Reports of presbyteries and churches adopting
statements of
intent to comply with Book of Order requirements for ordination
August 22, 2006
The following was adopted by about a two to one majority vote.
RECOMMENDATION FOR ACTION
August 22, 2006
the right to declare in its own life, ministry and practice that all statements
in the Book of Order using shall, all requirements, and all mandates are essentials
of reformed polity.
July 18, 2006.
CONCURRENCE
Session of Trinity Presbyterian Church, Port Neches
Session of First Presbyterian Church, Lake Jackson
Session of First Presbyterian Church, Houston
Session of Formosan Presbyterian, Houston
Session of Gulf Prairie Presbyterian, Jones Creek
Session of New Waverly Presbyterian, New Waverly
Presbytery
of Mississippi
August 28, 2006
The Presbytery of Mississippi overwhelmingly approved the following two part
motion:
Part A.
The Presbytery of Mississippi does hereby,
Declare that the action of the 217th General Assembly in the passage of Recommendation 5 of the Peace, Unity, and Purity Task Force Report, is a grievous error seriously lacking Biblical, Confessional and Constitutional integrity, and of such magnitude that it places the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in a state of constitutional crisis, requiring that the Presbytery of Mississippi re-evaluate the nature of its relationship with the General Assembly,
Reaffirm its strong conviction that all constitutional requirements for ordination, including G-6.0106b, are binding on all the sessions and presbyteries of the Presbyterian Church, (U.S.A.), and none are subject to being considered “inessential” by any governing body of the Church,
Reaffirm its resolution that no exceptions to the requirement that all deacons, elders and ministers must “live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or in chastity in singleness” will be allowed within the jurisdiction of this Presbytery, and
Resolve that any governing body of the Presbyterian Church, (U.S.A.) which abrogates this requirement has broken fellowship with the Presbytery of Mississippi. Ministers from such unbiblical, unconfessional, and unconstitutional presbyteries will not be received for membership in this Presbytery unless they personally affirm their belief in and their willingness to be governed by this requirement.
Rationale
Interaction between the governing bodies of the Presbyterian Church should
be marked by mutual trust. That trust is simply not possible when the highest
governing body commits egregious Biblical and Constitutional error, and when
some presbyteries are openly and flagrantly in violation of Biblical, Confessional,
and Constitutional standards. The Presbytery of Mississippi, in seeking to
be faithful to the Bible, the Confessions of the Church, and the Constitution
as lawfully approved by the presbyteries of the Church, cannot therefore stand
in full fellowship with officers engaging in unconstitutional and unbiblical
behavior, or governing bodies which bless such behavior.
At the same time, we understand that within unfaithful governing bodies, there are many ruling and teaching elders who seek to be faithful to the Biblical, Confessional and Constitutional standards of the Church. We welcome such faithful elders and ministers of the Word and Sacrament into We welcome such faithful elders and ministers of the Word and Sacrament into our membership. But because of the unfaithfulness of their sessions and presbyteries, we must examine them with rigor similar to that which is required for ministers received from other denominations.
The
action of the 217th General Assembly, in passing Recommendation 5 of the PUP
Task Force report jeopardizes the role that Scripture and the Constitution
play in the governance of the church, thus the constitutional crisis. As we
grieve over this devastating action, we pray for God's mercy and guidance
as the Presbytery of Mississippi discerns the nature of faithfulness in this
post-pup context.
Part B.
That the Presbytery appoint a Task Force consisting of the presbytery's commissioners
to the last four General Assemblies, chaired by Dr. Emett Barfield, and charged
with the responsibility to carefully examine the implications of this constitutional
crisis upon the future and the ministry of the Presbytery, and to bring a
report and recommendations to the October meeting of Presbytery.
Presbytery
of Sacramento
September, 2006
1. To promote the peace, unity, and purity of our presbytery, we resolve that the Sacramento Presbytery holds that all candidates for ordination, installation, and/or membership in this Presbytery shall comply with all standards for ordination set forth in the Constitution of the PCUSA, or shall be ineligible for ordination, installation, and/or membership.
2. To promote the peace, unity, and purity of our presbytery, we resolve that the Sacramento Presbytery shall not receive into membership, nor recognize as a member, anyone who has been ordained or installed under a scruple (that is taking exception to any of the ordination standards as set forth in the Constitution of the PCUSA.)
3. To promote the peace, unity, and purity of our presbytery, we resolve that the Sacramento Presbytery shall honor the protest of every congregation that chooses to exercise its right to withhold its per capita, therefore, only designated congregational per- capita funds shall be used to fulfill presbytery per capita obligations, and presbytery per capita assessments shall not be increased to compensate for such protests.
4. To promote the peace, unity, and purity of our presbytery, we resolve that the Sacramento Presbytery shall take no action to enforce any general trust interest claimed against any property, real or personal, held by an individual congregation within the Sacramento Presbytery.
Presbytery
of Central Florida
September, 2006
“ “Central Florida Presbytery reaffirms the historic ordination
standards of the Book of Order and applicable provisions of the Book of Confessions,
and affirms the role of the Book of Order and Book of Confessions as the only
guides, under the illumination of the Holy Spirit, for interpreting Scripture
in the examination of all who would come to do ministry in our Presbytery
as elders, deacons, or ministers. Therefore, we will not recognize the validity
of ordinations or installations anywhere within the PCUSA if they violate
Book of Order standards.”
