Comments for How Do We Change The Book of Order? at http://pres-outlook.net , comment 1 to 1 out of 1 comments http://pres-outlook.net Fri, 19 Mar 2010 07:32:48 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://pres-outlook.net/reports-a-resources/for-church-officers/420.html#comment-1981 Dear Editor, I commend Earl S. Johnson, in his article in The Presbyterian Outlook, 'How Do We Change The Book of Order?' for his clear presentation of the process of amending The Book of Order, but I have two 'bones to pick' with his article where it appears to me to move beyond description of the actual process. The first 'bone' is the assertion that 'the Book of Order is very fluid, constantly open to amendment, change and reform'. Surely it is open to amendment, change and reform, but the process includes language ('may be only made in the following manner:')and steps (the requirement of careful consideration at General Assembly and then the approval of two-thirds, not merely a simple majority, of the presbyteries), which require change that must endure the rigors of very deliberative consideration. Rev. Johnson's own factual description of that process reveals that his opinion that it is 'fluid' and 'constantly open', needs balanced by words such as those I've just used, like 'careful and 'deliberative'. The second 'bone' I have to pick with the article is one I see all too frequently: neglecting to include the words, 'according to the Word of God and the call of the Spirit' when using the statement, 'the church reformed, always reforming'. Yes, G-18.0100 doesn't include them, but G-2.0200, located in the foundational first chapters of the Book of Order, does. Sincerely in Christ, Carl J. Batzel, Pastor of the Lanesboro, PA Community and the Windsor, NY Presbyterian churches and Stated Clerk of Lackawanna Presbytery - Carl Batzel Wed, 05 Oct 2005 12:00:00 +0100