Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi

According to the Book of Church Order of the Reformed Church in America, a Classis (our regional body) has the authority to “form, dissolve, and disband” congregations (II.2.3). Further investigation into our polity proves that the Classis can (with 2/3 vote) supercede (and dissolve) a local Consistory and do whatever it desires with with that congregation’s property.

In effect, this gives the Classis the ability to enforce its desires at a local level. This is well known within RCA circles, and I would suggest it has, in many instances, been a strong impetus for congregations to “come in line” with the desires of the classis (lest this authority be weilded in discipline).

One California court has decided that this authority (at least in the Episcopal church) is invalid! (See http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4802455) What does this mean?! Has the government taken away the church’s ability to discipline itself?

It is my guess that in the past, if I may revert to overused and under-helpful categories, this authority has been threatened by a “conservative” majority over against a “liberal” minority. I wonder if the “conservative” wing of the church may now desire to try exactly the same thing (as in the situation mentioned above). Now, however, church authority is being undermined by the government and those who desire religious schism will find governmental supported for it.

What odd bedfellows we see here - California courts (typically known for their “liberalism”) deciding in favor of the more “conservative” branch of the church (as they break communion with their more temperate mainline).

Ironic…Frightening. What more can I say?

Grace and Peace,
`tim

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