Desert Hills Presbyterian Church

Period of Discernment

Recent Actions – GA 2008

History of the Presbyterian Church (USA)

We came to this continent in the 17th century (“Puritans”).

Presbyterians have split and reunited several times.

Constitution:Book of ConfessionsBook of Order

Where is the Denomination Going?

There has been a debate about issues:Divinity of ChristOrdination StandardsGod’s will for our sexualityIndividual Conscience vs. denomination standardsTeaching and Authority of ScriptureThe Nature of Christian Life

Voices of SophiaRe-Imagining Conference – 1993PC(USA) Group – Voices of Sophia-1994Promotes Feminine Images of GodPromote Reproductive Freedom- AbortionCall to Ministry Persons of all Sexual

OrientationsDenies Deity and Uniqueness of Jesus

2001 GA Statement on Christ

Overture submitted to GA stating salvation is found in Christ alone.

GA unable to affirm the overture.Compromise proposal – Jesus is “unique”.Compromise approved.In response, Desert Hills published its

own “Summary of Beliefs”.

2002 Summary of Our Beliefs

1. The reality of God who is self-revealed as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

2. The Deity of Jesus Christ, God’s Son.

3. The integrity and authority of the Bible as God’s Word.

4. Jesus Christ’s atoning death on the Cross.

2002 Summary of Our Beliefs (Cont.)

5. The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ.

6. Salvation comes only by God’s grace through Faith, not through human efforts.

7. The necessity for moral behavior.

8. The coming of Jesus Christ to judge the world at the end of human history.

2006 GA – Trinity Paper

Non-Traditional Statements about TrinityMetaphorical in CharacterReport “received for study” – not approvedAgain Introduced to the 2008 GAReport and Study Materials were

approved in 218th GA.

2006 & 2008 AI – “Scruples”

2006 GA approved PUP Authoritative Interpretation – candidates can “Scruple”.

GAPJC Overruled Interpretation – 2/2008.2008 GA reaffirmed PUP Authoritative

Interpretation.Now applies to all Ordination Standards.

2008 GA – Changes to Heidelberg Catechism

Reduces confessions from authoritative statements to historical documents.

Delete language “Christ alone is God’s own eternal son” to read “natural son”.

Rejection of the Deity of Christ

2008 GA – Changes to Heidelberg Catechism

“Certainly not! Scripture says, ‘Surely you know that the unjust will never come into possession of the kingdom of God. Make no mistake: no fornicator or idolater, none who are guilty either of adultery or of homosexual perversion, no thieves or grabbers or drunkards or slanderers or swindlers, will possess the kingdom of God’.”

Based on I Corinthians 6:9-10.

2008 GA – Changes to Heidelberg Catechism

“Certainly not; for as Scripture says no unchaste person, idolater, adulterer, thief, greedy person, drunkard, slanderer, robber, or anyone like that shall inherit the kingdom of God.”

A portion of I Corinthians 6:9-10 was omitted, as catechism was written for children.

Advocates wish to return to catechism as originally written.

2008 GA Adopted Social Creed

Promotes quality public education and universal healthcare

Tax and budget policies – Equalize wealthImmigration policies to protect family unityMultilateral diplomacy over unilateral forceNuclear disarmament and redirect military

spending to peaceful uses

2008 GA – Equality for Homosexuals

GA Approved Resolutions supporting:Same-sex marriages in Civil Court.Against definitions of marriage – as between

man and woman.Support legal cases furthering equal civil

rights for homosexuals.Recommended removing “chastity in

singleness or fidelity in marriage” clause.

2008 GA – Interfaith Statement

Unqualified support for Muslim document, “A Common Word between Us and You”

“Participation in Sacred and Holy observances in each other’s traditions”

“Celebrate religious holidays together, setting aside days of worship”

Contradicts our Summary of Beliefs

The Issues that Confront UsPassed a resolution that Jesus is “unique”Allow candidates to scruple any standardConfessions become historical documentsRedirects us to pursue “social justice”Participate in sacred observances of other

faiths that do not recognize Christ’s DeityDiminished importance of Christianity

Summary – Period of Discernment

Please contact the Connectional Committee:

Please talk to us.

Don Basta Steve Campbell Dave Hulbert

Rhonda Bohner Rolene Dinsdale Jim Shields