(Tim) One news source worth checking out because it isn't dependent on denominational money and the approval of denominational leaders for its existence is Dominic Aquila's eponymous Aquila Report. And concerning the PCA and woman deacons, here's a good article from Aquila Report summarizing this past assembly's actions on the matter.
Also from Aquila Report, here's an article reporting on the actions taken by my own Ohio Valley Presbytery concerning Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis in the matter of their practice of woman deacons. Here is most of the text of the recommendations made by a committee that had been appointed by presbytery to deal with this matter. These recommendations were adopted by Ohio Valley Presbytery...
5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee is saddened by the lack of conformity to the Constitution of the PCA on the part of the Session of Redeemer Presbyterian Church especially in this case where the very heart of our form of government is at risk. However, the Committee also feels compassion for our brothers who now find themselves in a difficult circumstance. After prayerful consideration, the Committee makes the following recommendations to the Ohio Valley Presbytery.
5.1. That the OVP receive this report of the Committee’s investigation as information.
5.2. That OVP adopt the following declarations:
5.2.1 Whereas, it is the constitutional position of the PCA that “In accord with Scripture, [the office of deacon] is open to men only” (BCO 7-2, 24-1), Therefore,
5.2.1.1 assigning the title of deacon to women is out of accord with the Constitution of the PCA, and
5.2.1.2 having women function in the constitutionally defined role of deacon is out of accord with the Constitution of the PCA, and
5.2.1.3 the position that “there is no scriptural basis to differentiate between men and women serving as Deacons under the authority of the Session” is an unconstitutional position.
5.2.2 Whereas, it is the constitutional position of the PCA that “Those who have been called to office in the Church are to be inducted by the ordination of a court” (BCO 17-1) and requires that “every church shall elect persons to the offices of ruling elder and deacon ... keeping in mind that each prospective officer should be an active male member who meets the qualifications set forth in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1” (BCO 24-1). Therefore,
5.2.2.1 it is unconstitutional to elect women to office in the PCA and
5.2.2.2 it is unconstitutional to elect men to office in the PCA and not induct them to office by ordination.
5.2.3 It is the position of the OVP that differences in these areas may be allowed as exceptions of belief, but not practice.
5.2.4 These declarations should be used by the Examinations and Credentials Committee of OVP to clarify for those seeking admission to OVP the position of and practice acceptable within OVP.
5.3 That the Ohio Valley Presbytery direct the Session of Redeemer Presbyterian Church of Indianapolis, Indiana to bring their diaconal practices into full conformity with the Constitution of the PCA as articulated in this report.
