Concurrence with Overture 00-13. 
On Striking G-6.0106b from the Book of Order 

The Session of _______________ Church in _____________ respectfully overtures the Presbytery of Southern New England to approve the following action and instruct the Stated Clerk to send it to the 213th General Assembly (2001)

The Presbytery of Southern New England concurs with Overture 00-13. On Striking G-6.0106b from the Book of Order, from the Presbytery of Northern New England.

Rationale

Since the passage of G-6.0106b it has become clear that Presbyterians are not of one mind about ordination standards. The effect of this policy has been deep and painful division. While its removal will not resolve all the underlying issues, it will create an environment more open to study, reflection and prayerful consideration. 

Consider the following excerpts from Historic Principles, Conscience and Church Government, adopted by the 195th General Assembly, PC USA (1983), the first meeting of the reunited UPC (USA) and the PC US: 

Schism is generally the result of an improper understanding or use of Presbyterian polity. Lessons available to us from our history suggest the following as contributing factors: ...a governing body assumes the simple majority to be sufficient for taking action binding the conscience of a large minority....

Respect for diversity is a central requirement for the peace and unity of the church.... Whether individual or corporate, the right of private judgment is a necessary one. It includes the right to be wrong.... The church protects its own minority point of view as if it were protecting its future, recognizing that the dissenter may well represent the will of God....

There are times when delay is a valuable way of avoiding premature decisions, especially when the minority position is held by a fairly large number of people.... Mutual forbearance is to be exercised by individuals within the church toward one another. Forbearance is willingness to accept other people in the church who do not share our own ideas. To exercise forbearance is to accept diversity with gratitude for those who differ and willingness to remain in conversation with people whose perspective may disturb us....

...all church bodies must exercise care not claiming too much authority for themselves.... When an attempt is made to force consensus before the time is right, the impatience of those who demand premature action may produce a lack of proper attention to the convictions of a large minority. Such a lack is one which produces ill will and potential for schism.... When a very close majority vote is taken on an issue of importance, the result is often troubling.

While twenty-two more presbyteries voted for than against G-6.0106b, a change of vote by 32 commissioners in 11 presbyteries would have defeated it (based on analysis of announced votes). We are presently struggling with the consequences of attempting too quickly to reach a decision.