OVERTURE #1

One of four overtures presented by churches in the Wabash Valley Presbytery (Indiana), this one from Covenant PC in West Lafayette, IN.  The overture was approved by the Presbytery at their May meeting by a vote of 63 (for) to 59 (against).

Text of Overture:

Whereas these standards originate in Scripture, which we recognize to be authoritative in all matters of faith and practice;

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 confessions 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)

• His or her conscience is captive to the Word of God as interpreted in the standards of the church." (G-6.0108b)

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.

 2.  Calls upon all sessions and congregations in the Presbytery of Wabash Valley to establish the same policy.

 3.  Respectfully overtures the Presbytery of Wabash Valley to establish the policy that it will uphold as essential all standards for ordination to church office defined in the Book of Order."

OVERTURE #2

Commissioners of John Calvin Presbytery voted not to affirm this overture presented by the First Presbyterian Church in Branson, MO, saying “the overture paints with too broad a brush and would have the effect first, of denying candidates the freedom of conscience permitted by the Book of Order (G-6.0108); and second, removing the obligation of presbytery to wrestle with the theological or polity questions raised by a candidate’s conscientious objection to particular doctrinal or governmental interpretations.  The overture failed by a vote of 34 (against) to 24 (for).

Text of Overture:

Whereas the Presbyterian Church (USA) has standards for ordination to church office in the Form of Government; and

Whereas these standards include educational requirements, a definite set of examinations, willingness to make certain vows and a commitment to limit sexual expression to heterosexual marriage; and

Whereas the church has judged each of these standards necessary for good and sufficient reasons; and

Whereas the 217th General Assembly (2006) has issued an authoritative interpretation of G-6.0108, to the effect that ordaining bodies may decide whether a departure from one or more of our constitutional standards touches something essential in our faith and polity,

Therefore, the session of First Presbyterian Church-Branson respectfully overtures the Presbytery of John Calvin to resolve:

1. That it is the policy of this presbytery in every particular case to treat as essential all the standards for ordination and installation to church office in the Form of Government, including the requirement that deacons, elders and ministers 'live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or in chastity in singleness.' " (G-6.0106b).

 2.  To resolve further that this presbytery will neither offer nor accept any scruple about or exception to the constitutional standards for ordination and installation within its jurisdiction, except as provided in the Book of Order G-14.0313.

3. "To direct that the presbytery's Manual of Operations be revised to insert the following text: 'All who participate in examinations of candidates for ordination or installation, including the candidates themselves, shall be made aware of the presbytery's policy that each and every requirement for ordination and installation in the Form of Government is essential, including G-6.0106b, and the presbytery does not offer or accept any scruple about or exception to them, except as provided in the Book of Order G-14.0313.

OVERTURE #3

This overture, presented by the session of Covenant PC in Boswell, PA to the Redstone Presbytery, was defeated because it raises one standard over all the other standards.

Text of Overture:

In order to more truly seek the peace, unity and purity, to which Jesus Christ calls His people and which can only be found in obedience to Him, the Presbytery of Redstone does hereby:

• Adopt the principle that compliance with the standards for ordination, adopted by the Presbyterian Church (USA) in the Book of Order (G-6.0106b), is an essential of Reformed polity.

• Resolve that no exception to this standard (requiring that all ministers of the Word and sacrament must 'live either 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.

OVERTURE #4

Suncoast Florida Presbytery voted not to affirm the standards on February 10.   The presbytery did not say who presented the overture/resolution.  The overture failed by a vote of 45 (against) to 15 (for). 

Northumberland Presbytery voted to affirm a motion presented by several ministers and commissioned lay pastors by a vote of 34 (for) to 21 (against).  Because it was a motion, rather than an overture, it required a two-thirds majority to pass, and did not receive this required majority.  The wording of this motion exactly matches Overture 4 on page 4 of this document. 

The text of the Stockton Presbytery resolution is identical to Northumberland's (Overture 4). In addition, Stockton approved a resolution stating that only per capita received from the congregations would be passed on to higher governing bodies and that the presbytery would not make up the difference for churches that were withholding or redirecting per capita as a matter of protest.

"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 presbytery said. "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 responsibilities 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. Notwithstanding, any monies specifically designated by sessions for per capita will be transmitted to the higher governing bodies so designated." 

Seattle Presbytery passed Overture 4. 

Alaska Presbytery passed Overture 4 by a vote of 17 (for) to 11 (against).

