There are not many times when you get to be part of
something truly historic. Today everyone at the Oregon Convention Center got
that chance.
The 222nd General Assembly voted tonight to take
the final step to include the Belhar Confession in the Book of
Confessions. It has been more than 2
decades since the PC(USA) has amended the confessions. There are few more tangible ways we
demonstrate our Reformed heritage than by, from time to time, memorializing how
the Holy Sprit is at work in our midst.
Belhar is an especially strong theological step because it
is the first confession from the Global South in our Book of Confessions. It is a bold statement affirming God’s work
in the world to tear down the walls we so diligently build.
The confession says, in part, “We believe that, in obedience
to Jesus Christ, its only head, the church is called to confess and do all
these things, even though the authorities
and human laws might forbid them and punishment and suffering be the
consequence.”
These are the words of a church reclaiming its prophetic
voice in the world. They are the words
of a church that stands for Christ and all of God’s children.
There is not much I can say about Belhar that Belhar cannot
say much better. So I will just say,
that I am deeply proud of our church and spiritually energized by the chance to
be here today to celebrate with my brothers and sisters in Christ.
“To the one and only God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be the honor and
the glory for ever and ever.”
Help a polity plebeian out. Didn't we already approve this as a Presbytery...or were we just learning about it and will approve it next year? Or is this a done deal now?
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