Burlington Church Sets Aside Its Protest Statement

(June 13, 2002) - Christ Church Presbyterian (Burlington VT) set aside its 1997-8 statements protesting G-6.0106b. On June 2, the session adopted the following resolution:

"We have been engaged in a continuing process of congregational discernment in light of the GAPJC decision in Londonderry Presbyterian Church vs. Presbytery of Northern New England, the help we have received from the Pastoral Committee established by the Presbytery pursuant to this decision, and recent PJC decisions interpreting and applying G-6.0106b. The Session of Christ Church, Presbyterian, grateful for new opportunities for creative witness on an issue it cares deeply about, hereby sets aside our Resolution of April 20, 1997, and the Report of June 18, 1998, so that we can clarify and strengthen our statement of present conviction."

Co-pastor Becky Strader told TAMFS.org, "we are not commenting on it beyond asking our allies, and our opponents, I suppose, to read it carefully. After General Assembly, we will be more able to talk about it."

The statement just set aside originated when, about the time G-6.0106b was approved by the majority of presbytery and thus added to the Book of Order, Christ Church Presbyterian (CCP) adopted a "Resolution of Dissent." The CCP's session asserted that G-6.0106b, the "fidelity in marriage or chastity in singleness" provision, was inconsistent with various other provisions of the Book of Order that affirm inclusivity. CCP vowed to continue welcoming persons living singly or in committed relationships, regardless of sexual orientation, into the life, membership and leadership of this congregation on an equal basis, including eligibility for election and ordination as a ruling elder or deacon.

The congregation has been under scrutiny since the presbytery where it is located, Northern New England, lost a church court case about the resolution. In July 2000, the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission (GAPJC) ordered the presbytery to "continue to work pastorally with the Session of Christ Church to assist it in fulfilling its obligation to comply with the Constitution."

The Presbytery of Shenango has sent an overture (proposal) to the General Assembly, which among other things, asks GA to force CCP to rescind its protest. The GA meeting begins officially on Saturday.

Related Material

Shenango overture 02-59

TAMFS' article about the 2000 GAPJC decision

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