Jack, "Tipping Point" is nothing more than the same rallying cry as "The Sky is Falling".  If we all buy into that mentality then sure, we'll live into that self fulfilling prophecy.  And, it is the easy way out to believe that and dismiss the other side(s).  

Granted, perception is the reality we have to deal with but I think if you look at the PCUSA over the latter quarter century, you'd have to say that the movement has been toward conservative privilege, not liberal.  Remember that 1991 Report on Human Sexuality?  I pulled that up the other day.  I can't imagine our denomination producing that document in any corner today (take another look, you'll be surprised that ever passed a committee!!).  The movement after that to G-6.0106b of the former Book of Order was a conservative movement at the time.  For 14 years the conservative wing of our church has had constitutionally mandated privilege and used the Book of Discipline to enforce it.  And, what has happened with 10-A is nothing but a removal of that privilege.  No constitutionally mandated privilege for the progressive wing of our church has taken its place.  The church has not mandated anything.  Instead, we have come out of denial and come to acknowledge diversity exists in our church.  

Also any comparisons to a "Kenyon future" are ghosthunting at best. I find the Kenyon assertion though to be completely unfounded and unfair toward the church at this point and time.   Sure, it happened and probably was not the most charitable way to implement the right thing with our churches who didn't want to come along on women's ordination.  But, let's remember, ordaining women is the right thing.

I really believe what has happened is a loss of perspective that 10-A actually opens a door for a future where everyone exists in covenant and moves on in mission and ministry.    What I worry most about for our church is not that we are approaching doomsday or may be but rather the fact that we are a people who never speak of hope and possibility and opportunity anymore.  

I agree we should not be a church where opponents are vanquished.  We also cannot be a church where minorities viewpoints play victim.   Everyone has to show up to community or we have no chance.  I'll die by that sword I'm so convinced of it.  Schism, Schism with a foot still in the door, or non-geographic presbyteries all speak to a generation of Americans who still want to take their toys and go do their own thing or want to enable that nonsense.  

Hooray for the young evangelicals!  Hooray for the Next Church!  Listen to them.  They aren't pouting!  They are leading!  They are moving on.  Meanwhile, there will probably be a spot for the Pouting Presbyterians somewhere.   As was true in childhood if anyone ever tried that tact, that will be a lonely place in the end.

Kyle Walker

Bryan, TX