Like A Mother

When the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) was formed in 1983, ending a Civil War- era schism, one of the first tasks was to set forth its beliefs. That effort, complicated by the church's theological diversity, bore fruit last week as a national assembly of the 2.9 million-member denomination gave overwhelming approval to an 80-line "Brief Statement of Faith." After endorsement from regional units, it will join the ten other doctrinal statements that guide Presbyterians. The cleverly crafted text seems traditional enough to prevent the conservative opposition that killed a modernized creed in the Southern branch 14 years ago. Liberals, meanwhile, will be cheered by the heavy emphasis on the Social Gospel, including ecological concerns.

Feminists may grimace to hear God twice addressed as "Father," but they will be pleased that the Deity is described as being "like a mother who will not forsake her nursing child." Moreover, belief that the Holy Spirit "calls women and men to all ministries of the church" is for the first time elevated to creedal status alongside such fundamental matters as the resurrection of Jesus Christ. And the soothing assertion that the Holy Spirit "sets us free to accept ourselves" is more akin to pop psychology than to the stern confessions of yore. What would John Calvin say?