Ecclesiology and "Seven Last Words From the Cross"

I was recently informed that I have been randomly assigned to the Ecclesiology Committee, one of the 15 committes that will be deliberating during the 217th GA. It has only one doctrinal item in its agenda: to discuss the report of the Theological Taskforce on the Peace, Unity and Purity of the Church. This is the product of five years of hard work by 20 Presbyterians representing the broad membership of the church.

This weighed heavily on my mind, especially this Holy Week. The noon Good Friday service at the NYAPC and a performance tonight of James MacMillan's "Seven Last Words from the Cross" brought me some clarity.

As I listened to Jesus' last words in worship and in song, I was struck by the first and last movements. Jesus said, as he hanged from the cross: "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). In the controversy surrounding the ordination of gay elders and pastors in PC(USA) -- which is at the core of the PUP Report -- both sides claim that they are right. But are they really? Do we really know what we are doing?

The last words of Jesus -- "Father into Thy hands I commend my Spirit" (Luke 23:46)-- underscores the recommendation of the PUP Report that we need more time to talk and discern the Lord's will. (Three of the six recommendations cover discernment). With each side battling and quoting the scriptures against each other, it is best to leave the resolution of the controversy up to God.

We need to sit still and know the will of God. Discernment is best achieved in quietude, not in battle.