The Presbyterian Church (USA) recently agreed to allow for the “local option” for ordination at the most recent General Assembly. This continues the movement of the mainline denominations towards this “solution” to the “problem” of how to address homosexual ordination (as well as church officiated “unions” in the case of other denominations.) A laity association of the church have issued a statement, I pray that Christ will give them peace and wisdom.

There are no easy answers as to how the Church must deal with sinful people (we are all sinful people, more diverse than just the single hot-button issues such as homosexuality) – except to do so with love in the spirit of Christ. The Episcopalians, Lutherans, Presbyterians, and every small local church must confront sin as bodies united and following Christ. Years ago it was decided that unity was better than disunity, and ecumenism came around. The spirit of the early ecumenism was that of sending out, that more work could be done for Christ (see Söderblom and Mott.) Churches created unions under this banner, but that banner seems to have left the battlefield of soul-winning for the comfort of laurel-resting church boards and meetings. Now the mainline churches repeatedly pass resolutions, commission studies, and self-medicate their corporate pride instead of looking to Christ and the Word.

I could tell you my life and all of the churches I’ve been a member of or have attended, but it wouldn’t make this plea any more earnest. I have a heart for the mainline church, I ache for it. I fear that in our attempt to be more relevant we’ve become just the opposite. (thoughts initiated thanks to merecomments.)

John 17:14-19 (English Standard Version)
I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.