Members of Wyoming Presbytery affirmed the standards – by a narrow 22-21 margin – at their stated meeting Feb. 3 at Winter Memorial Presbyterian Church in Casper. The presbytery responded to a motion brought by its Committee on Ministry.

Cherokee Presbytery passed overture 4.  From the Presbytery meeting minutes:

1. The Division reviewed the overture on ordination standards offered by Silver Creek and the six concurring sessions – Marietta First, Dalton First, Eastminster, Parkway, Mars Hill, and Woodstock.  The Division approved that the overture be sent to Council with the recommendation that it be approved and the policy adopted by the presbytery.
2. The Division reviewed an overture from Providence church requiring that all ministers seeking to be ordained or installed in Cherokee Presbytery must be fully examined by the whole presbytery before being allowed to begin work on the field.  The Division approved sending the overture to Council with the recommendation that it be approved and the policy be adopted by the Presbytery.

Blackhawk Presbytery will vote on this Overture at their November, 2007 meeting. 

Text of Overture:

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 principles that compliance with the standards for ordination set out explicitly 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 expressions.

OVERTURE #5

Donegal Presbytery disapproved a resolution from Forks of the Brandywine Presbyterian Church in Glenmoore, PA to affirm the requirements but they recommended this (similar) resolution from Central Presbyterian Church in Downington, PA, which was later approved.

Resolution, in part:

• 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.' "

• 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.

OVERTURE #6

Eastminster Presbytery: resolution presented by seven sessions.  No vote was held, but a task force was established to guide and direct a season of discernment, as called for in the report of the Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity and Purity.

Text of Overture:

Establish as the policy of Eastminster Presbytery that in every particular case all the standards for ordination and installation to church office in the Form of Government, including the requirement that deacons, elders, and ministers 'live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or in chastity in singleness (G-6.0106b)' shall be treated as essential.

Furthermore, the Eastminster Presbyter shall neither offer nor accept any scruple about or exception to the constitutional standards for ordination and installation within its jurisdiction, except as provided in the Book of Order G-14.0313.

OVERTURE #7

Central Florida approved a resolution that incorporated elements from the resolutions proposed by four congregations.  Overtures 7b-e are the overtures presented by the four individual congregations. 

Resolution, in part:

That Presbytery reaffirm the historic ordinations standards of the Book of Order (G-6.0106b) and applicable provisions of The Book of Confessions and to affirm the role of the Book of Order and The Book of Confessions as the only guides for interpreting Scripture as illumined by the Holy Spirit in the examination of those who seek to serve as ministers, elders, and deacons in Central Florida Presbytery and its churches.

Therefore, we will not recognize the validity of ordinations and installations anywhere within the Presbyterian Church (USA) if they violate Book of Order standards.

Text of Overture 7b (Deltona PC):

WHEREAS the 217th General Assembly has accepted the report of the Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity and Purity (PUP) of the Church and enacted it as an Authoritative Interpretation which is binding on all lower governing bodies and;

WHEREAS Recommendation #5 of the report of the Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity and Purity of the Church affirms Article G-6.0106b (ordination standards) of the Book of Order and at the same time makes the Biblical standards for ordination found in both the Book of Order and The Book of Confessions subject to the will of the ordaining body in violation of G-1.0306 and;

 WHEREAS this denial of biblical standards for ordination violates essential tenets of God's Holy Word and creates a constitutional crisis within the PC(USA) and a crisis of conscience among this Session and its pastor thus violating the first principle of Presbyterianism (Ref: G-1.0301);

THEREFORE: The Session of Deltona Presbyterian Church strongly urges and petitions the Central Florida Presbytery;

1. to reaffirm the ordinations standards of the Book of Order (G-6.0106b) and applicable provisions of The Book of Confessions, and to affirm the role of the Book of Order and The Book of Confessions as the only guides for interpreting Scripture in the examination of candidates for ordination as ministers, elders and deacons.

2. to strongly reject the provisions of Recommendation #5 authorizing locally determined ordination standards and to declare the PUP an unconstitutional interpretation of our ordination standards and not binding on Central Florida Presbytery churches and pastors.

3. to petition for a Called Meeting of the 217th General Assembly to restore our constitutional standards for ordination without exception.

Text of Overture 7c (FPC Sebastian):

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 the Book of Order constitutes a failure to adhere to the essentials of Reformed polity and thus presents a bar to ordination.

