Statement on Natural Affections

The Public Square
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Dear brothers,

A couple of weeks ago, I shared my response to the Antioch statement, explaining why I chose not to sign it and presenting an alternative version. That alternative version has gained significant traction. Many people have expressed interest in signing something like it, and several individuals reached out about the possibility of turning it into a website.

As a result, a professional who specializes in this kind of work generously offered to create the website for free and make it look polished. It has now been put together, and in the process, I made some updates and minor edits. I will share the link here, and it will be going live on social media very soon. https://natural-affections.com/

I’ve been fortunate to secure some initial signers who represented different sides on the controversy. My goal in doing this is to foster peace and unity amidst the ongoing debates while clearly distinguishing some things to be outside the camp. I understand that some of you tend to steer clear of these discussions within the Reformed world, and you may well be wise to do so. However, I feel a certain responsibility to address these matters, especially since these are positions I hold and involve friends I’ve interacted with—some of whom, regrettably, have taken concerning paths. I’m hopeful that this statement will provide constructive correction where needed.

I fully recognize that the statement lacks ecclesiastical authority. It likely would have been better if a committee, rather than just one individual, had crafted it. Nevertheless, I understand that forming another committee through the presbytery was not something anyone wants to pursue, especially given that I had already written this. So, I’m simply putting it out there, praying it will serve the kingdom in some way.

I’d love for you to consider signing it, if you feel free to do so, or to share it, critique it, or provide feedback. I recognize that its impact may be short-lived, but I’m grateful someone took the time to create the website for free and make it presentable. I’m glad to have the opportunity to share it, and I pray it will be a blessing.

Thank you for all your work with me. My growing in the presbytery was instrumental in me being able to write this and get the group of men to work together to sign it. May God bless you, brothers. I love you all.

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Dear Joseph,

Again, thanks for your work on this. I still have questions. Seeing Joel Webbon’s signature on it will keep mine off of it.

Love,
Andrew

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Webbon seems super fringe, extreme, and not someone I’d want to shake hands with on much of anything. This comment alone does it for me:

“No immigration. If it’s illegal, we need a wall. There need to be, and this is merciful, by the way. I’m not just trying to be unhinged. We need a wall. We need guys on that wall, standing on top of that wall.
And if someone starts to approach the wall, there needs to be a warning back away. If they don’t listen to the warning, they need to be shot. They need to be killed.”

From Theology Applied: THE LIVESTREAM - “Sinful Ethnic Partiality?” - The Statement on CN & The Reveal Of Baby Mabel, Nov 13, 2024

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I don’t disagree with walls, processes, and penalties for violating our border. I do not think however, that shooting a family of immigrants approaching the wall is an act of Christian mercy. Shoot the cartel member with drugs and guns? Ok. But Webbon doesn’t seem to have it in him to make those nuanced distinctions.

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I’ve come across Joel Webbon before (thank you, Youtube) - he is clearly in the CN stream, but from some other things he has said … I suspect he will become a liability for the Reformed movement(s), if he hasn’t already.

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