By a vote of 54% to 46% the 219th GA sends to the presbyteries the following amendment to the Form of Government:
To replace the present text of G-6-0106b with this:2. Why is this text better than the paragraph it replaces?
G-6.0106b. Those who are called to ordained service in 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.
This revision better reflects our Presbyterian traditions. This amendment restores constitutional language to the standards for ordination. It places its emphasis on the vows every officer must take as he/she is ordained and/or installed. It rightly places the responsibility for determining fitness for office on the examining governing body.3. How might this amendment bring the church together again?
This revision is better theologically. The revised text puts the focus exactly where it should be – on Jesus, the Scriptures, and the Confessions – the essential values at the center of our theological tradition. Since all of us, all the time, sin and fall short of God's glory, it should remain with the governing and the electing bodies to make the judgment with grace and faithfulness to Scripture and the Constitution, of any potential officer's character and gifts for office.
This revision therefore represents a higher standard for ordained office, since it broadly includes all aspects of character and qualification for candidates for the offices of Deacon, Elder, and Minister of Word and Sacrament.
This amendment represents a compromise that restores traditional Reformed understandings of ordination standards that should be acceptable to most Presbyterians. Properly understood, this amendment should enable our church to lay aside our conflicts and to move forward in mission and growth.4. When will this vote take place?
Each presbytery will vote on the Amendment 10-A according to a schedule determined by the Council of that presbytery. The 219th General Assembly strongly encouraged every presbytery to develop a process of discernment and prayer before any vote is taken. The Stated Clerk of the PCUSA has asked that all votes by taken by mid-May, 2009, so that printing of the Book of Order may proceed in a timely fashion. Contact your Stated Clerk or Council to find out what the schedule is. Try to encourage a reconciling process and a secret ballot on the amendment at a meeting most convenient for elder commissioners.5. Will churches and presbyteries still be able to elect the officers they want?
Yes. In the Reformed tradition the election of church officers, Deacons, Elders and Ministers of Word and Sacrament, belongs to the body in which they will serve. The examination of those elected must be carried out by the governing body that has responsibility for election. No church officer may be placed in a permanent position without the consent of the people.6. How can this process be made more reconciling and positive?
The 219th General Assembly strongly encouraged all presbyteries to develop a process for prayer and discernment leading to this vote. To help your presbytery prepare for a constructive, reconciling and positive ratification, see the resources listed above.
