Presbyterians compromise on salvation theology

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The nation’s largest Presbyterian church sidestepped a nasty battle over salvation June 20 by approving a statement on salvation theology that appeared to satisfy both liberals and conservatives. More than 550 delegates from the 2.5-million-member Presbyterian Church (USA) gathered here for the denomination’s 214th annual General Assembly meeting.

Delegates endorsed an eight-page document, “Hope in the Lord Jesus Christ,” in a 497–11 vote. The statement was drafted by the church’s theology and worship office last September after a divisive battle over salvation and Jesus Christ at last year’s convention in Louisville, Ky.

“Jesus Christ is the only Savior and Lord, and all people everywhere are called to place their faith, hope and love in him. No one is saved by virtue of inherent goodness or admirable living,” the document says. But, in an indirect reference to non-Christians, the document also says: “We neither restrict the grace of God to those who profess explicit faith in Christ nor assume that all people are saved regardless of faith. Grace, love and communion belong to God and are not ours to determine.”