We urge Central Florida Presbytery to affirm the mandates in our Book of Order as essentials of Reformed polity by adopting a similar position statement, demonstrating consistency with our concern that the G.A. action noted above could be perceived as 'license' to set aside Book of Order mandates.

Text of Overture 7d (FPC Orlando):

Be it resolved: In our discernment of the movement of the Holy Spirit, any violation of ordination standards mandated by the Book of Order is a failure to adhere to the essentials of reformed polity and thus presents a bar to ordination or installation.

Therefore, we will not recognize the validity of ordinations or installations anywhere within the Presbyterian Church (USA), if they violate Book of Order standards

Text of Overture 7d (North Lake PC):

BE IT RESOLVED THAT: We hereby declare that in our discernment of the movement of the Holy Spirit, that any violation of the ordination standards mandated by the Book of Order is a failure to adhere to the essentials of the reformed polity and thus presents a bar to ordination or installation, so we will not recognize the validity of ordinations or installations anywhere within the Presbyterian Church (USA) if they violate Book of Order standards.

OVERTURE #8

Proposal from session of Appotomattox Court House Church to the Presbytery of the Peaks was referred to committee for more study and discernment in January.  A vote on the matter was scheduled for March 3, but no information has been received on whether this took place or what the outcome may have been.

Text of Overture:

The ordination standard in G-6.0106b of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Book of Order requires potential elders, deacons and ministers of the Word and Sacrament 'to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman, or chastity in singleness.' This standard is essential and shall be adhered to by the Presbytery of the Peaks. Further, the Presbytery will actively exercise its oversight authority on this matter.

Rationale

 The 2006 General Assembly's approval of the authoritative interpretation proposed by the Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity and Purity has created confusion in the church over how the authoritative interpretation can and will be applied to individuals seeking ordination/installation. Despite the claims that our constitutional standards have not changed, many are concerned that the new authoritative interpretation has placed our church in constitutional crisis by granting ordaining and installing bodies 'leeway' in applying those standards, specifically in allowing the possible ordination/installation of self-affirming, practicing homosexuals.

Additionally, The Peaks Presbytery has voted by wide margins in the three national referendums on G-6.0106b, the "fidelity/chastity" constitutional requirement. Peaks voted 139-86 in 1997 to include that requirement in the Book of Order and against repealing it by margins of 160-68 in 1998 and 166-72 in 2001.

OVERTURE #9

Great Rivers Presbytery voted not to affirm standards in an overture presented by the sessions of 19 member churches.  The overture was narrowly defeated: 76 (against) to 74 (for).

Text of Overture:

The Presbytery of Great Rivers, in its discernment of the essentials of reformed polity and for the sake of preserving the peace, unity and purity of the church, does adopt the principle that compliance with the standards for ordination adopted and held authoritative in the Book of Order shall remain essentials of reformed polity. Any departure from these standards will disqualify a candidate for ordination or installation by the Presbytery of Great Rivers.

 OVERTURE #10

Pittsburgh Presbytery voted to approve this resolution but it is being challenged by the GAPJC and a stay of enforcement has been issued.

Resolution, in part:

• adopts the principle that compliance with the standards for ordination approved by the Presbyterian Church (USA) 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. …"

• "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 within the jurisdiction of this presbytery."

Rationale: The G.A.'s approval of the authoritative interpretation caused confusion. Presbytery questioned what the 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."

OVERTURE #11

The Sacramento presbytery voted in September to follow strictly the ordination requirements in G-6.0106b, the constitutional fidelity/chastity clause. But its commissioners approved a four-part resolution that included sections dealing with paying per-capita apportionments and congregations that may leave the denomination and take their property. – this resolution is being challenged by the GPAJC.

Resolution:

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) (G-1.0500), or shall be ineligible for ordination, installation, and/or membership" (approved 87-59-1).

 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) (G-1.0500))" (approved 82-63-2).

 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 (approved 73-66-6).

 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" (approved 73-65-2).

OVERTURE #12

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.   Challenged by GAPJC

Resolution:

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.

OVERTURE #13

Presbytery of Central Washington approved passage of a “Principal Statement”

Principle Statement:

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.

 OVERTURE #14

Donegal Presbytery unanimously approved all resolutions on September 18, 2006.

