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Originally Posted by tcalbrecht  Quote:
Originally Posted by HaigLaw Quote:
Originally Posted by tcalbrecht Is it the pastor's place to make a heresy judgment against a brother elder in his own or fraternal denomination? Isn't that what church courts are for?
Or is it OK to function as an independent when we think it is expedient? | Every heresy trial at every presbytery starts with a charge by an individual elder stating the kinds of opinions that you are saying no elder can express apart from the collective judgment of some presbytery.  | A charge is very different from a decision/conviction. Anyone can make a charge. But no individual may act towards a brother based merely on a charge. (A trial court may take appropriate action based on church order to convict/vindicate the accused.)
So what do we have in this case? A pastor makes a charge with no intent or ability to carry through on the charge other than to warn potential students about a perceived problem.
You don't see a problem with this?
I will admit it is troublesome at times being presbyterian. |
I do see a problem if the pastor or elder believes another officer is guilty of heresy but does not move to charge him for whatever reason. My understanding is this is largely how the PCUSA was lost.