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A network for Action, Faith, Fellowship, Intercession, Renewal, and Mission within the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand

AND THE

National Association of Presbyterian Evangelical Churches

( N.A.P.E.C. )

PO Box 84-133, Westgate, Waitakere City, Auck. 0657

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE AND COUNCIL: Steve Jourdain and Stuart Lange (Co-Chairmen), Cynthia Tracey (Administrator), Brian Brandon, Peter Bristow, Joyce Campbell, Peter Cheyne, Heather Coster, Peter Dunn, Keleva Faleatua, Mark Farmer, John Gullick, Ian Hyslop, Emma Keown, Martin Macaulay, Colin Marshall, Wilson Orange, Ann Owen, Rhys Pearson, Tom Phillips, Ralph Penno, Alistair Smales, Stuart Vogel.

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A HIGHLY SIGNICANT DECISION

We are profoundly grateful to God for the outcome of the General Assembly vote on ratifying its 2004 decision that “in accordance with the Supreme and Subordinate Standards of the Church, and with previous Assembly decisions, this church may not accept for training, license, ordain or induct anyone involved in a sexual relationship outside of faithful marriage between a man and a woman.”[1] The vote was 230:124, i.e. 65% in favour. The debate was respectful and courteous. A good range of Assembly commissioners took part, including women, young people, and Pacific Islanders, and at least one Asian minister. The quote of the day: “we follow the Scriptures, not Shortland Street…Christ, not culture.” When the result was announced, everyone was quiet, and there was sensitivity for the minority’s disappointment. Then came the lunch break - and the inevitable media circus, with the customary biased TV coverage.

No and yes. This motion will not end the debate within western Christianity about matters of biblical authority, sexuality, and moral standards. Discussion will continue, and evangelicals must be prepared to take their part in that.

But, after 15 years of widespread distress, and a debilitating controversy, the Presbyterian Church has at long last enacted a binding rule consistent with biblical teachings, historic sexual ethics, and previous Assembly statements. Belief and policy have been brought back together, after being disconnected for a long time. Some will continue to press for change. But at least the PCANZ now knows where it stands, and the majority will no longer have to defend or contend, at virtually every Assembly, on behalf of basic biblical and ethical standards.

We are immensely relieved no longer to be facing the possibility of the PCANZ’s disintegration. We know that a permissive policy was unacceptable to the biblical consciences of many.

We are deeply grateful to all those who prayed. We know there was a great wave of prayer: in individuals, in local prayer groups, in congregations, in many churches of other denominations. We were also told there were 8.5 million in Uganda, praying for Assembly. To all those who prayed, and to our sovereign God who heard and acted, we give thanks.

We are extremely grateful to all those who have faithfully trusted God, stayed in the church, spoke up, stood firm. Some have endured much misunderstanding. Some have generously supported AFFIRM financially, to cover basic printing and mailing costs.

This decision is significant: it signals that the Presbyterian Church in this country is gradually reclaiming its Christian orthodoxy and its faithfulness to a mainstream understanding of Scripture. It signals that the Assembly is prepared to be courageously counter-cultural, and to make a stand for what believes to be right. It signals that the long PCANZ experiment with theological liberalism is drawing to a close. It signals that the PCANZ will move into the future on a more solid foundation, and that gives us great hope.

Will the PCANZ now become a narrow-minded, militant, judgemental, “exclusive,” right-wing “fundamentalist” church, as some fear? No, none of that is in view, nor is it likely. Most of those categories are entirely foreign to our context or caste of mind. The PCANZ as a whole is gradually becoming more theologically conservative, and appears to be re-discovering its biblical and evangelical roots. But the changes all occur within the context of a broad and multi-cultural denomination, and within a relatively easy-going New Zealand ethos. Also, the denomination is still divided, with a significant liberal minority that in several Presbyteries remains the predominant stream.

To those who reject the decision of Assembly, according to their own conscience and biblical understanding, we say: we understand issues of conscience, and we understand what it feels like to be offended by an Assembly decision. We wish to retain fellowship with you, and we are happy to keep talking. But all must accept that Assembly has now ruled, in favour of classical Christian ethics. You are free to disagree with the Assembly decision. But we ask you not to try and subvert it. Please try to trust us. Please help us to trust you.

We salute all those who have expressed their convictions generously and fairly. We salute all those who may have disagreed with the decision but are now mindful of the peace and unity of the church. For ourselves, we simply wish to focus primarily on the church’s core business: proclaiming Jesus Christ, making disciples, growing churches, serving others. May God give grace and wisdom to all. May God grant great encouragement to the Presbyterian Church, and strengthen its life and witness in this nation.

AFFIRM-NAPEC MEETINGS AT ASSEMBLY

Two such after-dinner meetings were held, for about 30 minutes each, and were very well-attended. The main activity was praying in small groups.

