When one suffers ....
If one member [of the body] suffers, all suffer
together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with
it. (1 Cor 12:26)
[4-29-02]
As the Executive Committee of the Witherspoon Society
met on April 21-23, we were keenly aware of the accusations
that have been leveled against a number of our friends and
colleagues in ministry. They have been accused variously of
"renouncing the jurisdiction of the church," of violating
chapter G-6.0106b of the Book of Order, and of other offenses - all
focusing on purported same-sex relationships.
As leaders of the Witherspoon Society, we declare that
we stand firmly with those who have been accused, even as we acknowledge
that we can never claim to be truly in their shoes, or to know the pain
they are enduring.
At the same time, we affirm the processes and
standards that are put in place by our Presbyterian constitution.
Following the due process of our constitution, it appears likely that
most, if not all, of the complaints will not be sustained by
investigating committees, and without probable cause no charges can be
filed. We regret the way in which the spirit behind the judicial process
has apparently been violated, since it is designed to protect accused
individuals during a process that presumes innocence until proven
otherwise. (D-10.0103).
We pledge that we will, insofar as we are able,
provide practical and material support to any of the victims of these
accusations as they defend themselves.
Meanwhile, we offer our prayers for all those who have
been accused - and for those who likely will be subjected to further
accusations in the future. We pray too for all the other persons who are
and will be involved in these cases: friends, family and loved ones of
those accused, as well as their congregations, the church leaders who
may be investigating and hearing their cases, and those who have been
moved for whatever reasons to make the accusations.
We encourage our Witherspoon members and all who love
our church to join in these prayers, and to pray for the healing of our
divided church. And we hope for the day when we can all rejoice
together.
Jane Hanna, President
The Witherspoon Society
