Recently we agreed to meet with some in the church with whom we disagree, with the distinct conviction that Christ alone is Head of the Church and that knowing and obeying his will as revealed in Scripture is the calling of the Church. The five of us, in agreeing to participate in these meetings, claim neither the authority nor the intention to negotiate any constitutional standard of the PCUSA....

We are troubled that our participation in these Scripture discussions would be understood by any as seeking a political settlement. It is not. Involvement in the issues of our day and church, including meeting with those with whom we disagree, has never been, nor is it now, about our way, or their way, or some other third way which might be mutually satisfying. Rather it is about Christ's way. Alone.

Therefore, we have not, and we will not, engage in any search for an alternative to Scripture's clear and plain teaching, for we believe, as our Preliminary Principles declare "Insofar as Christ's will for the Church is set forth in Scripture, it is to be obeyed." Christ's way is about seeking his will by studying his Word and agreeing to obey it in his church. It is about open and honest discussion and debate among all Presbyterians; it is about open and honest deliberation and decision by the governing bodies of the church. To this we pledge ourselves, invite any and all to join with us, and expect this of the church, the whole church. We proclaim in our theology and order in our polity, Christ's will. Alone.