Passed 109 to about 40.
Presbytery
of Olympia
September 21, 2006
Passed the resolution submitted by Marine View Presbyterian Church with concurrence of several other church Sessions. The vote was 68 yes and 41 no.
“We hereby declare that in our discernment of the movement of the Holy Spirit, every mandate of the Book of Order is an essential of reformed polity. Therefore, any violation of a mandate of the Book of Order constitutes a failure to adhere to the essentials of reformed polity and thus presents a bar to ordination or installation.”
Presbytery
of Nevada
September 20, 2006
The Session of The Incline Village Community Presbyterian Church overtures the Presbytery of Nevada to adopt the following resolution and place it within the Manual of Operations:
In
its discernment of the essentials of Reformed polity and for the sake of the
peace, unity, and purity of the church, The Presbytery of Nevada adopts the
principle that compliance with the standards for ordination adopted by the
whole church in the 2005/2007 Book of Order is an essential of Reformed polity.
Therefore, any departure from the standards for ordination expressed in the
2005/2007 Book of Order will bar a candidate from ordination and/or installation
by this governing body. Provisions of the Book of Order are signified as being
standards by use of the term “shall,” “is/are to be,”
“requirement,” or equivalent express. (Approved 43-20-1, September
20, 2006).
Presbytery
of San Joaquin
September 21, 2006
At the regular stated meeting of the Presbytery of San Joaquin on Thursday, September 21, 2006, at the First Presbyterian Church of Bakersfield, CA, the following motion was approved by a voice vote:
For the sake of the peace, unity, and purity of the church, the Presbytery of San Joaquin adopts and shall function according to the following principle: it is an essential of Reformed polity that the Presbytery of San Joaquin comply with and adhere to the standards for ordination adopted by the whole church and expressed in the Book of Order. Therefore, any departure from ordination standards mandated* in the Book of Order shall bar a candidate from ordination and/or installation by the Presbytery of San Joaquin.
[*ordination standards mandated in the Book of Order include those instructions designated by the terms “shall”, “is/are to be”, “requirement” or “equivalent expression”.]
Presbytery
of Santa Barbara
September
30, 2006
On September 30th the Presbytery of Santa Barbara adopted the resolution below initially proposed by the Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church .
“In its discernment of the essentials of Reformed polity and for the sake of the peace, unity, and purity of the church, Presbytery of Santa Barbara adopts the principle that compliance with the standards for ordination adopted by the whole church in the Book of Order is an essential of Reformed polity. Therefore, any departure from the standards for ordination expressed in the Book of Order will bar a candidate from ordination and/or installation or being received as a member by the Presbytery of Santa Barbara. Provisions of the Book of Order are signified as being standards by use of the term ‘shall,’ ‘is/are to be,’ ‘requirement,’ or equivalent expression.”
Presbytery
of Pittsburgh
October 13, 2006
Approved the following overture from the session of Union Presbyterian Church of Robinson Township, McKees Rocks, PA, concurred in by the sessions of Lebanon Presbyterian Church, Riverdale Presbyterian Church, and the First Presbyterian Church of Bakerstown:
In its discernment of the essentials of Reformed polity and for the sake of the peace, unity, and purity of the church, Pittsburgh Presbytery:
Adopts the principle that compliance with the standards for ordination approved by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in the Book of Order is an essential of Reformed polity. Therefore, any departure from the standards for ordination expressed in the Book of Order will bar a candidate from ordination and/or installation by this governing body. Provisions of the Book of Order are signified as being standards by use of the term "shall," "is/are to be," “requirement,” or equivalent expression; andResolves that no exceptions to the requirement that all Ministers of the Word and Sacrament must "live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or in chastity in singleness" (Book of Order, G-6.0106b) will be allowed within the jurisdiction of this presbytery; and
Resolves that Ministers of the Word and Sacrament shall be prohibited from conducting same-sex marriages within the jurisdiction of this Presbytery.
Rationale
The 217th General Assembly (2006) approved the new Authoritative Interpretation
recommended by the Task Force on Peace, Unity and Purity in a much divided
vote. Confusion has followed about what this Authoritative Interpretation
means and what changes, if any, will result. Indications are that this confusion
will contribute to our financial distress and membership decline as well as
compromise our mission. It behooves Pittsburgh Presbytery to bring clarity
to the application of the standards set forth in the Book of Order
to our local situation.
Being an ordained Presbyterian means doing ministry within specific theological boundaries. “His or her conscience is captive to the Word of God as interpreted in the standards of the church so long as he or she continues to seek or hold office in that body.” (Book of Order, G-6.0108b).
The
Bible states that marriage is a covenant between a man and a woman (Genesis
2:24; Mark 10:5-8; Matthew 19:4-9; 1 Corinthians 7:2-3; Ephesians 5:21-33).
Sexual activity outside of the covenant relationship of marriage, whether
premarital, extramarital or homosexual, is sin (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). The
Bible asks no more of a homosexual person than it does a single heterosexual
person and, that is, that he or she remain celibate.
