The statesman’s duty is to bridge the gap between his nation’s experience and his vision”
― Henry A. Kissinger

Some people see an unreconcilable gap between the Liberal and Evangelical parts of the denomination.

There is a gap but it’s only unreconcilable if we let it be.

In fact I strongly believe it is possible to benefit from a relationship with theological differences.  Two of our denomination’s prominent leaders, Dr. Richard Mouw, retired president of Fuller Theological Seminary, and Dr. Barbara Wheeler, retired president of Auburn Seminary, model this possibility in their relationship with each other.

An article titled “Purple Church,” published online in The Presbyterian Outlook, said that even though Richard and Barbara come from very different theological places and “have serious differences about serious matters, they count themselves blessed by the collegiality and mutual respect through which the Holy Spirit moves, enabling them to become better people and better Christians because of what each has learned from the other.”

Richard and Barbara wrote companion articles for Sojourners magazine, each writing from their own theological position and bridging the gap between our experience of discord and their vision of unity.  

I encourage you to read each article.

• “Why the Evangelical Church Needs the Liberal Church” by Richard Mouw
• “Why the Liberal Church Needs the Evangelical Church” by Barbara Wheeler

Our denomination needs to hear reconciling voices from statesmen and women like these.  

It is possible to remain true to your core beliefs and remain in the PC(USA).  Our denomination needs a balance of beliefs, centered on the gospel.  Your presbytery and the PC(USA) are better with you, and you are better as part of your presbytery and the PC(USA).

 In his article above Richard said,

“I genuinely believe that a Presbyterian split would be a serious setback for the cause that I care deeply about, namely, the cause of Reformed orthodoxy.”  

I see a vision of unity shared by Richard and Barbara that will build us up in Christ.  It is a unity I feel called to live into.  I pray you can see it too.

Let’s #StayPCUSA together.