If you weren’t already convinced the PCUSA is apostate, look no further than its most recent legislative proposal—an act that might as well serve as another nail in the coffin of a denomination that has long abandoned biblical orthodoxy. This latest endeavor, spearheaded by the Presbytery of Olympia, seeks to amend the Book of Order to explicitly protect sexual orientation and gender identity from what it deems “discrimination” within the church’s ranks by banning non-affirming clergy.

It is a testament to the PCUSA’s final capitulation to the zeitgeist, forsaking the foundation of God’s Word for the ever-evolving whims of contemporary moral relativism.

This legislative proposal, masquerading as an exercise in “inclusivity” and “compassion,” effectively ostracizes clergy and members, as rare as they would be in that denomination, who adhere to the biblical convictions on human sexuality and the sanctity of marriage. By framing traditional biblical teachings as discriminatory, it not only diverges from centuries-old Christian doctrine but also outright rejects the gospel’s call to repentance and new life in Christ.

One of the changes alters section F-1.0403, “Unity in Diversity,” to read (changes in bold):

“The unity of believers in Christ is reflected in the rich diversity of the Church’s membership. In Christ, by the power of the Spirit, God unites persons through baptism, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sex, [gender identity, sexual orientation,] disability, geography, or theological conviction. There is therefore no place in the life of the Church for discrimination against any person. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) shall guarantee full participation and representation in its worship, governance, and emerging life to all persons or groups within its membership. No member shall be denied participation or representation for any reason other than those stated in this Constitution.”

And another change to the Book of Order would alter section G-2.0104b, “Gifts and Qualifications” to read (changes in bold):

“b. Standards for ordained service reflect the church’s desire to submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life (F-1.02). The council responsible for ordination and/or installation (G-2.0402; G-2.0607; G-3.0306) shall examine each candidate’s calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability for the responsibilities of ordered ministry. The examination shall include, but not be limited to, a determination of the candidate’s ability and commitment to fulfill all requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W-4.0404) [and in the principles of participation, representation, and non- discrimination found in F-1.0403]. Councils shall be guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual candidates.”

The PCUSA has effectively and methodically deconstructed its foundational Christian beliefs in favor of aligning with secular ideologies. This amendment does not merely represent a shift in policy but enforces a mandate that silences and penalizes the very few within its ranks who remain committed to the Scripture’s unerring truths, thereby coercing conformity through the exclusion of non-affirming clergy.

The language of the amendment, advocating for “full participation and representation” regardless of “gender identity” or “sexual orientation,” is a clear reflection of the denomination’s broader theological drift. This is not merely an adjustment or a modernization of church policy—it is a wholesale rejection of biblical authority and a redefinition of Christian faith and practice to suit the demands of a secular narrative.

The justification provided for these changes—citing a need for denominational clarity and an attempt to reflect the inclusive love of the gospel—misrepresents the nature of God’s love and the transformative power of the gospel itself. It fails to recognize that true love does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth (1 Corinthians 13:6). Moreover, it neglects the gospel’s call to repent from sin and to live in a manner worthy of the calling we have received in Christ.

The trajectory of the PCUSA, evidenced by this amendment, serves as a somber illustration of what happens when a church loses its anchor in the Word of God. It becomes untethered, drifting further and further away from the truth until it is unrecognizable as a bearer of the gospel. This is emblematic of a denomination that has embraced apostasy, not with hesitation, but with open arms, celebrating its departure from orthodoxy as if it were a step forward rather than a tragic fall.

As this amendment goes to vote, it is not just a matter of denominational policy, it is a public declaration of the PCUSA’s identity and its departure from the Christian faith. It is an obituary for a denomination that was once many moons ago part of the body of Christ but has now chosen to sever itself, pursuing a path that leads away from salvation and truth.