Campaign to Defeat Amendment B: 2008-2009

This map indicates the final results of the vote.  Blue presbyteries voted for Amendment B, which would have changed the 'fidelity and chasity' language of the Book of Order.  Red presbyteries voted against it.

Voting results by Presbytery

Click here for unofficial voting results by presbytery, as they occur. This page also includes a link to the official tally on the PC(USA) website, and a history of prior votes for each presbytery.

Analysis of the Vote:   Rev. Harry Hassall provides the data to challenge a number of common assumptions about why the vote was closer this time than former votes. What he says should encourage the orthodox.

The Presbyterian Panel's Research Services:  These findings support both our and Harry Hassall's interpretation of the fourth vote on the "fidelity and chastity" requirement.

A slide show series of workshops used in preparing for the vote on 08-B

Click here for a series of PowerPoint presentations by Terry Schlossberg and Sue Cyre that include a comparison of G-6.0106b with the proposed replacement, a presentation on the theological problem raised by the amendment, a response to the 'discernment process' recommended by G.A., talking points for the debate, ideas for planning ahead for your presbytery's vote, a testimony by Mike Goeke, and ideas for ongoing ministry in the church regarding sexuality.

Other resources to help you prepare for the vote

Click here for a wealth of resources that include:

  • A Resource Packet, which is also available in hard copy 
  • The Two-Minute Speech for the presbytery debate
  • A list of speakers willing to travel to address your group
  • A short video by Jim Edwards on the theological problem in the new Amendment B
  • A link to Robert Gagnon's website and a helpful video of his teaching 
  • Scientific resources
  • Articles by Jay Poppinga on G-6.0106b
  • Additional articles in support of the current standards

What's Happening in Other Presbyteries?

These are speeches and preparation strategies prepared by friends opposing amendment B in their presbyteries.  We will add to this collection through the spring, until voting has been completed.

Amendments proposed by the 2008 GA

Click here to find a link to the amendment packet that provides the wording for all the amendments proposed by the 218th (2008) General Assembly. This page includes a link to the Minutes of the 218th GA (2008).

Recommendations from the Joint Renewal Team
Commentary and recommendations on Amendments A-N.

The Historical Context

Click here for links to a history of GA actions, a record of related presbytery votes, the 1978 Definitive Guidance document, and the 1983 paper Historic Principles, Conscience, and Church Government, which explicates our Preliminary Principles.

 

Discernment, parliamentary process, and consensus decision making

Click here for resources on process that include:

  • Parliamentary Procedure abbreviated, by Marianne Wolfe
  • Guidelines for Communal Discernment, by Victoria Curtiss
  • A Critique of the "Guidelines" by Viola Larson
  • Parliamentary Procedures and "Discernment"

Email newsletters

Read our recent newsletters about the vote on Amendment B.

Sermons, educational programs, and pastoral care

Click here for sermons and educational programs on sexuality from PCUSA churches.

Commentary on the vote

Opinions and viewpoints related to the vote on Amendment B.

Letter from National Korean Presbyterian Council
A letter to churches from our 400 Korean congregations.

 

Existing Book of Order                   G- 6.0106:

 "Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to Scripture and in conformity to the historic confessional standards of the church. Among these standards is the requirement to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (W-4.9001), or chastity in singleness. Persons refusing to repent of any self-acknowledged practice which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained and/or installed as deacons, elders, or ministers of the Word and Sacrament."

Proposed substitute language of the new Amendment B:

 "Those who are called to ordained service in the church, by the church by their assent to the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W-4.4003), pledge themselves to live lives obedient to Jesus Christ the Head of the Church, striving to follow where he leads through the witness of the Scriptures, and to understand the Scriptures through the instruction of the Confessions. In so doing, they declare their fidelity to the standards of the Church. Each governing body charged with examination for ordination and/or installation (G-14.0240 and G-14.0450) establishes the candidate’s sincere efforts to adhere to these standards."