Update from the Moderator

The Executive Board had a called meeting July 13 in regard to the Supreme Court decision on same sex marriage.  All seem concerned about the decision of the Supreme Court.  Synod’s legal counsel, Mr. Dan Eller, presented his take on the decision and expressed concern that our churches and institutions may be liable and therefore, the Synod needs to give advice and help to the the churches so the churches may take action to prepare.

A committee has been appointed to do this work and to report to the Executive Board as soon as possible.  It is possible that the committee will propose some recommendations for the churches to give guidance until a full report is ready.  This is new ground for the Church.  In addition to Mr. Eller, the committee includes Mr. Eric Rushky, Mr. Thomas Fortney, and Mr. Mark Miller.

Church in the News

A Presbyterian church in Lancaster says it is dropping its nearly 50-year association with the Boy Scouts after the organization agreed to allow gay leaders. First ARP Church sent a letter to 63 scouts in the troop sponsored by the church saying that it ended its sponsorship of the Boy Scouts on July 31. Church member Buddy Lever says it was a tough decision, but the Boy Scouts’ announcement that it would allow gay leaders doesn’t match the church’s beliefs on homosexuality. The scouts are being given an opportunity to join other troops. (Printed Associated Press)

To read the letter sent to the scouts click here.