Presbytery
of the Mid-South
Oct. 17, 2006
The Presbytery of the Mid-South does hereby declare as follows:
1.That the Presbytery of the Mid-South (“Presbytery” or “Presbytery of the Mid-South”) reaffirms in every aspect of its decision making a renewed commitment to Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church and the Word of God, as the one who gives to His Church its faith and life, its unity and mission, its officers and ordinances. (BO, G-1.0100c, G2.0200, G14-0207, G-14.0405b)
2. The Presbytery of the Mid-South affirms its conviction that all constitutional requirements for ordination, including G-6.0106b of the Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (“PCUSA”), are binding on all the sessions and presbyteries of the PCUSA, including the Presbytery of the Mid-South, and none are subject to being considered "non-essential" by any governing body of the Church. The Presbytery specifically declares that all provisions of the constitution using the word “shall” are not ambiguous, do not require authoritative interpretation, and are binding on all churches, governing bodies and ordained persons within its bounds. No ordinations may be made or recognized within the bounds of this Presbytery in violation of any mandatory provision of the Book of Order, including without limitation, G-6.0106b.
3. In its discernment of the essentials of Reformed polity and for the sake of the peace, unity, and purity of the church, the Presbytery of the Mid-South adopts the principle that compliance with the mandatory standards for ordination adopted by the whole church in the Book of Order is an essential of Reformed polity. Therefore, any departure from the mandatory standards for ordination expressed in the Book of Order will bar a candidate from ordination and/or installation by this governing body. Provisions of the Book of Order are signified as being mandatory standards by use of the term "shall," "is/are to be," "requirement," or equivalent expression. These terms are not ambiguous, do not require authoritative interpretation, and are binding on all churches, governing bodies and ordained persons within its bounds.
4. The Presbytery of the Mid-South declares itself to be a constitutional presbytery in fellowship with other governing bodies that covenant to maintain constitutional integrity, and we urge all the Sessions within our bounds to study matters related to this crisis and to declare themselves on the issues raised by the actions of the 217th General Assembly.
5. The Presbytery shall create a Task Force on Denominational Relations that will report to the Presbytery in two areas:
a. Suggestion of possible changes in national denominational structures and relationships including a potential Overture from our Presbytery to the 218th General Assembly that would affirm the binding nature of our polity as embodied in our Book of Order and suggest amendments to better reflect a Reformed polity attuned to the new generation of Presbyterians.
b. Creation of a short and simple method by which congregations within our bounds can be dismissed from the PCUSA in possession of their property in compliance with the constitution. Such method must contain protections for the pastors and elders of congregations wishing to institute this procedure so that there can be no action taken against them during the period required for the process.
Approved at the Call Meeting of the Presbytery of The Mid South meeting at First Presbyterian Church Humboldt, Tennessee on October 17th, 2006 by a vote of 79 yes, 44 no.
Presbytery
of South Louisiana
June 2, 2006
Resolved that
the Presbytery of South Louisiana will continue in the future as it has in
the past to consider G-6.0106b to be an essential standard for ordination
and installation in the Presbytery of South Louisiana.
Presbytery of the Yukon
In its discernment of the essentials of Reformed polity and for the sake of the peace, unity, and purity of the church, this governing body adopts the principle that compliance with the standards for ordination adopted by the whole church in the Book of Order is an essential of Reformed polity. Therefore, any departure from the standards for ordination expressed in the Book of Order will bar a candidate from ordination and/or installation by this governing body. Provisions of the Book of Order are signified as being standards by use of the term "shall," "is/are to be," “requirement,” or equivalent expression.
Presbytery
of Stockton
Sunday, November4, 2006
1. In its discernment of the essentials of Reformed Polity and for the sake
of the peace, unity, and purity of the church, The Presbytery of Stockton
adopts the principle that compliance with the standards for ordination adopted
for the whole church in the Book of Order is an essential of Reformed Polity.
Therefore, any departure from the standards for ordination expressed in the
Book of Order will bar a candidate from ordination and/or installation by
this governing body. Provisions of the Book of Order are signified as being
standards by use of the term "shall," "is/are to be,"
"requirement," or equivalent expression.
2. The Stockton Presbytery recognizes that it has a responsibility to remit
per capita to General Assembly and synod if funds are available, whether or
not every session presents a per capita offering. The Stockton Presbytery
accepts the responsibility of determining whether or not funds are available
for that purpose and will remit per capita on the basis of that determination.
Due to the responsibility and obligations of this Presbytery, we find that
at this time there are not funds available to remit per capita money not received
for that purpose, except for per capita not paid due to financial distress.
Notwithstanding, any monies specifically designated by sessions for per capita
will be transmitted to the higher governing bodies so designated.
Presbytery
of Prospect Hill
November, 2006
In its discernment of the essentials of Reformed polity and for the sake
of the peace, unity, and purity of the church, this governing body adopts
the principle that compliance with the standards for ordination adopted by
the whole church in the Book of Order is an essential of Reformed polity.
