22 August 2007

Headlines:

[1] America's Presbyterian Retires
[2] Amnesty International Alliance Shattering over Abortion
[3] Synod Court Orders Rebuke for Lesbian Activist
[4] Reformed Catholics Have Their Problems Too
[5] Valedictorian Sues School District That Forced Apology
[6] Transitional Presbyteries Update
[7] Montreat Strengthens New Ties
[8] Presbyterian Publishing Corporation Gets New Leadership
[9] Presbyterian Treasurer Walks


[1] America's Presbyterian Retires

Dr. D. James Kennedy is stepping down as minister of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, a congregation he founded in 1959 and built into a mega-church with nearly 10,000 members. Kennedy, 76, had a heart attack in late December and has been in poor health since then. Jennifer Cassidy, Kennedy’s daughter, made the announcement during services on 26 August. Saturday had been the 51st anniversary of his marriage to Anne Kennedy.

For three months, Kennedy was mostly in bed or a wheelchair until receiving two months of therapy at a rehabilitation center in Grand Rapids, Michigan but he now walks unaided, Cassidy said. In January, he received a pacemaker-defibrillator at Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, replacing a regular pacemaker implanted last year. Kennedy has physical therapy three times a week.

Complicating recovery are a lifelong problem with asthma and headaches from "degenerative disc disease," Cassidy said. He had at least two neck vertebrae fused in the 1980s, Cassidy continued.

In her speech to the congregation, Cassidy denied rumors that her father had a stroke or heart attack or contracted Alzheimer's disease.

National Religious Broadcasters President Frank Wright reports that Kennedy is "fully cognizant," but can no longer preach or lead his church and related Coral Ridge Ministries.

While many ministers rolled up their sleeves and wore jeans to preach, Kennedy's style remained calm and measured. Kennedy was also ahead of the times on many other trends. In the 1980s, Kennedy was one of the first in the movement to elect political candidates sympathetic to Christian views. Long before Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ and the Left Behind book series, Kennedy was advocating Christian-produced family entertainment. Since then, Coral Ridge Ministries, an arm of the church, has produced films propounding Kennedy's views, including one that denounced the popular book and movie The Da Vinci Code.

Last year, the Anti-Defamation denounced Kennedy for producing "Darwin's Deadly Legacy," a documentary that linked Charles Darwin's theory of evolution to Adolf Hitler. Westminster Academy, the private K-12 Christian school he founded in 1971, is known for teaching Intelligent Design, which treats Darwin's theory of evolution as antithetical to Scripture.

Besides the church, Kennedy founded: Knox Seminary; Westminster Academy; Coral Ridge Ministries, a broadcast organization heard in about 200 nations; a chaplaincy to federal workers on Capitol Hill; and Evangelism Explosion, a program to train lay people to spread the gospel. Kennedy launched a series of rallies, called Reclaiming America for Christ, which helped train volunteers across the nation to work for conservative objectives in their hometowns. In his spare time, Kennedy wrote some 65 books.

For a quarter of century, Kennedy served on the editorial board for the Christian Observer, much of that time as Associate Editor.

+ Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, 5555 N Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308 (954) 771-3187


[2] Amnesty International Alliance Shattering over Abortion

The head of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland announced 28 August that he was resigning from human rights group Amnesty International after the organization changed its stance on abortion. Cardinal Keith O'Brien said he was withdrawing his membership because Amnesty's new position on abortion contravened the "basic right to human life."

The decision follows the recent move by Amnesty to back abortion in certain circumstances. The policy change has already led to calls from senior members of the Roman Catholic Church in Britain and the Vatican for a withdrawal of support from the organization.

+ Cardinal Keith O'Brien, 28 Manor Place, Edinburgh, EH3 7EB, Scotland


[3] Synod Court Orders Rebuke for Lesbian Activist

In a reversal of a lower church court ruling, Jane Adams Spahr has been found guilty of violating the Presbyterian Church (USA)'s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage by performing weddings for two lesbian couples. The Synod of the Pacific's Permanent Judicial Commission (PJC) ruled 6-2 on 18 August that while the "lesbian evangelist" and longtime Presbyterian minister "acted with conscience and conviction," her actions were still at odds with the church's constitution.

The decision of the synod tribunal overturned last year's ruling by the Presbytery of the Redwoods' PJC, which determined Spahr acted within her rights and conscience as an ordained minister when she presided over the nuptials of the two lesbian couples in 2004 and 2005.

