(AgapePress) - A minister in Ohio convicted of performing
same-sex "marriage" ceremonies will not be removed
from the ministry by the Presbyterian Church (USA). A
theologically conservative Presbyterian pastor is calling it
"a sad day" for his denomination.
Although the Permanent Judicial Commission (PJC) of the
Cincinnati Presbytery found Stephen Van Kuiken guilty of
violating church law, it fell short of suspending him or
removing him from the ministry. According to
the
denomination's news service, Van Kuiken plans to appeal the
guilty verdict.
“I believe that this decision of the PJC is theologically
wrong and contrary to the scriptures,” the 44-year-old pastor
said in a statement issued after the verdict was announced.
“And because it is contrary to the scriptures, it is also
unconstitutional.” He also stated his intention to continue
performing same-sex "marriages" -- a position from
which he says he will not be "rehabilitated."
Bible-believing Christians like Pastor Parker T. Williamson
of the Presbyterian
Lay Committee are outraged that Van Kuiken is being allowed
to remain in the pulpit. "He has defied the constitution of
the church, he's defied the church's moral stance, and he should
be removed from the ministry," he says.
But Williamson says the court failed miserably to uphold the
church's constitution. "Of the various punishments that
they could have issued, they issued the lightest possible --
namely, a rebuke. That's like a little slap on the hand,"
Williamson says. "And really, he should have been removed
from the office of ministry if he was unwilling to live by the
constitutional standards."
Van Kuiken was acquitted on another charge of officiating at
the ordination and installation services of individuals who are
openly violating the church's moral stance on sex outside
marriage. According to Williamson, those in authority again did
not follow through.
"The Presbyterian Church (USA) is very clear on the
issue of its ordination standards," he explains. "It
has placed a clause in its constitution that says that persons
who engage in sexual behavior outside the bounds of marriage shall
not be ordained or installed. That has [now] been
tested."
Williamson says his denomination needs to practice discipline
already on the books -- and that those who are responsible for
defending and enforcing the church's constitution are not doing
so.
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