Therefore, any departure from the standards for ordination expressed in the
Book of Order will bar a candidate from ordination and/or installation by
this governing body. Provisions of the Book of Order are signified as being
standards by the use of the term "shall," "is/are to be,"
“requirement,” or equivalent expression.
Approved by a vote of 45-15.
Presbytery of Palo Duro
October 23, 2006
In light of the actions of the 217th General Assembly, Palo Duro Presbytery affirms the opinion which states: It is not permissible under the constitution of the PC(USA) for a session or a presbytery to elect, ordain or install any person who does not ‘live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (W-4.9001), or chastity in singleness”, or “persons refusing to repent of any self-acknowledged practice that the confessions call sin; including an avowed practicing homosexual person, to any office in the local church or presbytery” and this statement be understood as the official position of Palo Duro Presbytery. In addition, we commit ourselves to full compliance with the Book of Order.
Presbytery
of Los Ranchos
November 16, 2006
At the Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Los Ranchos, held Thursday, November 16, 2006 at the San Clemente Presbyterian Church, the presbytery approved the following Resolution in response to the Authoritative Interpretation adopted by the 2006 General Assembly:
THE PRESBYTERY OF LOS RANCHOS, MEETING ON NOVEMBER 16, 2006, AFFIRMS THAT “THE BOOK OF CONFESSIONS AND THE FORM OF GOVERNMENT OF THE BOOK OF ORDER (INCLUDING G-6.0106 AND G-6.0108) SET FORTH THE SCRIPTURAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL STANDARDS FOR ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION.” THIS PRESBYTERY ALSO AFFIRMS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PRESBYTERY TO DETERMINE THEIR MEMBERSHIP BY APPLYING THESE STANDARDS TO THOSE ELECTED TO OFFICE. LOS RANCHOS PRESBYTERY CONSIDERS G-6.0106A & B AND G-6.0108A, B, C ESSENTIAL STANDARDS, AND WILL SO NOTIFY CANDIDATES FOR ORDINATION AND/OR MEMBERSHIP. THIS PRESBYTERY WILL CONDUCT ITS EXAMINATIONS REASONABLY, PRAYERFULLY, AND DELIBERATELY, INCLUDING IN ITS EXAMINATION THE FOLLOWING QUESTION: “ARE YOU UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO COMPLY WITH ANY STANDARDS FOR ORDINATION OR INSTALLATION IN THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)? IF SO, WHICH ONES?” FURTHERMORE, AS THE PRESBYTERY OF LOS RANCHOS, WE DIRECT OUR PRESBYTERY COMMITTEES AND EXPECT OUR CHURCHES TO UPHOLD THESE STANDARDS.
This now stands as the Policy of the Presbytery of Los Ranchos and by this letter, the first step in implementation of this policy shall be considered taken.
Other steps that will/may be necessary include:
Presbytery
of Donegal
January 17, 2007
Resolution approved and added to the Bylaws of Donegal Presbytery at the January 17, 2007 Presbytery Meeting
The Presbytery
of Donegal in its discernment of the essentials of Reformed polity and for the
sake of the peace, unity and purity within the Presbytery and in our relations
with the larger church adopts the following principles:
Compliance with the standards of ordination adopted by the whole church in the
Book of Order is an essential of Reformed polity. Therefore, any departure from
the standards for ordination expressed in the Book of Order will bar a candidate
from ordination and/or installation by this governing body.
• Provisions of the Book of Order are signified as being standards whenever there is the use of the term “shall,” “is/are to be,” “required”, “requirement” or equivalent expression. The presence of these or equivalent expressions designate “standards” which will be adhered to by this governing body.
• Section G-6.0106b of the Book of Order remains a requirement for those being considered for ordination and/or installation by this governing body, and shall not be overridden by any individual’s “scruples.”
Rationale:
The 217th General Assembly (2006) approved the new Authoritative Interpretation
(AI) recommended by the Peace, Unity and Purity Task Force in a greatly divided
vote.
That same General Assembly then amended section five of the report by adding
that “subsequent ordination examinations be reviewed as to whether they
comply with the Book of Order.” Confusion has followed about what this
Authoritative Interpretation and subsequent amendment means and what changes,
if any, will result.
The AI of G-6.0108 gives the Presbytery of Donegal the right to declare in its
own life, ministry and practice that all the statements in the Book of Order
using “shall”, “is/are,” “required,” “requirement,”
or equivalent expressions as mandates and essentials of reformed polity.
