The PC(USA): Stretched Harmony
Seattle Presbytery
August 7, 2015 by The Presbyterian Outlook
Guest commentary by Doug Kelly (Seattle Presbytery, Bethany PC)
“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3:14)
I love when our choir breaks out into 4 or even 8 part harmony. The mixture of different notes, vowels and meter brings a rich sound. Sometimes the harmony is a simple major chord blend. However, sometimes the harmonies are pushed, tense and don’t resolve so quickly. I appreciate these harmonies too, although it takes some practice to endure them; they’re harmonies that stretch you.
I feel that way about the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), our denomination. We are unified in Christ and also in a theological and ecclesiastical tradition, but that unity is being tested by differences around same-sex marriage and ordination standards. Some churches and pastors have left the PC(USA). Some churches have left the denomination while their pastors have remained in the PC(USA). And there are many churches not talking about going anywhere. Some of my friends have even asked me if I am considering leaving the PC(USA). I am not – for three reasons.