REV. JOSAFÁ VASCONCELOS AND AUDIOS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY – IPB

Some audios of discussions at the last meeting of the Supreme Council, IPB's general assembly, are circulating on social networks causing confusion and scandal. Therefore, I decided to write the following to generate some clarification.

…. The audios that are circulating in the social networks give the impression of direct debate between Rev. Josafá Vasconcelos and Rev. Augustus. This is not true. When the subject of female preaching came to the plenary more than 10 conciliar delegates discussed it. Many expounded their understanding on the issue, agreeing or disagreeing with the report. These audios, taken from their original context, only bring confusion. Assembly meetings sometimes have heated discussions. The rebuke given by the Rev. Josafá to people who were interrupting him should not surprise us. Remember the events that led to the first council meeting in Jerusalem. Luke tells us that "… this brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate: with individuals from Judea (Acts 15: 2)…

… may all evil speech cease, for the sake of Christ.

b. Quote from Rev. Ageu, on the role of Rev. Augustus Nicodemus (July 30, 2018):

… Rev. Augustus Nicodemus has unquestionably been a blessing to the church of Christ in our country. Why am

I writing all this? Because, a few days ago, the name of this faithful pastor has been slandered unfairly in social

networks. The Supreme Council of the IPB, the General Assembly of the denomination, made a decision on female

preaching, restricting it, and, because of lack of understanding of the matter, the network has been

flooded with criticism and offenses against Rev. Augustus. What few know, because they were not there (I

was), is that Rev. Augustus stood in favor of a document that is more restrictive than the current situation, in which

women have preached in the IPB. Because of Rev. Augustus's word, 2 important items were added in the resolution

against female ordination.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BRAZIL

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Edf. João Calvino, 9^o andar ⚫ Rua da Consolação, 896 ⚫ Consolação ⚫ CEP 01302-907 ⚫ São Paulo - SP ⚫ BRAZIL Tel. +55 (11) 2114-8605 ⚫ Fax +55 (11) 3256-6212 ⚫ [email protected] ⚫ www.ipb.org.br

Even if he were totally mistaken (and he is not), it would not be fair to attack him the way they are doing. We must attack ideas rather than people. A man who has been used by God, as Rev. Augustus has, deserves at least respect. So, I ask you, my brother, my sister, that if in the excitement of the moment and, due to the

misinformation, you wrote something unfair about the Rev. Augustus, before God, delete it. As the Word of God teaches us, let us lay aside all malice, and slander of every kind (1 Peter 2: 1). God bless you.

c. Quote from the joint statement by Revs. Josafá and Augustus, concerning the discussion and the supposed offenses:

MESSAGE FROM REVS. AUGUSTUS NICODEMUS and JOSAFÁ VASCONCELOS

“There are six things the Lord hates,… and the seventh His soul abhors: ... he who sows strife among brethren”

(Proverbs 6: 16-19-direct translation from the Portuguese version normally used in the IPB).

I was sad to learn of an audio that has been put together with statements by myself and Rev. Josafá Vasconcelos during the plenary discussions of the IPB Supreme Council held last week (22-28 of July 2018). The statements refer to the interpretation of question 158 of the Larger Catechism about who may preach. After much debate in the plenary session, the General Assembly approved a decision that is summarized here:

1) Regular preaching in the churches is performed by their officers (pastors and elders);

2) Exception is made for candidates to the sacred ministry;

3) Women can preach exceptionally when there is no official available to preach and always under the authority of the pastor (a decision with which the Rev. Josafá disagrees);

4) Prohibition of women ordained in other denominations to occupy Presbyterian pulpits;

5) Reaffirmation of all previous decisions prohibiting the ordination of women under the IPB.

….

The speech of Rev. Josafá Vasconcelos happened well before my speech. Between his pronouncement and my speech about half a dozen pastors and elders spoke. Therefore, neither Rev. Josafá was addressing me, let alone I him. His concern and mine were and are that the IPB remain faithful to the Word of God, although we disagree with what this means in the question of women's participation in worship.