The PC(USA)'s Book of Order defines marriage as between a man and a woman, and church courts have ruled that Presbyterian ministers may not utilize the marriage liturgy in same-sex ceremonies. "Regardless of the expression of conscience by the Rev. Dr. Spahr, she may not circumvent the standards of the church," according to the synod PJC ruling. "Although the Rev. Dr. Spahr had acted with conscience and conviction, her actions were contrary to the Constitution as it is authoritatively interpreted, [and] is therefore subject to censure."

The synod PJC directed the presbytery PJC to "enter a finding of guilt" against Spahr and to impose the censure of rebuke, the mildest form of punishment that could be brought. The most serious penalty could have been removal from the ministry. The rebuke, which amounts to an official admonishment by the presbytery, does not affect the ministerial credentials of Spahr, but it could lead to further discipline if she continues to perform wedding ceremonies for same-sex couples

Spahr, a 65-year-old grandmother who is set to retire from ministry at the end of this month, expressed disappointment in the latest ruling. Despite the court's ruling, Spahr said that she would continue doing marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples.

The Synod of the Pacific is based in Petaluma, CA, and is composed of congregations in northern California, Nevada, southern Idaho, and Oregon.

Spahr was called in 1991 as co-pastor of Downtown United Presbyterian Church in Rochester, but the call was invalidated by the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission in November 1992. Even without a call, the Rochester church invited her as a "lesbian evangelist" and established That All May Freely Serve (TAMFS) in 1993 to support her ministry, in partnership with Westminster Presbyterian Church in Tiburon, California.

For 15 years now, Spahr has been traveling the country mustering support for the ordination of gay and lesbian Presbyterians, along the way building a network of regional groups to help in the effort.

+ Presbyterian Church (USA), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202 (888) 728-7228


[4] Reformed Catholics Have Their Problems Too

Sussex County, New Jersey, man who was a pastor and a hospital social worker has been indicted on a charge of failing to register in New Jersey as a sex offender after moving from California to Mexico to Vernon, authorities said today.

Sean-Michael Lyons, 45, also known as Michael S. Lyons, had moved from California to Mexico in October 2000, and then sometime in 2000 moved to Vernon, but never registered there as a sex offender, according to published. Lyons was charged 9 February with one count of fourth-degree failing to register as a sex offender.

Lyons, a pastor in the Reformed Catholic Church, led the Damien of Molokai Chapel that he operated at his home in the Lake Wallkill section of Vernon.

According to Bishop Shane Price of the Ohio-based Reformed Catholic Church, Lyons has been suspended from his clerical duties pending the outcome of the investigation. The Reformed Catholic Church, an independent church founded in 2000, is not affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church.

+ St. Sebastian Catholic Church, PO Box 2, Worthington, Ohio 43085


[5] Valedictorian Sues School District That Forced Apology

Liberty Counsel filed suit against Lewis Palmer School District on behalf of Erica Corder, a high school valedictorian who was forced to publicly apologize for sharing her Christian faith at graduation. Erica was one of 15 valedictorians from the Lewis-Palmer High School class of 2006. For the past year, she has been the subject of criticism because the school continues to portray her as a student who engaged in improper conduct because she mentioned Jesus Christ during her speech.
Before graduation in May 2006, Principal Mark Brewer informed the valedictorians that they could choose one student to speak, or that all of them could deliver a 30-second graduation message. The students chose to have all 15 valedictorians participate and chose a general topic for each speaker. Erica and one other student were chosen to give concluding messages. Each valedictorian orally presented a proposed speech to the principal before graduation.

During her 30-second message Erica spoke about her faith in Jesus Christ. Afterwards, she was escorted to see the assistant principal, who said she would not receive her diploma because of the speech she had given. Principal Brewer later indicated that her comments were "immature." He said that she could only receive her diploma if she apologized to the school community. Erica prepared a statement saying the message was her own and was not endorsed by the principal. Brewer insisted that she include the words: "I realize that, had I asked ahead of time, I would not have been allowed to say what I did." Erica complied because she feared the school would withhold her diploma. She was also afraid that the school would put disciplinary notes in her file and would generate negative publicity, which could prevent her from becoming a school teacher. Principal Brewer sent out Erica's message in an e-mail to the entire high sc hool community. Soon after, Erica received her diploma.

