CNP Positions on Reformed Identity in the United States Committee Recommendations Before the 227th General Assembly

In the weeks leading up to the 227th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), June 22 – July 2, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, CNP is sharing recommendations on key items of business coming before the Assembly. This post addresses recommendations being considered by the Reformed Identity in the United States Committee (RUS).

• Repudiating White Christian Nationalism (ACSWP)

  Committee Item: RUS-07 Pre-file Reference: COM-033

  This recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy (ACSWP) calls the PC(USA) to repudiate the ideology and practices of white Christian nationalism in all its forms; to affirm the denomination's historical support for the disestablishment of religion as enshrined in the First Amendment; and to acknowledge and repent of the church's own historical complicity in white Christian nationalism. The recommendation comes at a moment of heightened political salience, as Christian nationalist ideology has been explicitly invoked in support of anti-LGBTQ government action and policy at both the state and federal levels.

  CNP Recommendation: Support

  ▪ White Christian nationalism has been directly invoked in recent years to justify anti-LGBTQ legislation, executive action, and cultural hostility. Naming and repudiating it is directly relevant to CNP's mission.

  ▪ The PC(USA)'s Reformed tradition includes a strong commitment to the separation of church and state. Affirming that commitment in the current political climate is consistent with our theological identity.

  ▪ A companion overture from San Jose Presbytery (OVT-002) also addresses this topic and may be considered alongside this committee recommendation. CNP's support extends to both

• Report of the Special Committee to Write a New Confession

  Committee Item: RUS-10 Pre-file Reference: COM-052

  The Special Committee to Write a New Confession, established by the 225th General Assembly (2022) under overture TWE-08, has produced a draft confession for consideration by the 227th General Assembly. The adoption of a new confession is a multi-step constitutional process. The Advisory Committee on the Constitution (ACC) has advised that, under the Book of Order, an assembly receiving a recommendation for a new confession must refer it to a "Committee of Fifteen" for additional study and possible amendment, secure the approval of a subsequent General Assembly, and then send it to the presbyteries, where approval by two-thirds would be required before it could be added to the Book of Confessions.

  CNP Recommendation: Support, with amendments and consistent with ACC advice

  ▪ A new confession is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the PC(USA) to articulate its faith in response to the challenges and gifts of this moment in history. CNP strongly supports the process moving forward and affirms the value of stating our commitments to justice and equity even more explicitly than they appear in the current Book of Confessions. The committee has generally done excellent work reflecting a consensus of its members.

  ▪ Even so, the language of this proposal has shortcomings, appearing to reflect an effort to strike a balance between those comfortable with LGBTQIA+ inclusion and those who are not. The absence of specific language about sexual orientation and gender identity is out of keeping with recent constitutional changes and the consistent direction of the Spirit in our denomination.

  ▪ The use of "affection" where "orientation" is the theologically and pastorally appropriate term is a meaningful error that should be corrected before the confession proceeds further in the approval process.

  ▪ The language around gender and sexuality — which reportedly reflects unresolved internal disagreement within the committee — does not adequately represent the denomination's stated commitments. The confession should speak with clarity and confidence.

  ▪ The Covenant Network of Presbyterians calls for stronger and clearer language, reflecting our mission to equip the whole church to live into its identity as a community of generous hospitality and faithful justice. CNP also affirms the ACC's interpretation of the constitutional requirements for adopting a new confession, and hopes a churchwide conversation will bring more voices of LGBTQIA+ people into the process before the document reaches final adoption.