The audio that was edited gives the impression that there was a debate between the two of us, aggravated by boos and squabbles. It may not have been the intention of the one that prepared it, but the end result is slanderous, lying, evil, and has brought more destruction and schism than anything else.

I spoke today with Rev. Josafá, my long-time friend, whom I love and respect. We have differences on this subject, but we have never lacked mutual love and respect. He read this text that I wrote and authorizes me to place his name signifying his approval. Together, we regret what happened, we repudiate this audio, and we pray for the church of Christ to proceed according to the Lord's teaching, in respect and brotherly love, even when there is disagreement between us. May God have mercy on His church.

Rev. Augustus Nicodemus Lopes, Rev. Josafa Vasconcelos

What can we apprehend from the overall context and especially from the statements of the brethren above?

That the leadership of the IPB, and its General Assembly, is very aware of the need to regulate important

matters, placing restrictive measures upon difficult situations, and that it is trying to do this in a conciliar way,

adhering to the Word of God. As such, we appreciate advice from sister denominations, and also solidarity

and encouragement. The latter can come even from denominations with which we have correspondent

relations, such as the BPC, but letters of reprehension, induced by divisive spirits, seem to be improper,

especially when based on unofficial sources, which harbor questionable motivation, and indicate a desire to

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BRAZIL

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COMISSÃO DE RELAÇÕES INTER-ECLESIÁSTICAS (CRIE)

Edf. João Calvino, 9^o andar ⚫ Rua da Consolação, 896 ⚫ Consolação ⚫ CEP 01302-907 ⚫ São Paulo - SP ⚫ BRAZIL Tel. +55 (11) 2114-8605 ⚫ Fax +55 (11) 3256-6212 ⚫ [email protected] ⚫ www.ipb.org.br

be belligerent and not brotherly. It is difficult to dispel the feeling that the BPC is being used as a platform and leverage point for Brazilian grudges against the IPB. Especially disturbing was the unethical distribution of your DRAFT through social media, instead of dealing with the matter through official channels.

The DRAFT promoted contention and even ends with a threat: correct the “significant deviations” or “we will be forced to reconsider our relationship. Philippians 2:14-15 (NKJV) says “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” And 1 Corinthians 11:16 (NKJV) reaffirms, “But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.”

In response to your question on “how to proceed in our relationship,” we trace a quick review of where we are thus far:

1. As you properly acknowledge, contacts between BPC and IPB began seven years ago (2011), when two of our representatives of CRIE were present as observers to your General Synod.

2. From then on, we maintained Ecumenical Contact (Level 1) and exchanged delegates to our councils.

3. A Letter from the BPC, dated June 26, 2015, and signed by your stated clerk, Steven Brinegar,

proposed a change in the relationship from Level 1 to Level 2 (Corresponding Relations). Specifically, the letter stated and confirmed, “that the 78

^th

General Synod of the Bible Presbyterian Church voted to enter into a corresponding relationship with the Presbyterian Church of Brazil. This action took place on August 4, 2014.”

4. We responded positively through letter on January 31, 2016 (“We express our satisfaction for these steps and inform that we are sending the agreement of our Commission to our next Executive Committee Meeting, together with our annual report.”).

5. The Executive Commission of April 2016 approved the move from level 1 to level 2, and we communicated this officially in your August 2016 Synod.

Considering the censorious spirit of your DRAFT and that you already appear not to deem the IPB worthy of relating to the purity present in the BPC, after consultation with all members of CRIE, we decided to suspend all contacts, until a clearer position from the BPC is received through proper channels. CRIE will then

evaluate further steps, from IPB’s end, and will submit its recommendations to our Executive Commission, which will then come to a decision in due time.

May the Lord be merciful and sustain us all, as we strive to proclaim the saving gospel of Jesus Christ and equip the saints in this dark world.

Prayerfully,

Presbyter Solano Portela

Secretary, Commission on Inter-Ecclesiastical Relations – CRIE/IPB

Davi Charles Gomes

President, Commission on Inter-Ecclesiastical Relations – CRIE/IPB

No documento IGREJA PRESBITERIANA DO BRASIL (páginas 55-58)