Approved Resolution:

At a stated meeting of the Session held September 18, 2006, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously approved, BE IT RESOLVED that:

WHEREAS the 217th General Assembly accepted the report of the Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity and Purity (PUP) of the Church and enacted it as an Authoritative Interpretation which is purportedly binding on all lower governing bodies; and

WHEREAS Recommendation Number 5 of the report of the Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity and Purity of the Church affirms Article G-6.0106b (ordination standards) of the Book of Order and at the same time makes the Biblical standards for ordination found in both the Book of Order and The Book of Confessions subject to the will of the ordaining body in violation of G-1.0306; and

WHEREAS this denial of biblical standards for ordination violates essential tenets of God's Holy Word and creates a constitutional crisis within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.); and

WHEREAS this denial of biblical standards for ordination also creates a crisis of conscience among this Session and its Pastor, thus violating the first “Historic Principle of Church Order” as set forth in Book of Order section G-1.0301;

NOW THEREFORE: The Session of Forks of the Brandywine Presbyterian Church strongly urges and petitions the Presbytery of Donegal to adopt the following resolutions:

Resolution No. 1. To promote the peace, unity, and purity of our presbytery, the Presbytery of Donegal resolves and declares that it acknowledges and affirms that Book of Order section G-6.0106b is an essential, binding standard for all Inquirers, Candidates, and ordained Ministers of the Word and Sacrament, both those serving within, and those desiring to be received into the Presbytery of Donegal.

Resolution No. 2. To promote the peace, unity, and purity of our presbytery, the Presbytery of Donegal resolves and declares that it shall not at any time consider Book of Order section G-6.0106b to be a non-essential ordination standard, or a matter of personal scruple, in relation to any particular Inquirer, Candidate, or Minister of the Word and Sacrament.

Resolution No. 3. To promote the peace, unity, and purity of our presbytery, the Presbytery of Donegal resolves and declares 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 Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (“PCUSA”) (as the Constitution is defined in Book of Order, Section G-1.0500) and that failing to do so, any such candidates shall be ineligible for ordination, installation, and/or membership in this Presbytery.

Resolution No. 4. To promote the peace, unity, and purity of our presbytery, the Presbytery of Donegal resolves and declares that it shall not receive into membership, nor recognize as a member thereof, any person 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 Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (“PCUSA”) (as the Constitution is defined in Book of Order, Section G-1.0500).

Rationale:

The 217^th General Assembly’s adoption of the Theological Task Force’s Report on the Peace, Unity, and Purity of the Church effected a constitutional change that is more basic than when its text is amended by the consent of a majority of the Presbyteries. By a mere a vote of the General Assembly, without reference to the presbyteries of the denomination, an interpretation of the constitution (Book of Order) has been effected which transforms the terms "shall," and "shall not," in our ordination standards to mean the same as "may." In effect, our ordination standards are now mere suggestions, to be applied or ignored with respect to officer candidates according to the scruples of local ordaining bodies. Thus, the acceptance of the PUP Report and its constituent recommendations by the 217th General Assembly amounts to a fundamental change in our Book of Order. Because this fundamental change has been made without the consent of the Presbyteries, and has unmade the Book of Order's integrity and of our connectional polity, the change requires the attention of each governing body within the denomination on their respective responsibility to apply the constitution as they see fit in their respective settings.

Thus, the foregoing resolutions 1 through 4 are presented to restore constitutional fidelity and to ensure clarity and certainty with respect to ordination standards within the presbytery of Donegal.

OVERTURE #15

Members of St. Andrew Presbytery affirmed the standards Feb. 6 at their stated meeting at Leland Presbyterian Church in Leland, Miss. The presbytery responded to overtures received from the sessions of four churches: First Presbyterian in Corinth, First Presbyterian in Greenwood, First Presbyterian in Hernando and Ripley Presbyterian in Ripley.

 But the report from the presbytery's Bills and Overtures Committee also includes a statement that, "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 committee included a statement to "be adopted and spread upon the presbytery's minutes."

The committee also recommended that the presbytery's Nominations Committee "be authorized to appoint a representative and diverse task force of seven 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."

Adopted 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 of 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.

OVERTURE #16

Greater Atlanta says both its Committee on Preparation for Ministry and its Examination Commission, which conducts exams for ordination and/or installation, shall "protect the exercise of freedom of conscience as expressed in G-6.0108." Any candidate who does not declare a scruple may be recommended for certification by the ministry committee or approval by the examination panel. But any candidate who "declares a scruple of any standard set forth in the Constitution" will be referred to the full presbytery for an examination or certification vote.