Liberty Counsel sent a letter on behalf of Erica to the Lewis Palmer School District Board of Education, explaining that her First Amendment rights had been violated, and requested that the district apologize for the e-mail that Erica was forced to write and institute a written policy to ensure that no future constitutional violations occur. The school board has thus far taken no remedial steps. Meanwhile, Erica continues to be the subject of public criticism from school officials.

Mathew Staver, Founder of Liberty Counsel and Dean of Liberty University School of Law, commented: "Valedictorians have the right to express their religious viewpoints while at the graduation podium. School officials have no right to threaten young graduates that their diplomas will be withheld. The school district's action in forcing Erica Corder to write an e-mail apologizing to the community for exercising her right to free speech is shocking."

+ Liberty Counsel, PO Box 540774 - Orlando, Florida 32854


[6] Transitional Presbyteries Update

The New Wineskins – Evangelical Presbyterian Church Transitional Presbytery Commission, chaired by Bill Meyers, meets every Monday via telephone conference call to transact the business that is presented to the group. As of 21 August 21, the following churches and pastors have been received into the NW/EPC Transitional Presbytery: Central Presbyterian Church, Huntsville, Alabama (Randy Jenkins, pastor), First Presbyterian Church, Quincy, Illinois (Rod Bakker and Kevin McGinnis, pastors), The Forks of the Brandywine Presbyterian Church, Glenmoore, Pennsylvania (Andy Curtis, pastor), Great Valley Presbyterian Church, Malvern, Pennsylvania (Dan Stewart, pastor), and Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church, Parkesburg, Pennsylvania (Bill Kelly, pastor). Hope Presbyterian Church of Rogue River, Oregon (Brian Boisen, pastor), has been received pending their dismissal from the Presbyterian Church (USA). Also, Sean Martin has been received as a minister member of the presbytery. Martin will be laboring outside the bounds at Covenant Presbyterian Church, Simsbury, Connecticut.

The EPC Transitional Presbytery Commission, chaired by John Adamson, has received Grace Chapel, Madison, Mississippi (Steve Bryant, pastor) into membership since the EPC General Assembly in June.

+ Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 17197 N. Laurel Park Drive, Suite 567, Livonia, Michigan 48152-7912


[7] Montreat Strengthens New Ties

Stephen Woodworth, Chaplain of Montreat College, will be ordained for ministry in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church on 20 September. Woodworth summed his feelings about joining the Evangelical Presbyterian Church by saying, "I am excited about a future within the EPC. I love its mission to take the gospel to the world and a culture that is increasingly confused about exactly who Jesus Christ is. The EPC feels like home for a number of reasons – most importantly because of their decision to making Jesus Christ and his Kingdom known the primary task of the church. It is a privilege to be counted among its ministers."

Montreat College is a Christ-centered liberal arts institution with its main campus for four-year traditional students in Montreat, North Carolina. The accelerated School of Professional and Adult Studies program has campuses in Asheville, Charlotte, and Black Mountain, with courses being taught in Cherokee, Murphy, and other North Carolina locations.

+ Montreat College, 310 Gaither Circle, Montreat, North Carolina 28757


[8] Presbyterian Publishing Corporation Gets New Leadership

In the wake of C. Davis Perkins' departure as president and publisher for the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, acting president and publisher Marc Lewis has announced some staff changes.

David Dobson, who has been with PPC since 1999, has been named acting director of publishing. Formerly PPC's director of product management, Dobson will oversee the editorial and marketing programs for Westminster John Knox Press, Geneva Press, and the Web site The Thoughtful Christian.

Lewis announced two other promotions: Rev. Jon Berquist, who has been senior editor for Biblical studies since 2003, has been named executive editor for Biblical studies; and Rev. Donald K. McKim, who has been academic and reference editor since 2000, has been named executive editor for theology and reference.

+ Presbyterian Church (USA) 100 Witherspoon Street Louisville, KY 40202 (888) 728-7228


[9] Presbyterian Treasurer Walks

A former Presbyterian Church (USA) treasurer who was convicted of stealing more than US$100,000 in church funds avoided prison time and instead was sentenced today to five years’ probation. Judith A. Golliher, who pleaded guilty in June to eight felony counts of theft by unlawful taking, has repaid the Louisville office more than US$130,000 and must complete 1,000 hours of community service, and 90 days of home incarceration as part of her sentence.If Golliher violates the law while on probation, she faces a 10-year prison sentence and a US$30,000 fine.

+ Presbyterian Church (USA) 100 Witherspoon Street Louisville, KY 40202 (888) 728-7228