At the 219th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Amendment 10-A was recommended to the 173 presbyteries requesting their positive of negative vote. The “10-A” language would replace “Amendment B,” or G-6.0106b, which effectively discriminates against GLBTQ and Queer Presbyterians.
The proposed language is as follows:
Shall G-6.0106b be amended by striking the current text and inserting new text in its place as follows:
STRIKING: “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. Persons refusing to repent of any self-acknowledged practice which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained and/or installed as deacons, elders, or ministers of the Word and Sacrament.
AND INSERTING: Standards for ordained service reflect the church’s desire to submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life (G-1.0000). The governing body responsible for ordination and/or installation (G.14.0240; G-14.0450) shall examine each candidate’s calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability for the responsibilities of office. The examination shall include, but not be limited to, a determination of the candidate’s ability and commitment to fulfill all requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W-4.4003). Governing bodies shall be guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual candidates.”
Presbyterian Welcome is working with our national partners for the change to the Book of Order. There are several ways you can help.
- Organize. Check out the various presbyteries, and if you know anyone in any of the presbyteries, please call them to remind them to vote. Every vote counts. If you are interested in calling people in presbyteries, people you know or do not know, please email us and we can connect you with folks who will help train you and support you in your calls.
- Pray. Pray for justice. Pray for fairness. Pray for faithful discussion. Pray for vigilance. Pray for the people on the front lines of this work. Pray ceaselessly.
- Write. Write on your blog about why you belive 10-A needs to prevail. Write on facebook. Write emails to friends who might disagree with you. One writing project you might like to engage is in sharing Bruce Reyes-Chow, former Moderator of the General Assembly in his PresbyMEME on “Why I am voting for Amendment 10-A.”
- Share information. Educate. Introduce conversations in local congregations. Talk with people in your local presbytery. Speak on the floor of your presbytery as this Amendment will be debated.
Interested in more of what happened at GA219? Click here!