Being an ordained Presbyterian means doing ministry within specific theological
and polity boundaries. “his or her conscience is captive to the Word of
God as interpreted in the standards of the church so long as he or she continues
to seek of hold office in that body.” (Book of Order G-6.0108b)
Presbytery
of Seattle
January 16, 2007
WHEREAS, the
acceptance of the "PUP Report" and its recommendations by the 217th
General Assembly amounts to a fundamental change in our Book of Order; and,
WHEREAS, this fundamental change has been made without the consent of the
Presbyteries and has unmade the Book of Order's integrity and that of our
connectional polity;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: In its discernment of the essentials of Reformed polity and for the sake of peace, unity, and purity of the church, the Seattle Presbytery adopts the principle that compliance with all constitutional standards including standards for ordination, adopted by the whole church in the Book of Order, are essentials of Reformed polity. Therefore, any departure from the standards for ordination expressed in the Book of Order will bar a candidate from ordination and/or installation by Seattle Presbytery. Provisions of the Book of Order are signified as being standards by the use of the term 'shall,' 'is/are to be,' 'requirement,' or equivalent expressions." (Adopted by a vote of 72-41-1)
Presbytery
of Beaver-Butler
September 26, 2006
Resolution
In it’s discernment of the essentials of Reformed polity and for the sake of the peace, unity, and purity of the church, Beaver-Butler Presbytery:
Adopts the principle that compliance with the standards for ordination approved by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in the Book of Order is an essential of Reformed polity. Therefore, any departure from the standards for ordination expressed in the Book of Order will bar a candidate from ordination and/or installation by this governing body; and
Resolves that no exceptions to the requirement that all Ministers of the Word and Sacrament must “live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or in chastity in singleness” (Book of Order, G-6.0106b) will be allowed within the jurisdiction of this Presbytery; and
Resolves that Ministers of the Word and Sacrament shall be prohibited from conducting same-sex marriages or holy union blessing ceremonies within the jurisdiction of this Presbytery.
Rationale:
The 217th General Assembly (2006) approved the new Authoritative Interpretation
recommended by the Task Force on Peace, Unity, and Purity in a much divided
vote. Confusion has followed about what this Authoritative Interpretation
means and what changes, if any, will result. Indications are that this confusion
will contribute to our financial distress and membership decline as well as
compromise our mission. It behooves Beaver-Butler Presbytery to bring clarity
to the application of the standards set forth in the Book of Order
to our local situation.
Being an ordained Presbyterian means doing ministry within specific theological boundaries. “His or her conscience is captive to the Word of God as interpreted in the standards of the church so long as he or she continues to seek or hold office in that body.” (Book of Order, G-6.0108b).
The Bible clearly teaches that marriage is a covenant between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24; Mark 10:5-8; Matthew 19:4-9; 1 Corinthians 7:23; Ephesians 5:21-23). Sexual activity outside of the covenant relationship of marriage, whether premarital, extramarital, or homosexual, is sin (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). The Bible asks no more of a homosexual person than it does a single heterosexual person and, that is, that he or she remain celibate.
Submitted to Beaver-Butler Presbytery by the Session of the Glade Run United Presbyterian Church on September 12, 2006. Amended and adopted by Beaver-Butler Presbytery on September 26, 2006.
In our meeting last Saturday, February 3, 2007, the Presbytery of Wyoming adopted (on a second reading) the following statement brought to it by COM:
“In its
discernment of the essentials of Reformed polity and for the sake of the peace,
unity, and purity of the church, The Presbytery of Wyoming adopts the principle
that compliance with the standards for ordination adopted by the whole church
in the Book of Order is an essential of Reformed polity. Therefore,
any departure from the standards for ordination expressed in the Book
of Order will bar a candidate from ordination and/or installation by
the Presbytery of Wyoming. Provisions of the Book of Order are signified
as being standards by use of the term ‘shall,’ ‘is/are to
be,’ ‘requirement,’ or equivalent expression.”
The Wabash Valley Presbytery voted on Tuesday, February 20
in Huntington, IN to affirm the Book of Order Ordination Standards.
Four congregations sent similar overtures that were combined for the purpose
of the vote: West Lafayette, First Presbyterian of Nappanee, Chapel of the
Lakes Angola and Faith Presbyterian in West Lafayette. The resolution adopted
is the following:
Resolution of the Session of Covenant Presbyterian Church
of West Lafayette
Concerning Essential Standards for Ordination
Whereas the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) denomination has defined spiritual
and moral standards for ordination of church office in the Book of Order;
and
Whereas these standards originate in Scripture, which we recognize to be
authoritative in all matters of faith and practice; and
Whereas these same standards include the requirements that:
“Those who undertake particular ministries should be persons of strong
faith, dedicated discipleship, and love of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord”
(G-6.0106a)
“Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel
in
the church and in the world.” (G-6.0106a)
“Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life of
obedience to Scripture and in conformity to the historical confession of the
church.” (G-6.0106b)
“They are to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage
between a man and a woman or in chastity in singleness.” (G-6.0106b)
Therefore the Session of Covenant Presbyterian Church:
1. resolves that the policy of this Session and Congregation shall be to treat
as essential all standards of ordination to church office defined in the Book
of Order; and
2. calls upon all Sessions and Congregations in the Presbytery of Wabash Valley
to
establish the same policy; and
3. respectfully overtures the Presbytery of Wabash Valley to establish the
policy that it will uphold as essentials all standards for ordination to church
office defined in the Book of Order.
Presbytery of Alaska
October 13-15, 2006
(Notified us on Feb. 27, 2007)
“At the fall meeting of the Presbytery of Alaska (Oct 13-15, 2006), the Presbytery adopted a statement in accordance with that suggested by the Presbyterian Coalition.”
