The Standing Judicial Commission did not rule on the merits of the complaints, but shifted the responsibility back down to others…
The PCA’s highest court has determined it is largely the responsibility of the congregation that is responsible for what happens at its meetings.
The SJC also determined that the presbytery has responsibility to provide redress when it learns of any unconstitutional actions that occur during congregational meetings.
The SJC went on to provide three ways constitutional violations that arise during congregational meetings can be addressed:
- A complaint could have been filed when the Session or Presbytery implemented the unconstitutional actions voted on by the congregation.
- The Presbytery could take note of the Constitutional deficiency when reviewing the Session minutes of the meeting.
- The Presbytery could investigate the irregularities of the meeting and redress them accordingly.
The NWGP, at its August 2021 meeting, concluded that two constitutional violations occurred in the July 2020 Midway Congregational Meeting. Will they do their duty under BCO 13-9 and provide redress?
ALL SPUN UP
The Midway Session spun this decision, telling the congregation that “none of the allegations against the Midway Session from the complaints were sustained by the SJC, and the congregation’s actions all remain.”
That’s as if The Washington Post reported on March 15, 44 BC that Julius Caesar, popular Roman leader and author, died at the age of 55 surrounded by his friends.
Technically true, but it definitely would give you the wrong impression if you didn’t know the rest of the facts.
Here is the full ruling so you can decide for yourself:
