Following the actions of General Assembly 2019, gatherings of Presbyterians who adhere to orthodoxy have taken place in Montreal, Moncton, Vaughan, Ont., Kelowna and Calgary. Here are some brief accounts.
“A Place to Stand” at Vaughan Community Church, Sept. 28. Hosted by the Presbytery of Eastern Han-Ca.
More than 250 people representing dozens of presbyteries and congregations agreed by consensus to allow the Presbytery of Eastern Han-Ca to take the lead and outline “some next
definitive steps” and work with a special committee “specifically charged with providing leadership to navigate the issue of human sexuality vis-a-vis our presbytery, denomination, and other traditional individuals, groups, churches, presbyteries who wish to work together as one united group.” See Andy’s Blog “Orthodoxy takes flight” at renewal-fellowship.ca, click publications.
NOTE: In November, Eastern Han-Ca struck the special committee, convened by Rev. Jinsook Khang, to make recommendations on possible steps to move forward together.
“Talking Together” at Best Western in Kelowna, B.C., on Oct. 18, 2019. Organized by Rev. Shannon Bell and Rev. Meridyth Robertson.
Eighteen people gathered together in an upper room at the hotel immediately before the Synod of BC. We began with worship and listened to the words of 2 Corinthians 4:1-10 to set the tone for our discussions. Via Zoom video, Rev. Andy Cornell of Renewal Fellowship provided an overview of what has happened at some other gatherings.
Small group discussions:
1. Given the intention of the remits to bring space and unity for all in the PCC, how do you envision the church should they pass?
2. What would be the challenges should they pass?
Comments: The remits and human sexuality are not really the issue. There is a wide spectrum of belief within the church in regard to the authority and interpretation of scripture. How can we work together? Concern that emotions can rule over the Word of God.
How long will the liberty of conscience last? This all moves the focus off of Jesus and onto sexuality. The church is headed into ‘Post-truth’ where feelings are more important than truth. We are weary of the uphill battle.
3. What can we do to truly minister with grace to LGBTQI people inside and outside the church?
Comments: Identity and sexuality have become so closely linked that moral instruction is seen as a personal attack. Can we offer personal counselling ministry? Instruction for congregations for sensitivity to people struggling with sexuality. We need to preach the whole gospel and the reception of the Lordship of Jesus.
4. What are your hopes for the future? What are your fears? How can we support each other in both?
Comments: Churches that become about a single issue die. Fear that LGBTQI folks will feel isolated. Hope that the LGBTQI community will enter the church through salvation and those in the church will feel loved even though their actions/behaviour is not condoned. Can we support a church denomination where two streams try to work together, when one honours the Word of God and the other doesn’t? Or is it time for two different denominations?
5. What would something new look like for you?
We need to work together in unity if the traditional people leave. All agreed with the importance of supporting one another and acting together.
“Remembering our roots” at Calgary Korean Presbyterian Church, Nov. 30. Hosted by Calgary Korean and the Presbytery of Western Han-Ca.
The conference opened with praise and worship led by the young people in the congregation.
Rev. Alfred Lee introduced the conference by noting that our roots are Jesus and love.
A wide range of voices were heard:
- Hyo Jin Park, moderator of Western Han-Ca, noted that we have differences but we should do things to God’s glory.
- Willem van de Wall, Synod of BC, provided the message based on 1 Peter 2:4-10. Holiness is to be like God. The roots of the Greek word for Holy mean to be separated.
- Martin Kreplin, of Moncton, gave his perspective on the realities orthodox Presbyterians face and possible paths forward.
- Victor Kim, Presbytery of Westminster, keyed in on the larger issue of where we go regardless of whether the remits pass or do not pass. He referred to Ephesians 4 and encouraged us to focus on Jesus Christ and work to remain united.
- Jonathan Hong, of Eastern HanCa, commented on the liberty of action and liberty of conscience and legalities that may arise because of the remits. Eastern HanCa wishes to petition for a permanent solution.
- Mun Hyun Ryu, Western HanCa clerk, reported on the solidarity of the Han-Ca presbyteries in opposing the remits.
- Shannon Bell, Presbytery of Kamloops, reported on behalf of orthodox women in the PCC.
- Miklos Szigeti gave perspectives from the Hungarian Presbyterian Churches.
- Jin Kim, English Ministry Pastor at Calgary Korean, provided the results of his survey to his generation YZ congregants response to the remits.
In the afternoon, small group panel discussions took place:
Liberty and Conscience and Liberty of Action and Legal Opinion on the Remits, led by Jonathan Hong. The church needs to provide resources to our young people to be countercultural. Can we have multiple houses with one roof of PCC.? Does that mean unity or conformity?
Presbyterians Standing for Apostolic Love and Truth (PSALT), led by Grant Gunnink. Key points: There is a right and wrong way to use scripture (2 Tim 2:15), everything needs the redemptive work of Christ applied to it, the way forward is to stay true to the one Gospel, let us stay connected.
Protecting Orthodoxy or Gracious Dismissal, led by Martin Kreplin. Key points: the issue of the remits is only the tip of the iceberg, there is a lack of discipline in the PCC, restructuring into theological streams is the best immediate hope, a “made in Canada solution” needs to be found.
This summary is based on notes provided by Leslie Ruo, who brought official greetings on behalf of Renewal Fellowship.