Letters
(updated June 14, 2001)
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With Rogers' remarks, worst fears are coming true
Well, my worst fears for this General Assembly are coming true. Jack Rogers is elected moderator after taking a vicious swipe at true evangelicals and the Confessing Church Movement.
And, on the first day of real committee work, we learn that a GA committee has approved an overture to rescind G-0106b and the Authoritative Interpretation of 1979.
To borrow a term from sportscasting, go get the fork and be ready to stick it in the PC(USA) because as a denomination it's just about done!
Rev. Jim Wilken
Pottsgrove, Pa.
So sad that Rogers has fallen so far from his roots
It is so sad that a leader of our beloved Presbyterian Church has fallen so far from his roots. He seems to have "adjusted" his Scripture to pacify everyone.
A true leader is not afraid to take a stand for the Good News of the Scripture and to spread the Good News to all ... especially those who do not know the saving Grace of Jesus Christ.
I sincerely pray that we have the courage to "Stand up, Stand up for Jesus," as the hymn commands. I grieve that we seem, as a Church, not to have the courage to say that Jesus Christ is Lord and all who believe on Him are saved through his grace and blood.
Indeed, are we saying that there was no Resurrection ... that His job was not finished? Should Jesus have to die for us again? Do we attempt to crucify Him again?
Let us be in prayer constantly. Thank you for your article.
Jane Crouch Williams
LaFollette, Tenn.
Saddened but not surprised at Rogers' remarks
I was saddened, but not surprised, when our new moderator launched his intemperate and vituperative attack on the thousands of gospel-loving Presbyterians who have endorsed the Confessing Church Movement.
It strains credulity to imply (as he has) that those of us who have affirmed Christ's Lordship, the authority of Scripture and the importance of a holy life are in violation of our ordination vows. And old Jack calls himself a "bridge builder?" What a laughable, pathetic, self-serving farce. He has certainly burned the bridge with this former student.
I've been trying all along to work cooperatively with my Presbyterian brothers and sisters, only to find the new moderator spewing venom from the very outset of his tenure. This doesn't bode well for the peace, unity and purity of the church. But the trouble won't come from the likes of me. Look in the mirror, Jack.
Rev. Daryl R. Wilson
Lambertville, N.J.
How can Rogers be so mushy in his beliefs?
Remember that J.Vernon McGee, a former Presbyterian minister, said: "I didn't leave the Presbyterian Church ... It left me!"
I feel the same. What is going on? How can the newly elected "leader" be so mushy on his beliefs? Either you believe Christ is the only way, the only truth and the only light or you don't. And if you don't, why are you in the church's governing body. Impeach Rogers!
How many more believers are going to leave? This is heartbreaking.
Kathy Way
Rogers a wolf-in-sheep's clothing evangelical
I am in agreement with the statements regarding Rogers, a self-stated but wolf-in-sheep's-clothing evangelical. I no longer fear a schism in the Presbyterian Church - I eagerly await it!
Mike Glass
Edmond, Okla.
Rogers' election is June 1940 all over again
With Rogers elected, it's June 1940 all over again - - enemy tanks are on the beach 20 miles west, in Calais, the Guards brigade appears to be lost -- and we're on the verge of despair, standing on the sands of Dunkirk. Will any rescue vessels arrive?
Then, autumn brings rooftop incendiaries in London.
Not a happy time - - but let us remember, the enemy was constructing his own coffin.
Don Merwin
On Jack Rogers, confessions and postmodernism
When Jack Rogers asserted his disapproval of the Confessing Church Movement and a description of his persona as a "bridge-builder," the logical contradiction should not be a surprise. These kinds of statements represent a new status quo for the thinking of the day. Comments like Jack's are rooted in the "dogmatic anti-dogmatism" or "fundamentist anti-fundamentalism" of postmodern thought. Our culture is growing more comfortable with anti-logical comments.
This leads me to comment about the Confessing Church Movement. While I concur with the content of statements that I have read and understand their intent, their effect (upon the world as opposed to the PCUSA) is like slapping the hand of the demon that has reached into our denominational box.
Would our church, and the world, be better served by a confession of faith that attacks the root of recent PCUSA debates; i.e., the pervasive spirit and fundamentalist implications of postmodernism?
Paul Becker
Pastor
Cross Roads Presbyterian Church
Gibsonia, Pa.
Is new moderator for real?
So far, the election of the new 2001-2002 moderator reminds me of an old "B" class Western movie: " and galloping from out of the West with both guns drawn and blazing, shooting at all he could see, etc. etc. . ."
So far, it appears the only hit he has made is shooting himself in the foot. I pray to God that, with His help, there will be some of us left standing when Rogers is finished.
May God's blessings be on all who stand by the basic tenets regardless of what the results of the General Assembly may be.
Tom Palmer
Havelock, N.C.
Bird Bath or Bird Brain?
As a Reformed evangelical and minister of Word and Sacrament, you can imagine how encouraged I was by Moderator Jack Rogers' comments on the Confessing Church Movement. This expression of inclusivity and bridge-building for all in the PCUSA, and especially those sisters and brothers in the renewal movement, by the chief representative of our denomination's vision and values for the next year should stand as an example to us all of his commitment to justice and tolerance.
And his characterization of our Confessions as a bird bath certainly reflects the kind of thinking that will continue to lead our church into that future of vitality and health we've seen reflected in the annual reports of membership these last 30 years.
It's so marvelous to be called to covenant network with folks so open-minded their brains have fallen out.
It's not liberty we want but license.
No cages! No walls!
Rev. Bill Pawson
Presbytery of Tropical Florida
Rogers has been moving into liberal Christianity
Thank you, David Pierson, for your article. As another one of Jack's students ... it is with grief and real concern that I've been following Jack's movement into liberal Christianity. Good article.
Wayne Deibel
I hope 4,000 congregations join Confessing Church Movement
I hope there will be about 4,000 congregations that pledge to join the Confessing Church Movement. The belittling of the movement by the new moderator should be rebuffed by a strong witness.
God bless you all.
Birch Rambo
Mt. Pleasant, S.C.
