| The Presbytery of Northern New England respectfully overtures the 212th General
Assembly (2000) through its Stated Clerk to send the following proposed amendment to the
presbyteries for their affirmative or negative votes: "Shall G-6.0106b of the Form
of Government be stricken from the Book of Order"
Rationale: The peace, unity, and purity of the Presbyterian Church (USA) is endangered
by the presence of this paragraph in our Constitution. On the one hand, as written, the
paragraph has the effect of targeting a group of people for exclusion from ordained
office, and therefore carries the potential for being in contradiction with other parts of
the Book of Order which mandate an inclusive church. In this regard the Church is reminded
of the Authoritative Interpretation of G-6.0106 and G-4.0403 (1998) which states:
"Standing in the tradition of breaking down the barriers erected to exclude people
based on their condition, such as age, race, class, gender, and sexual orientation, the
Presbyterian Church (USA) commits itself not to exclude anyone categorically in
considering those called to ordained service in the church, but to consider the lives and
behaviors of candidates as individuals."
On the other hand, as written (with its reference to the Book of Confessions), the
paragraph creates a set of potential circumstances which render it either completely
unenforceable or selectively enforceable--both possibilities which make it problematic for
the church.
In addition, the wisdom expressed in G-6.0106a is quite sufficient in setting standards
for ordination. |
