By Edward H. Adair
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church possesses a rich theological tradition and commitment to scripture. Notwithstanding this tradition (or, more accurately, in part, because of it), the Church is faced with deeply held, differing views on the validity of LGBTQ+ relationships and the roles individuals in these relationships and those who support them may have in church leadership. Some within the Church interpret scripture to exclude LGBTQ+ individuals from such roles, while others advocate for their inclusion. Many in this latter category draw on Christ’s teachings of love, justice, and a contextual understanding of scripture to reach an understanding they authentically believe to be consistent with the will of God. This divergence has resulted in division among members of our denomination. Yet, I think there remains space within the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for these perspectives to coexist in mutual respect.[1] By exploring these views in the spirit of our Confession of Faith, we can fulfill our mission of reconciliation, love, and justice without requiring uniformity on issues related to sexual orientation.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church has the theological depth and history of unity amid diversity to support both perspectives in mutual respect. By grounding this approach in the Confession of Faith, which emphasizes the interpretation of scripture in light of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection (COF 1.06) and the use of historical context in study (COF 1.07), we can find a foundation for harmony. Our Confession of Faith recognizes that believers may reach different theological conclusions as a result of Biblical interpretation and, because of that probability, encourages community engagement in interpretation (COF 1.07), affirming that theological exploration and dialogue are central to our faith. This engagement should be undertaken with humility and acknowledging the inherent limitations of human understanding.
COF 5.08: Because the church in the world consists of persons who are imperfect in knowledge and in the power to do God’s will, she waits with eager longing for the full redemption of the family of God. Until that time God wills that all believers worship and witness through the church in the world and promises to guide her life and growth through the Holy Spirit. [Emphasis added.]
Section 5.02 of our Confession states, “The church is one because her Head and Lord is one, Jesus Christ. Her oneness under her Lord is manifested in the one ministry of word and sacrament, not in any uniformity of covenantal expression, organization, or system of doctrine.” This explicit acknowledgment of diversity without demanding uniformity as it relates to the universal church is equally relevant to our current situation: we need not require theological uniformity on matters where sincere, studied interpretations produce differing convictions.
Our church’s history exhibits a tradition of theological pluralism. This pluralism honors diverse viewpoints as strengths rather than weaknesses or obstacles. Therefore, when some, by faithful and contextual study, embrace a more inclusive reading of scripture on LGBTQ+ inclusion, they should not be disregarded or deemed heretical to the Gospel of Christ. Many believe inclusion to be consistent with Christ’s call to love, liberation, and justice. However, there are others who are equally committed who interpret scripture differently. The Cumberland Presbyterian Church can honor both views, creating a space where believers united in Christ can uphold their beliefs without imposing a singular interpretation across the denomination.
In 1991, the 161st General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church issued a Statement on the Sanctity of Persons to address the deeply held and diverse views on abortion, which were causing strain both within the church and society at large. While LGBTQ+ inclusion and views on abortion may differ in their theological implications, both represent complex, personal convictions rooted in scriptural interpretation and the discernment of conscience. The church acknowledges the Holy Spirit’s diverse workings within each believer’s faith journey by approaching both issues with mutual respect. Recognizing the sincere and varied convictions among Cumberland Presbyterians, the General Assembly resolved not to endorse a single stance as representative of the entire church. Instead, it affirmed that a spectrum of views on abortion reflects valid interpretations of the Christian faith, each rooted in scripture and open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Acknowledging these differences, members were encouraged to follow their convictions within the church and publicly and be true to their Christian conscience to act faithfully.
This approach aligns with the church’s broader tradition of respecting theological diversity and upholding personal conscience. Unity does not require uniformity in complex moral matters. This approach respects individual conscience and can foster unity. We can presume that disagreements on multiple social issues will arise within our ranks; however, by practicing mutual respect, we strengthen our capacity to unite by intentionally practicing mutual respect and directing our energies in ways that honor our shared faith and mission.
If we require uniformity on deeply personal matters, we risk forcing individuals to act against their faith-informed convictions. The Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s commitment to respecting personal conscience and diverse yet faithful understandings of scripture underscore our ability to approach this issue with mutual respect without imposing a singular view across the denomination. This emphasis on diversity underscores the importance of personal conscience.