Members of Greater Atlanta Presbytery affirmed the standards Feb. 24 at their stated meeting at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Stone Mountain, Ga. The presbytery responded to recommendations from a task group.

Adopted Statement:

The Presbytery of Greater Atlanta adheres to the standards and processes for candidacies, ordinations and examinations as set forth in the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Therefore, the presbytery shall:  

(a) Uphold all standards of ordination.  

(b) Examine every candidate rigorously. 

(c) Protect the exercise of freedom of conscience as expressed in G-6.0108, and  

(d) Trust the judicial-review process to provide guidance, control and nurture.

OVERTURE #17

The Presbytery of South Louisiana has approved an overture to the 218th General Assembly that seeks to rescind an authoritative interpretation that allows scrupling of the denomination's constitutional ordination requirements.  The vote was 57 (for) to 43 (against).

Text of Overture:

Whereas the recent adoption of Recommendation Five of the report of the Task Force on the Peace Unity and Purity of the Church does not seem to be promoting the peace, unity and purity of the church, and …

Whereas, with one significantly divided vote the General Assembly apparently made the constitution's standards for ordination optional ("Ordaining and installing bodies acting as corporate expressions of the church … determine … whether a candidate being examined for ordination and/or installation … has departed from scriptural and constitutional standards [and] … whether any departure constitutes a failure to adhere to the essentials of Reformed faith … thus barring the candidate from ordination and/or installation), and …

Whereas this authoritative interpretation has been perceived by many as accomplishing a change that would more properly have been done through a constitutional amendment for action by the presbyteries, and …

Whereas in 1998 66 percent of the presbyteries and in 2001 73 percent of the presbyteries voted to retain G6.0106b as an ordination standard, and …

Whereas the adoption of this authoritative interpretation has resulted in the loss of several churches, and may result in the loss of more churches and members throughout the denomination, and …

Whereas General Assembly actions now take twice the time to address since the decision to move to biennial assemblies, now therefore …

Be it resolved that the Presbytery of South Louisiana requests that the 218th General Assembly (2008) rescind the action of the 217th General Assembly (2006) on Recommendation Number Five, the Authoritative Interpretation, of the Report of the Task Force on the Peace Unity and Purity of the Church.

OVERTURE #18

Members of Coastal Carolina Presbytery voted not to affirm the standards March 3 at their stated meeting at Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Aberdeen, N.C. They were acting on an overture from the session of Antioch Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, N.C.   

The recommendation to reject the overture came from the presbytery's committee on sessional records, overtures and higher governing body directives. In an answer presented at the presbytery meeting, the committee gave three reasons for defeating the overture: 

1. The result, if not the intent, of approving the overture would be to raise one standard for ordination above all others, G-6.0106b of the Book of Order being the only standard the committee on ministry would be required to exempt from the provisions of G-6.0108 in presenting a candidate for ordination to the ministry of Word and Sacrament.  

2.  The implication, if not the intent, of approving the overture would be to assume the committee on ministry does not at this time hold all candidates to the full standards of the Book of Order, G-6.0106b. 

3.  The implication, if not the intent, of approving the overture would be to assume that sessions do not hold all persons presented for ordination to the office of elder or deacon to the full standards of the Book of Order, G-6.0106b.

The sessional records committee also pointed out that the ministry committee has a long-standing policy of highlighting "any departure from full ordination requirements as expressed in the Book of Order, including but not limited to the exceptions outlined in G-14.0313." The exceptions outlined in that clause are educational requirements, examination requirements and time requirements.

"If, in the future, any extraordinary candidates are presented," the sessional records committee stated, "the presbytery has opportunity to accept or reject such candidates on a case-by-case basis, as in current policy."

Defeated Resolution:

1.  That it is the policy of this presbytery to treat as essential all the standards for ordination and installation to church in the Form of Government, including the requirement that deacons, elders and ministers 'live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or in chastity in singleness' (G-6.0106b). 

2.  "To … neither offer nor accept any scruple about or exception to the constitutional standards for ordination and installation within its jurisdiction, except as provided in the Book of Order G-14.0313. 

3.  To direct that the presbytery's Manual of Operations be revised to insert the following text:

All who participate in examinations of candidates for ordination or installation, including the candidates themselves, shall be made aware of the presbytery's policy that each and every requirement for ordination and installation in the Form of Government is essential, including G-6.0106b, and the presbytery does not offer or accept any scruple about or exception to them, except as provided in the Book of Order G-14.0313

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