In its discernment of the essentials of Reformed polity and for the sake of the peace, unity, and purity of the church, this governing body adopts the principle that compliance with the standards for ordination adopted by the whole church in the Book of Order is an essential of Reformed polity. Therefore, any departure from the standards for ordination expressed in the Book of Order will bar a candidate from ordination and/or installation by this governing body. Provisions of the Book of Order are signified as being standards by use of the term “shall,” “is/are to be,” “requirement,” or equivalent expression; and to overture the General Assembly.
Information provided by Elder Guy Warren, Stated Clerk, Presbytery of Alaska and the by the pastor of Haines Presbyterian Church.
Presbytery
of St. Andrew
Report of the Bills and Overtures Committee
as adopted on February 6, 2007
The Bills
and Overtures submits the following response (including recommendations 1-
7) in answer to the overtures received from the sessions of: First Presbyterian
Church, Hernando; First Presbyterian Church, Corinth; First Presbyterian Church,
Greenwood, and Ripley Presbyterian Church:
The Bills and Overtures Committee has met on five occasions, has reflected on comments from the October 3rd presbytery discussion groups, has reviewed comments received from ministers, sessions, and church members, has held an open hearing on its first draft, and has amended that draft to reflect the concerns raised in the hearing. A total of 25 communications were submitted by the October 31 deadline, 14 of which were from the ministers and members of congregations that have submitted overtures. Seven communications were from minister members, including the pastors of three of the sessions submitting overtures, and four of the communications were sessional concurrences to one or more of the overtures. Additional comments were received after October 31, and in response to the first draft.
The committee wishes to express its gratitude to all who participated in this process. Many of the comments received were well articulated and thoughtful. We encourage members of the presbytery to continue their discussion and to share their thoughts on these important matters with each other.
It is clear that the new Authoritative Interpretation is upsetting to many of our constituency and has caused much pain and confusion. The committee wishes to convey our deep concern to those in our fellowship who are hurting as a result of the actions of the 217th General Assembly.
The responses the committee has received have urged the presbytery to speak clearly and unequivocally on the issue of ordination standards.
1) The committee therefore recommends that the Manual of Operations of the Presbytery of St. Andrew be amended to include the following statement:
The Presbytery of St. Andrew affirms that all mandatory statements in the Book of Order are essential and shall not be set aside or ignored at any time. This includes the provision in G-6.0106b that “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.” No ordination and/or installation decision in violation of this provision will be allowed in the bounds of this presbytery, and in all examinations for membership in the Presbytery of St. Andrew, candidates will be required to affirm their willingness to abide by the mandatory provisions of the Book of Order, including G-6.0106b.
The committee further believes that the statement below expresses the sentiment of the vast majority of our constituency and recommends:
2) that the following
statement be adopted and spread upon the presbytery’s
minutes:
In its adoption of recommendation five of the Report of the Theological Task Force on the Peace, Unity, and Purity of the Church, as amended, the 217th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) created considerable confusion regarding ordination standards. The Presbytery of St. Andrew urges the 218th General Assembly, and/or the General Assembly’s Permanent Judicial Commission through its decisions on matters that come before it, to affirm that ordaining and/or installing bodies do not have the right to set aside or ignore mandatory provisions of the Book of Order.
In order to facilitate the work of the General Assembly in this regard, the committee recommends:
3) that the Nominations Committee of the Presbytery of St. Andrew be authorized to appoint a representative and diverse task force of 7 individuals to compose an overture to the 218th General Assembly which will have the effect of rescinding the Authoritative Interpretation adopted by the 217th General Assembly by clarifying that G-6.0108 does not take precedence over G-6.0106b, for the presbytery’s consideration no later than its 2007 Fall Stated Meeting.
There appears
to be less consensus in the presbytery regarding other recommendations included
in the overtures before the committee. Specifically, the sessional overtures
contain more controversial recommendations related to General Assembly Unified
Giving and Per Capita apportionments, and to the general property trust clause
in the constitution. We acknowledge that as one member of the presbytery noted,
“these recommendations are grounded in a deep need to be heard and a
feeling that they have been silenced.” At the same time, a strong conviction
has been expressed that the presbytery must not ignore one part of the constitution
in protest against those who are ignoring another part of the constitution.
In the past, this presbytery has exhibited grace and forbearance in its dealings
with member churches, even as they question denominational commitment and
loyalty.
Our hope is that we will continue in this same spirit as we move forward. To that end, we recommend that the following statements be adopted:
4) the presbytery reaffirms its commitment to constitutional integrity in the PC(USA) and to our policy of remitting all per capita assessments to our higher governing bodies.
5) the presbytery encourages all congregations to continue their faithful stewardship of resources in the funding of our governing bodies’ mission and programs.
6) the presbytery respects the decisions of conscience made by our sessions to redirect or withhold per capita funds, and commits to work with such sessions through its Administration, Stewardship, and Communications committee to facilitate their wishes. In all cases, the presbytery’s protocol will be to notify the Office of the General Assembly of such action.
7) the presbytery will deal with property issues on a case-by-case basis, being mindful of our ultimate unity in Christ.
Summary
of Recommendations:
1) that the Manual of Operations of the Presbytery of St. Andrew
be amended to include the following statement:
The Presbytery of St. Andrew affirms that all mandatory statements in the
Book of Order are essential and shall not be set aside or ignored
at any time. This includes the provision in G-6.0106b that “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.”
