The Presbyterian Forum is a resource organization comprised of members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), committed to our confessional reformed theology and our Constitution, who are working for reformation through overt political action.

The word "Presbyterian" in our name is suggestive of our theological heritage. But more specifically it references our form of government - our polity. We are a church that is named for the way in which we govern ourselves and make decisions - through an ascending set of deliberative judicatories or governing bodies to which we commission delegates or representatives who, in turn, debate issues and make choices by voting to ascertain the will of the majority. Unfortunately, many Presbyterians have not been equipped to do this work.

It is our fervent hope that those who vote are guided by the leading of the Holy Spirit. But, in the end, the position that prevails is the one that can garner the support of the majority of the commissioners.

Therefore, we have committed ourselves to help individuals and groups within Presbyteries to resource, equip, network, and organize -- within the rules set by our polity -- to make sure that the GA commissioners that are chosen from their Presbytery are qualified, and will make competent commissioners, and to continue our work through the General Assembly level.

The urgency that we feel about this matter is born of the fact that we are convinced -- along with most Presbyterians -- that the next two years in our great denomination will be pivotal. We see the next General Assembly as our opportunity to overturn the Peace, Unity, and Peace report which was passed by the 217th GA, but this can only be done if the commissioners that are being sent to GA by the presbyteries actually reflect the convictions of the presbyters themselves.

The implications of the presenting issues are deep and fundamental. They go to the very heart of who we are and how we know what we know.

Those who want to change our standards are deeply committed and politically well organized. The Forum believes that we need to be as well organized as they, and that organization requires that we do everything in our power to assist Presbyterians seeking reform with overtures and resolutions, networking, shepherding, and electing likeminded commissioners to the next Assembly.

However, the Forum has received a great deal of criticism for proposing Operation Fair Representation. Most notably, we have been criticized for attempting to challenge a primary value in our Presbyterian ethos -- that it is inappropriate (if not unconstitutional) for anyone even to attempt to "instruct" a commissioner to a higher court of the church. Commissioners, we are told, must be free to be led by the Holy Spirit in their decision-making responsibility.

We do not disagree. But, we also want to point out that the courts of our church have found that it is legitimate (if not prudent) for presbyters to inquire of those who are standing for election.

We believe that the Presbyterian Church (USA) would best be served by the open election of General Assembly Commissioners following a frank, candid (and hopefully honest) period of questioning on the floor of Presbytery. Moreover, we are convinced that such an open process is not inimical to our Presbyterian mores -- and we offer the finding of the General Assembly PJC in support of our convictions. Please take the time to read their decision, and if necessary do what you can to change the way in which your Presbytery elects its commissioners.

The Presbyterian Forum stands ready to help you. But if you don't do it, it won't get done. We must stand now for the authority of the plain meaning of Scripture.

The Presbyterian Forum is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) Corporation.

Sola Gratia * Sola Fide * Sola Scriptura * Sola Christus * Soli Deo Gloria