Rev. Roland W. Anderson
Santa Rosa, CA
September 4, 2007
| To: The Permanent Judicial Commission of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) |
| Regarding Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) v. Rev. Dr. Jane Adams Spahr |
| Dear Colleagues; After I was ordained, April 1943, I served 7 congregations, from Maryland to California and was appointed by the General Assembly to establish the department of Interchurch Action for the Commission on Ecumenical Mission and Relations in the early 1960's. I have served as an officer in Presbyteries and Synods during my ministry and in retirement I love my Church. I ache over my denomination's assumption of judgment over other children of God who are different culturally or sexually. I ache over its restricting the freedom of its pastors to seek out and serve what they believe to be the will of God. I am proud of my denomination's history and the brave pastors who spoke out against civil wrong and leg movements that altered the course of history. When I took my ordination vows I understood that I was free to act under God, my conscience and the dictates of scripture as the Holy Spirit enlightened me. To take away that privilege is not the purpose of a Book of Order. Books of Order and law should open the way for the Church and its clergy to lead the world ---- and not be prey to its illnesses...such as homophobia. Respectfully yours Rolland W. Anderson |