No ordination and/or installation decision in violation of this provision
will be allowed in the bounds of this presbytery, and in all examinations
for membership in the Presbytery of St. Andrew, candidates will be required
to affirm their willingness to abide by the mandatory provisions of the Book
of Order, including G-6.0106b.
2) that the following statement be adopted and spread upon the presbytery’s
minutes: In its adoption of recommendation five of the Report of the Theological
Task Force on the Peace, Unity, and Purity of the Church, as amended, the
217th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) created considerable
confusion regarding ordination standards. The Presbytery of St. Andrew urges
the 218th General Assembly, and/or the General Assembly’s Permanent
Judicial Commission through its decisions on matters that come before it,
to affirm that ordaining and/or installing bodies do not have the right to
set aside or ignore mandatory provisions of the Book of Order.
3) that the Nominations Committee of the Presbytery of St. Andrew be authorized
to appoint a representative and diverse task force of 7 individuals to compose
an overture to the 218th General Assembly which will have the effect of rescinding
the Authoritative Interpretation adopted by the 217th General Assembly by
clarifying that G-6.0108 does not take precedence over G-6.0106b, for the
presbytery’s consideration no later than its 2007 Fall Stated Meeting.
4) the presbytery reaffirms its commitment to constitutional integrity in
the PC(USA) and to our policy of remitting all per capita assessments to our
higher governing bodies.
5) the presbytery encourages all congregations to continue their faithful
stewardship of resources in the funding of our governing bodies’ mission
and programs.
6) the presbytery respects the decisions of conscience made by our sessions
to redirect or withhold per capita funds, and commits to work with such sessions
through its Administration, Stewardship, and Communications committee to facilitate
their wishes. In all cases, the presbytery’s protocol will be to notify
the Office of the General Assembly of such action.
7) the presbytery will deal with property issues on a case-by-case basis,
being mindful of our ultimate unity in Christ.
Presbytery
of Central Washington
Principle Statement
Adopted February 24, 2007
In its discernment of the essentials of Reformed polity and for the sake of the peace, unity, and purity of the church, the Presbytery of Central Washington:
Adopts the principle that compliance with the standards for ordination approved by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in the Book of Order is an essential of Reformed polity. Therefore, any departure from the standards for ordination expressed in the Book of Order will bar a candidate from ordination and/or installation by this governing body. Provisions of the Book of Order are signified as being standards by use of the term "shall," "is/are to be," “requirement,” or equivalent expression; and
Resolves that no exceptions to the requirement that all Ministers of the Word and Sacrament must "live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or in chastity in singleness" (Book of Order, G-6.0106b) will be allowed within the jurisdiction of this presbytery; and
Resolves that Ministers of the Word and Sacrament who are members of the Presbytery Central Washington are prohibited from conducting or participating in a same-sex marriage ceremony or same sex civil union ceremony, or giving a blessing to such a marriage or union, either within or outside the geographical boundaries of this Presbytery.
Rationale
The 217th General Assembly (2006) approved the new Authoritative Interpretation
recommended by the Task Force on Peace, Unity and Purity in a much divided
vote. Confusion has followed about what this Authoritative Interpretation
means and what changes, if any, will result. Indications are that this confusion
will contribute to our financial distress and membership decline as well as
compromise our mission. It is imperative for the Presbytery of Central Washington
to bring clarity to the application of the standards set forth in the Book
of Order to our local situation.
Being an ordained Presbyterian means doing ministry within specific theological boundaries. “His or her conscience is captive to the Word of God as interpreted in the standards of the church so long as he or she continues to seek or hold office in that body.” (Book of Order, G-6.0108b).
The Bible states that marriage is a covenant between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24; Mark 10:5-8; Matthew 19:4-9; 1 Corinthians 7:2-3; Ephesians 5:21-33). Sexual activity outside of the covenant relationship of marriage, whether premarital, extramarital or homosexual, is sin (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). The Bible asks no more of a homosexual person than it does a single heterosexual person and, that is, that he or she remain celibate.
