Another presbytery backs moderator, stated clerk
The Layman Online, February 14, 2003
Another presbytery that voted against Biblical sexual ethics in four referendums since 1996-97 has applauded Moderator Fahed Abu-Akel and Stated Clerk Clifton Kirkpatrick for rejecting a petition that required them to call a special meeting of the 214th General Assembly to respond to widespread defiance of the denomination’s constitution.
The addition of the Presbytery of Newton in New Jersey increases to three the number of presbyteries – out of 173 – that have adopted resolutions supporting the moderator and the stated clerk.
In 1996, commissioners to the Presbytery of Newton voted 107-22 against the “fidelity/chastity” ordination standard, which became G-6.0106b in the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The presbytery also voted 92-22 in 1998 and 82-34 in 2001 to repeal the standard. In 1999, Newton voted 95-19 to permit pastors to perform “holy unions” of homosexual couples.
Newton and the Presbytery of Hudson River approved resolutions identical to the one written by the Presbytery of Palisades. Hudson and Palisades are both in New York.
Five independent organizations have also issued statements supporting the moderator and the stated clerk. Four – the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, More Light Churches, That All May Freely Serve and the Witherspoon Society – have worked to repeal the “fidelity/chastity” ordination standard. Only one, Presbyterians For Renewal, supports the ordination standard.
The Layman Online has received no notice of support for the moderator and stated clerk from any presbytery that favors the ordination standard. In the 2001-02 referendum, 75 percent of the presbyteries opposed repealing the standard.