Background

The following was written by Rev. Andy Cornell. Although the intent of the overture is to restructure the denomination along theological lies, it’s presented theologically neutral. In other words, it’s worded so as to appeal to those who might identify as evangelical/conservative/orthodox/traditional as well as those who identify as inclusive/liberal/progressive/affirming. It does give primacy or legitimacy to either side; it recognizes merely that we do not see eye to eye on matters of theology and mission. Yet we still respect each other and for the good of the Body of Christ, the last thing we need is to waste time in fruitless debate over matters we will never agree. In other words, let’s get on with being the church in the way we believe the Lord is calling us.

NOTE: It was transmitted without comment.

Presbytery of Essex-Kent
Overture to the 146th General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church in Canada

WHEREAS The Presbyterian Church in Canada remains deeply divided over theological lines, as evidenced by Remit B (2019) which proposes a dual definition of marriage, and Remit C (2019) which promises liberty of conscience for those who do not ascribe to some ordinations, inductions and installations; and

WHEREAS each side in this theological division is convinced they are on the correct path and see others as detrimental to the advancement of the Gospel; and

WHEREAS the Holy Scriptures of the New and Old testaments call on believers to be united in belief, fellowship and service (Acts 2:42-47); and

WHEREAS the reformed church is founded on its confessions, notably the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF) and Living Faith, which are unequivocal in their decrees; and

WHEREAS Living Faith (7.1.1-2) declares that “The church is Christ together with his people, called both to worship and to serve him in all of life. The church is one. It is one family under God whose purpose it is to unite all people in Jesus Christ”; and

WHEREAS, as evidenced by the aforementioned remits, the PCC consists of

• some members who wish to set aside certain decrees found in the WCF and to substantially amend Living Faith,
• other members who wish to adhere to those confessions without amendment; and

WHEREAS believers must be free to seek and to follow the commands of God without interference from those of different mindset, (WCF 22:2); and

WHEREAS the proposed doctrinal changes will not put an end to the theological disunity in the PCC; and

WHEREAS congregations and presbyteries need to operate under doctrinal standards to which they can fully subscribe; and

WHEREAS the inevitability of an ongoing debate will continue to be a distraction to our mission, undermining our effectiveness as the body of Christ; and

WHEREAS the history of Presbyterianism demonstrates that the church has been organized among courts which hold different theological positions; and

WHEREAS the PCC already has courts formed along non-geographical considerations (Eastern Han-Ca and Western Han-Ca); and

WHEREAS many of the PCC’s existing 45 presbyteries are unable to function according to their essential purpose due to underpopulation or a lack of theological unity;

THEREFORE, The Presbytery of Essex-Kent humbly overtures the Venerable, the one hundred and forty-sixth General Assembly to:

• take steps to form two national synods, each with autonomy in theological and doctrinal issues, discipline, mission and the training of teaching elders;
• enable each synod to form regional presbyteries;
• allow each ruling and teaching elder to choose which synod to which he/she would adhere;
• allow each congregation to choose which synod/presbytery to which it would belong;
• confine to General Assembly only the responsibilities to matters common to both synods, such as employment standards, pensions and benefits.
• or to do otherwise as General Assembly in its wisdom may deem best.