COF 1.06: God’s word spoken in and through the scriptures should be understood in the light of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. The authority of the scriptures is founded on the truth contained in them and the voice of God speaking through them.
COF 1.07: In order to understand God’s word spoken in and through the scriptures, persons must have the illumination of God’s own Spirit. Moreover, they should study the writings of the Bible in their historical settings, compare scripture with scripture, listen to the witness of the church throughout the centuries, and share insights with others in the covenant community.
The Confession does not presume that all believers will reach the same conclusions after carefully studying the Holy Scriptures. Instead, it encourages the community to engage in dialogue and interpretation. It encourages believers to follow their conscience, led by the Spirit and shaped by study, strengthening the church’s ability to fully embody Christ’s message. (COF 1.07) The Confession of Faith invites us to interpret scripture responsibly and sincerely, focusing on Christ’s teachings of love and justice. In doing so, we acknowledge that disagreements may arise, even in our sincerest efforts to live faithfully by God’s Word. Such diversity does not detract from scriptural authority but reflects the Holy Spirit’s guidance amid our collective understanding.
We can address the current disagreement by structured forums, guided dialogues, and local gatherings within congregations (and other means). These forums would partly support the church’s mission to “bear one another’s burdens” (COF 5.10), promoting unity in diversity. In doing so, we run a risk – the risk of deepening our fellowship with one another so long as we remain rooted in Christ.
COF 6.32: God gives the message and ministry of reconciliation to the church. The church, corporately and through her individual members, seeks to promote reconciliation, love, and justice among all persons, classes, races, and nations.
In addition to the 1991 General Assembly Statement on Abortion, the church has historically affirmed the inclusion of women in ministry. This stance evolved and reflected diverse views within the denomination. Cumberland Presbyterians have been historically more open to female leadership than many other denominations, though the issue remained a point of discussion. This openness has allowed the church to honor different scriptural interpretations regarding gender roles and spiritual authority. While the denomination makes room for the ordination of women, it is still within the authority and jurisdiction of the local sessions to decide whether to call a woman to ministry.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church recognizes that issues like sexual orientation and gender identity, much like prior debates over women in ministry and abortion, involve complex matters of personal identity and faithful conviction. This letter speaks to the need for respectful engagement on this issue without suggesting that all matters of faith are subject to unbounded interpretation.
Looking ahead, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church has a vital opportunity to exemplify unity amid diversity in an increasingly divided world. A path of dialogue and mutual respect strengthens us in living out the Gospel, making us a community others might see as embodying Christ’s inclusive love by celebrating (or at least respecting the reality of) theological diversity, the church can present a vision of grace and unity that honors both traditional and inclusive views, remaining faithful to its Confession and Holy Scriptures, and responsive to the needs of its diverse membership.
When the Church roots its message in “the message and ministry of reconciliation” (COF 6.32), it can model a community where differing views can be held within a shared commitment to live out Christ’s example of love. This honors the conscience of individual believers and God’s call on all persons. By embracing our shared mission of reconciliation, we reaffirm that our foundation remains rooted in scripture, the teachings and example of Christ, and our commitment to uphold the Confession of Faith as a guiding light in navigating diverse beliefs.
Ed Adair,
Presbytery of East Tennessee Licentiate
October 31, 2024
[1] See Romans 14:1-5. “Welcome those who are weak in the faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions. Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables. Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on those who eat; for God has welcomed them. Who are you to pass judgment on servants of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make them stand. Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds.” [Emphasis added.] (“What Paul advocates here goes well beyond the flaccid tolerance that merely endures differences as a necessary evil while waiting for the final vindication of one’s own position. To “welcome one another” (15:7; see also 14:1) is to seek actively to know and to understand another’s reasoning and another’s judgments, based on the theological assumption that all people belong to God and that God may be served in a variety of ways. Beverly Roberts Gaventa, “Romans,” in Women’s Bible Commentary, ed. Carol A. Newsom, Jacqueline E. Lapsley, and Sharon H. Ringe, Revised and Updated. (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2012), 555.)