Churches that have notified us of their sessions’ adoption of statements similar to that recommended by the renewal groups* last summer are:
Advent Presbyterian
Church, Memphis, TN
Adventure of Faith Presbyterian Church, Seattle, WA
Bellefield Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, PA
Benton Heights Presbyterian Church, Monroe, NC
Central Presbyterian Church, Downington, PA
Central Presbyterian Church, Kitsap, WA
Chapel by the Lake Presbyterian Church, Auke Bay, AK
Charles Town Presbyterian Church, Charles Town, WVA
Christ Presbyterian Church, Canton, OH
College Hill Presbyterian Church, Cincinnati, OH
Community Presbyterian Church, Vacaville, CA
Community Presbyterian Church, Waldport, OR
Covenant Presbyterian Church, Huntsville, AL
Dardenne Presbyterian Church, Dardenne Prairie, MO
Eastminster Presbyterian Church, Marietta, GA
Ebenezer Presbyterian Church, George, IA
Farner Presbyterian Church, Farner, TN
Faith Presbyterian Church, LaVista, NE
Faith Presbyterian Church, Minnetonka, MN
Fleming Island Presbyterian Church, Orange Park, FL
First Presbyterian Church, Alliance, NE
First Presbyterian Church, Boca Raton, FL
First Presbyterian Church, Douglasville, GA
First Presbyterian Church, Edmond, OK
First Presbyterian Church, Fairbanks, AK
First Presbyterian Church, Greenwood, MS
First Presbyterian Church, Griffin, GA
First Presbyterian Church, Houston, TX
First Presbyterian Church, Jacksonville, FL
First Presbyterian Church, Lake Jackson, TX
First Presbyterian Church, Lambertson, New Jersey
First Presbyterian Church, Marietta, GA
First Presbyterian Church, Mooresville, NC
First Presbyterian Church, Newport, RI
First Presbyterian Church, North Palm Beach, FL
First Presbyterian Church, Ocean City, NJ
First Presbyterian Church, Olathe, KS
First Presbyterian Church, Oostburg, WI
First Presbyterian Church, Oregon City, OR
First Presbyterian Church, Orlando, FL
First Presbyterian Church, Paulina, IA
First Presbyterian Church, Portsmouth, VA
First Presbyterian Church, Quincy, IL
First Presbyterian Church, Richmond, IN
First Presbyterian Church, Sanborn, IA
First Presbyterian Church, Sibley, IA
First Presbyterian Church, South Charleston, OH
First Presbyterian Church, Starkville, MS
First Presbyterian Church, Waynesboro, Virginia
Formosan Presbyterian Church, Houston, TX
Fort Square Presbyterian Church, Quincy, MA
Glade Run United Presbyterian Church, Valencia, PA
Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, NC
Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, Los Alamitos, CA
Greenbrier Presbyterian Church, Chesapeake, VA
Grosse Pointe Woods Presbyterian Church, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
Grove Presbyterian Church, Aberdeen, MD
Gulf Prairie Presbyterian Church, Jones Creek, TX
Highland Sixth Presbyterian Church, Highland Heights, OH
Homer Presbyterian Church, Homer, GA
Hope Presbyterian Church, Richfield, MN
Jeffersontown Presbyterian Church, Jeffersontown, KY
Kirkmont Presbyterian Church, Dayton, OH
Knox Presbyterian Church, Seattle, WA
Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Lakeside Community Presbyterian Church, Lakeside, CA
Lakeside Presbyterian Church, Tarpon Springs, FL
Level Green Presbyterian Church, Trafford, PA
Lewes Presbyterian Church, Lewes, DE
Lisco Presbyterian Church, Lisco, NE
Locust Presbyterian Church, Locust, NC
Macedonia Presbyterian Church, Candor, NC
Medina Presbyterian Church, Medina, OH
Memorial Presbyterian Church, Montgomery, AL
Memorial Presbyterian Church, West Palm Beach, FL
Neelsville Presbyterian Church, Germantown, MD
New Hanover Presbyterian Church, Mechanicsville, VA
New Waverly Presbyterian Church, New Waverly, TX
Nor’kirk Presbyterian Church, Carrollton, TX
Northwest Presbyterian Church, St. Petersburg, FL
Oakmont Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, AL
Oakville Presbyterian Church, Shedd, OR
Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, NC
Presbyterian Church at New Providence, New Providence, NJ
Presbyterian Church of Old Greenwich, CT
Saint John’s Presbyterian Church of Rancho Park, West Los Angeles, CA
Santa Ynez Presbyterian Church, Solvang, CA
Sherrill’s Ford Presbyterian Church, Sherrills Ford, NC
Siler Presbyterian Church, Siler, NC
Silver Creek Presbyterian Church, Silver Creek, GA
Southport Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis, IN
Springhill Presbyterian Church, Belgrade, MT
St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Somerset, PA
Triangle Presbyterian Church, Durham, NC
Trinity Presbyterian Church, Port Neches, TX
Trinity Presbyterian Church, Santa Ana, CA
Trinity United Presbyterian Church, Modesto, CA
(Concurrences: Delhi, Community; Escalon; Manteca, Valley Community; Merced,
Central, Stockton, Lincoln, and Stockton, First)
Trinity United Presbyterian Church, Sparta, IL
Trinity United Presbyterian Church, Zanesville, OH
West Grove Presbyterian Church, West Grove, PA
West Side United Presbyterian Church, Richland, WA
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Columbia, TN
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Erie, PA
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Fruit Heights, UT
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Mobile, AL
Westwood PC, Hamilton, OH
White Rock Presbyterian Church, Los Alamos, NM
Windham Presbyterian Church, Windham, NH
Woodburn Presbyterian Church, Leland, NC
Language
suggested by renewal organizations:
In its discernment of the essentials of Reformed polity and for the sake
of the peace, unity, and purity of the church, this governing body adopts
the principle that compliance with the standards for ordination adopted by
the whole church in the Book of Order is an essential of Reformed polity.
Therefore, any departure from the standards for ordination expressed in the
Book of Order will bar a candidate from ordination and/or installation by
this governing body. Provisions of the Book of Order are signified as being
standards by use of the term "shall," "is/are to be,"
“requirement,” or equivalent expression.