Overture seeks repeal of ‘fidelity/chastity’ rule
The Layman Online, January 24, 2003
The Presbytery of Des Moines has sent an overture to the 215th General Assembly asking that it call for yet another referendum on a proposal to delete the “fidelity/chastity” ordination standard from the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
The Des Moines proposal is modeled after what was known as Amendment 01-A, which was defeated by a 3-1 margin in a referendum among the PCUSA’s 173 presbyteries in 2001-02.
Instead of prohibiting the ordination of self-affirming, practicing homosexuals as a denominationwide standard, the Des Moines Presbytery voted 47-32 on Jan. 18 to ask Presbyterians to say that “the suitability to hold office is determined by the governing body where the examination for ordination or installation takes place.” In effect, that would allow local option for the selection of deacons, elders and ministers.
The proposal would also have presbyteries vote on whether to nullify the denomination’s 1978 definitive guidance that declares that homosexual practice is sinful.
“We believe that the presence of G-60106b [the “fidelity/chastity” standard within our Book of Order has created a hostile and divisive environment in our church that is contrary to God’s reconciling love and the spirit of our Reformed faith,” the Des Moines overture says. “We are greatly saddened over the increasing number of accusations and judicial cases that have arisen in recent months as a result of this measure. These trials are causing the church to spend inordinate financial and human resources defending an exclusionary policy that is not an essential of the Reformed faith, drawing precious resources away from the primary mission of the church.”