Third presbytery targeted, too
The Layman Online, November 16, 2006
The Layman Online was informed this afternoon that a third presbytery – Mid-South – is also the target of a remedial complaint because of its Oct. 17 resolution that says the constitutional “fidelity/chastity” ordination requirement – G-6.0106b in the Book of Order – is binding on presbyteries and sessions.
Related story:
Complaints target resolutions of presbyteries that voted to abide by ordination standards The Mid-South stated clerk informed the presbytery during its meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 14, that the complaint had been filed. However, she would not divulge the nature of the complaint, noting that she had received a copy, and not the original. She did say it was signed by 44 people.
That’s the same number of commissioners who voted against the Mid-South resolution. The vote was 79-44.
The Layman Online has been notified that 11 presbyteries have approved similar resolutions affirming the “fidelity/chastity” requirement in the Book of Order. In addition, 17 presbyteries are reviewing proposed resolutions.
The complaint against the Mid-South Presbytery was filed with the Permanent Judicial Commission of the Synod of the Living Waters. The synod court issued an order that prohibits the presbytery from implementing its resolution until the issue is resolved by the church court.
The following is the text of the Mid-South 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.
- 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.