the PCUS and take its property with it. This is not true. This case gives us no such legal guarantee. Churches in the State of Georgia would have excellent chances so to act and keep their property. But churches in almost all other states would have to change the present position of their State Supreme Courts if they were permitted to leave and take their property. The Savannah case, in any state other than Georgia, would merely give a legal possibility which is a long way from a legal guarantee. This plan of union would insure the fact that a local church could elect not to enter, and keep its local property.
4. It has the psychological advantage of all of us of like mind moving together - at the same time. Other methods tend to cause individual fragmentation. Under this plan we continue in a group as a Presbyterian Church.
5. It removes any taint of schism. Our opposition has launched a propaganda campaign to picture us as the divisive separationists. Unfortunately some of our dear friends and fellow warriors have contributed to this propaganda image. We know that it is the radical ecumenists who have forced this division; and we know that it is unfair to so label those who merely wish to continue to uphold the doctrine and polity all have vowed to believe and accept. This plan would eliminate this false issue.
6. It provides for the constitutional possibility of a national church. I know some of the brethren are still suspect of our northern brothers. But there are many churches in other areas of the United States that would be perfectly compatible with us in doctrine and polity. Presbyterianism in the United States has been divided by geography. Here is a possibility to divide Presbyterianism by theology. We think that a national Presbyterian Church loyal to Scripture and the Reformed Faith is desperately needed in our time. This plan provides such an opportunity.

These are just some of the reasons that recommended this particular plan to the thinking of some of us.

Of course there are many preparatory steps in the plan - all looking toward the continuing of our Presbyterian Church through our electing not to enter the Union with the UPCUSA. Your local congregation will need preparation for it is at the local level that each decision will be made. Your first responsibility would then be to be sure that the members of your local church are fully informed as to the issues so that they may make an intelligent decision. We recognize that this is going to cause great trauma in some local churches as the membership will be divided on these issues and only one group can prevail. But we did not cause this situation. As noted, it has been forced upon us by the determination of the radical ecumenists to force their programs upon the church.

We suggest in this plan the formation of a PCUS Fellowship of Churches. This will be a loose-knit association which is constitutionally permissible. Such a fellowship would obviously adopt a statement of belief and policy in order to establish a common ground for such association. But it would be just another voluntary association to which churches could belong, similar in structure to such organizations as Presbyterian Outlook, The Presbyterian Journal, Concerned Presbyterians, Fellowship of the Concern, the Covenant Fellowship of Presbyterians, and the Presbyterian Churchmen United. Any church could withdraw from the Fellowship at any time. There is no constitutional barrier prohibiting any church from being associated in such a fellowship. Each church would still be a full and complete member of its Presbytery and governed thereby. In such a fellowship we can meet and make common preparation for the future. And if a plan doesn't work, we can revise and devise another plan in the fellowship. It provides a unifying body to which all like-minded ministers and churches can rally for a home. Many other preparations and plans will have to be made but this is the basic structure.

This is the general outline of a plan for the continuation of a Presbyterian Church loyal to Scripture and the Reformed Faith. We believe this plan meets the four requirements of Christian Statesmenship, to-wit:

1. We move only as God's Holy Spirit moves us.
2. We move together.
3. We move with honor.
4. We move after due preparation.

We earnestly solicit your comments, criticisms, suggestions and recommendation toward the best plan for ths continuation of the historic witness of true Presbyterianism in America. (sic)