Frequently Asked Questions Who started this?Through informal discussion, a group of Reformed leaders, pastors, seminarians, and laity found they shared a burden for more irenic and profitable theological dialogue on substantive issues of faith and practice. They went on to draft an inter-denominational document toward that end and circulated it to early signatories.
Is this an effort to cease dialogue?The exact opposite is true. We long for true dialogue that escapes the rhetoric of division and derision. Our tradition must mature by working through these issues in a more profitable manner than we have heretofore pursued and, in that context, calling for trust in how our church structures function.
Are you trying to circumvent the work of church courts?Absolutely not. We want to encourage the courts to work carefully through these issues without being politicized by certain factions, and to cultivate charity so these courts can continue functioning in a healthy and proper way.
Why now?The level of rancor in our tradition has been elevating over the past several years and threatens our witness and ability to co-labor for the sake of the Gospel. We felt it was time to encourage greater unity before unnecessary schism erupted.
Are you starting a new organization?Not at this time.
Doesn’t this threaten true unity by compromising the truth of the Gospel?No. The Gospel is threatened more when we factionalize into sects over issues that should be lovingly and thoughtfully considered – and even tolerated within certain bounds.
Can people who are Reformed, but not Presbyterian sign this? Of course. Anyone who is Reformed or who is a concerned observer is welcome to add their voice to the chorus.
Is this motivated by an effort to promote a particular agenda?Not at all. This document does not advocate a particular point-of-view on any issue, but only suggests that various differences have always found their home within the bounds of the historic Reformed tradition and that the church must be allowed to discern appropriate boundaries without needlessly hostile rhetoric.