In a recent post regarding correspondence with one of the developers of the Abrahamic Heritage overture being considered by the General Assembly, I promised to offer what I thought would be a better alternative, something other than a simple “no” vote by the Assembly.  Having now read the advice from the PC(USA)’s Congregational Ministries Division, I can suggest  that the Assembly adopt CMD’s advice as G.A.’s response to this overture. In short, CMD suggests that the Assembly excise the first two of the three points in the overture, keeping only the third point which calls us all to work together for peace.

Below is CMD’s advice. You may also see the full text of the overture itself here.

“Comment on Item 07-01 from the General Assembly Council (Congregational Ministries Division).

This item calls on the General Assembly to affirm a common Abrahamic heritage among Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, to accept and proclaim that all three religions worship the same God, and to promote common efforts of the three religions to work together for peace, justice, and righteousness.

It is urged to:

1. Take no action on Recommendations 1 and 2 of this item, with the understanding that the church has already spoken adequately about the basis for dialogue and relations with Jews, Muslims, and persons of other faiths; and

2. Affirm Recommendation 3, and the current mandate of the Office of Interfaith Relations, to promote and foster interfaith cooperation for peace, justice, and righteousness.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has spoken about the relationships between Christians and Muslims and Christians and Jews through the actions of a number of General Assemblies (including actions of 1987, 1993, 1999, 2002, and 2004). It has consistently maintained the significance of the relationships among these faiths for the whole human family. The Confession of 1967, cited in the Rationale, is continued good guidance. We must “approach all religions with openness and respect.”

As a religion that began after the time of Christ, Islam has always presented a theological challenge to Christians. Similarly, the relationship of Christianity to Judaism, within which it originally took shape, and with which it shares Scripture and much else, has been an ongoing matter for the reflection of the church.

The development of these three faiths, and their different appeals to God’s relationship with Abraham in the understanding and articulation of their identities, are certainly intertwined. It is important to look into the interconnections among these faiths with sincerity, and with attention to their historical and theological similarities and differences. However, it is not clear what affirmation of a “principle of unity and harmony” among Christianity, Judaism, and Islam might entail or assert.

Relations among these three communities have sometimes been marked by constructive living together, and sometimes by rivalry or violent conflict. Each of these faiths affirms distinctive elements and challenges to the truth claims of the others, as well as elements that can lead to cooperation and harmony. It is necessary to explore both those aspects of the Scriptures and traditions of all three faiths that lead to exclusivity and disharmony, even violence, as well as those aspects that lead to respectful life together.

We affirm one God, who has created all peoples, and is sovereign over the world. In doing so, we do not set aside our affirmation of a Triune God, nor our worship of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Our search for faithful living must be motivated by a desire to love God, to be obedient to God’s will, and to love neighbors as ourselves. Presbyterians should gladly work together with Muslims and Jews for peace, justice, and righteousness. We should be willing to work with people of all faiths and no faith toward these ends. Where encounters and relations with Jews and Muslims will lead, and how they will bring new understanding or cooperation, rest in the mercy and grace of God.”