Prior to Assembly, the work-group included numerous useful changes in the “Focal Identity Statement” (F.I.S.) and incorporated them in the final report to Assembly. We were very pleased with the direction of all the changes, which substantially addressed the areas of concern the AFFIRM newsletter had noted.

Because Assembly had not had adequate time to study the proposals, they were referred back to the work-group, with a view to something similar being presented to the next Assembly.

It is now our view that, with one or two amendments, the F.I.S. will be acceptable to Assembly as a new short and contemporary Confession of faith.

Informal discussions at Assembly also suggest to us that many commissioners would prefer the new confession to become an additional subordinate standard, rather than a replacement for the Westminster Confession. That is the safer way forward, constitutionally, and would enable support for the new confession to develop more naturally.

Two overtures to Assembly asked for a limit on parish levies to the national church, equivalent to 10% or 5% of normal parish revenue. The Assembly was not persuaded. One of the overtures gained 54% support, but (with 60% necessary for any motion to succeed) was not passed. Concerns about the appropriate balance of national and local spending were nevertheless heard, and were referred to the Council of Assembly. It is AFFIRM’s view that this matter will keep returning to Assembly until it is appropriately addressed, and that Assembly must give substance to the longstanding PCANZ rhetoric about the local church being the primary place of ministry and mission. Several factors will increase the strain on local churches: the stipend increase, and the shifting of the cost of Assembly and the Seniority Allowance to local parishes. Larger parishes too, with their multiple staffs, are worried about the effect of excessive levies on local mission initiatives.

An overture from Taranaki Presbytery asking for a more direct form of election to the Council of Assembly failed to gain 60% support. Some members of Assembly may have felt wary of the possibility of electoral “tickets.” An earlier challenge to the nomination committee’s choice of convener for the Council of Assembly upset many commissioners, but may have heightened Assembly’s awareness of sensitivities in the area of nominations.

Assembly emphatically rejected a proposal to have a smaller Assembly, with commissioners chosen by Presbyteries rather than by parishes. It was clear that the majority were not prepared to relinquish the right of every parish to send a voting commissioner directly to the highest court in the church. Parishes appear unwilling for Presbyteries to choose on their behalf. Also, with local parishes paying, cost to the national church is no longer an issue.

A motion from C.A.S.I. that Assembly support the repeal of Section 59 of the Crimes Act was not passed. This is not matter which has ever been discussed by the AFFIRM Exec. Many speakers in the debate were concerned that the words “reasonable force” have been successfully used as a defence in cases of horrifying violence towards children. The Assembly as a whole, though, seemed to be worried about the potential criminalisation of responsible and loving parents who choose to give their children a light smack. It can safely be assumed that all commissioners are deeply opposed to violence towards children.

“CHURCH WITH A FUTURE”: A NATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR PRESBYTERIAN EVANGELICALS!

A national conference for evangelical Presbyterians (especially ministers and elders) is planned from Thurs. 2 Nov. (7 p.m.) to 5 Nov. (1 p.m.) at St. Alban’s, Palmerston North. This will be a great time of fellowship, encouragement, and stimulus, especially for ministers, elders, and other local church leaders.

We are putting together a fine array of speakers and workshop leaders, mainly people who have wrestled with growing and leading churches in our various New Zealand contexts. Keynote speakers include Garry Marquand, outgoing Moderator of the PCANZ, on ‘Called to be Mission Churches’ and Brian Winslade, national Baptist leader, who also leads the largest Baptist church in Auckland. Cost: $75, including meals. Some accommodation available with billets on a first come basis. Registration form on p.6. Enquiries to Prue at 06-0357-9411 or office@stalbans.org.nz

Presbyterian AFFIRM - our commitment to you… to be a voice within the Presbyterian Church that speaks up for biblical truth, grace and integrity, and to encourage anything that promotes faith, fellowship, intercession, renewal, and mission

EVANGELICALLY-MINDED PARISHES WORKING TOGETHER: JOIN NAPEC!

Over 80 parishes (so far) have publicly identified with a biblical/evangelical ethos by joining NAPEC: the National Association of Presbyterian Evangelical Churches. NAPEC is not about being separate or divisive, but about like-minded parishes making their united and distinctive contribution within the PCANZ. It is about encouraging one another, and about fostering the life and mission of our local churches. At this stage NAPEC is still essentially a register of parishes, rather than a separate organization. As the PCANZ moves into a new phase of its life, we intend to review NAPEC’s development: among other things we hope to run more training events and fellowship gatherings for NAPEC-affiliated parishes and their leaders. If your parish has not yet joined, we encourage you to do so. To get the application form, email us: PresAffirm@xtra.co.nz

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[1] It adds: “In relation to homosexuality, in the interests of natural justice, this ruling shall not prejudice anyone who, at the date of this meeting, has been accepted for training, licensed, ordained or inducted.”