Annual Meeting

Can Presbyterians live faithfully with 'b'?

4 PM   Sunday
19 January 2003

First Presbyterian Church
Hartford CT

Reports

Election of Board

Conversation with representatives from

Christ Church, Presbyterian

Burlington, Vermont

Reception

Christ Church's 1997 Resolution arguing that 'b' contradicts "the principles of inclusiveness in membership and service" led to the first General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission ruling  on 'b's constitutionality.

Their struggle with 'b' and being faithful continues.
Join in conversation with pastors Mike Brown and Becky Strader and other leaders about their important new Statement of Compliance, their hopes and ours!

A Chronology of Events

1984 (rev. 1992) Christ Church, Presbyterian (Burlington VT) becomes a More Light Church.

1995 - GA PJC issued a "Consenting Opinion" that the Definitive Guidance (1978) and Authoritative Interpretation (1993) were unconstitutional since the only way to change the Constitution was by overture and amendment.

1996 - The GA in Albuquerque sent proposed amendment 96-13 to the presbyteries for approval.

1997 - Christ Church, Presbyterian issues its "Resolution" vowing "to continue welcoming persons living singly or in committed relationships, regardless of sexual orientation, into the life, membership and leadership of this  congregation on an equal basis, including eligibility for election and ordination as a ruling elder or deacon.

1997 - G-6.0106b ('b') added to the Book of Order.

March 1998 - Presbytery of Northern New England instructed "...to be in conformity with the Book of Order" and appointed a committee to meet with the Session.

December 1998 - PNNE "acknowledge[d] that Christ Church Presbyterian carries on a valid and sacred ministry in Burlington; ... recognize[d] that the alleged inconsistencies do exist; ... [and] rescind[ed] its action instructing the Session ... be in compliance with G-6.0106b."

October 1999 - Synod of the Northeast PJC trial sets aside December PNNE action and orders the Presbytery to work pastorally with the Session of Christ Church, "with the ultimate goal of bringing them into compliance."

July 2000 - GA PJC orders "(1) to reinstate the action of Presbytery rescinding its original order, and (2) to require the Presbytery to exercise pastoral and administrative oversight of Christ Church as herein stated...."

June 2, 2002 - Christ Church Session "sets aside our Resolution of April 20, 1997, and the Report of June 18, 1998, so that we can clarify and strengthen our statement of present conviction."

June 21, 2002 - GA disapproved an overture asking that PNNE be ordered to act against a Vermont session that issued, then "set aside," a statement of dissent.

November 2002 - Christ Church issues "Statement of Compliance."