Dr. Jack Rogers

recent posts

    Category: General Assembly

    • Lisa Larges: Answering God’s Call

      When the history of this epoch in the PC(U.S.A.) is finally written, I think just a few names will really stand out. One of those is Lisa Larges. Lisa has been a faithful Presbyterian, an exemplary candidate for ministry, and an extraordinary human being. For 23 years Lisa has shown extraordinary courage in answering God's…

    • Response to the Draft Report of the “Special Committee to Study Issues of Civil Union and Christian Marriage”

      As many of you know, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly in 2008 created a "Special Committee to Study Issues of Civil Union and Christian Marriage." This Committee has now issued a preliminary report and requested commentary and feedback from the wider church. The draft report can be downloaded (here). Based on the feedback from…

    • Why LGBT Equality Leads to a More Missional Church

      The 218th General Assembly in San Jose did a remarkable and wonderful thing. The commissioners discerned a way for theological conservatives and theological progressives to co-exist.  Moreover, they found a way for all of us to move forward together in mission as one church.  Now you probably didn’t hear that in the news reports from…

    • General Assembly Votes to Restore the Heidelberg Catechism to its Authentic Text!

      I am pleased to announce that the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) voted today to restore the Heidelberg Catechism to its original text (thereby correcting several unauthorized insertions and theologically unwarranted changes which were made in 1963)!  The vote was 60% to 39%.  This starts a process which will also require review by…

    • Letter from 32 Seminary Faculty Asking for A Better Translation of the Heidelberg Catechism

      As reported earlier, "Thirty-two history and theology faculty members from the 10 Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) seminaries have signed a petition calling for a better translation of the 1563 Heidelberg Catechism."  Below is the text of that letter.  You can also click (here) for a PDF version. Click (here) for a free Adobe Reader.  Restoring the…

    • A Quick Guide to Essential Tenets

      For a Microsoft Word version of this article please click (here). A ruling of the Permanent Judicial Commission of the General Assembly released on February 11, 2008 stated that “it is not permissible for a presbytery or a session to define ‘essentials of Reformed faith and polity’ outside of the examination of any candidate for…

    • FYI

      Just a quick note to let you know that http://www.ga2008.com, which appears to be an official site of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), is actually run by Presbyterians for Renewal (a conservative advocacy group).