Index:

1. Baltimore
2. Detroit
3. Twin Cities
4. Western New York
5. Western Reserve

Procedure in Brief:

The 2004 GA convenes in Richmond, VA, June 26, 2004. 120 days prior is Feb. 27, 2004.

For the details see the helpful Primer developed by Don Stroud: http://www.witherspoonsociety.org/03-may/primer_on_overtures.htm

BALTIMORE

Overture 04-04. On Striking G-6.0106b from The Constitution in Order to Welcome All Persons into the Life of the Church—From the Presbytery of Baltimore.

The Presbytery of Baltimore overtures the 216th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) to Direct the Stated Clerk to transmit to the presbyteries for their vote the following proposed amendment:

Shall G-6.0106b be stricken from the Book of Order.

Rationale

The peace, unity, and purity of the PC (USA) has been ruptured by the presence of G-6.0106b in our Book of Order. Rather than solving the issue of ordination standards, this addition has created a hostile and divisive environment in our Church that is contrary to God's reconciling love. Numerous judicial cases have been brought to governing bodies over issues of ordination from individuals who are unaware of the calls and gifts of ministry of those against whom they file complaints. These judicial actions have cost individuals, congregations, and governing bodies untold time and money to defend those who have been accused. There is no longer any possibility of honest and open dialogue on this issue without fear of retribution. Section G-6.0106b does serious harm to our church by forcing the appearance of consensus and depriving the church of the benefit of discussion.

The wisdom expressed in G-60106a is sufficient in setting standards for ordination. The strength of the PC (USA) lies in its ability to hold freedom of conscience and church order in tension, and its trust of the governing body closest to those it ordains (G-6.0108b). Sessions and presbyteries have the responsibility to weigh the confessions, to determine which segments reflect essential tenets of the faith, and to judge the gifts and qualifications of those candidates who come before them.

The effects of G-6.0106b are contrary to our Constitutional call to "seek the grace of openness in extending the fellowship of Christ to all persons" (G-5.0103). Instead it has the explicit and implicit effect of targeting one category of people, defined as "self-affirming, practicing homosexual persons", and of denying to them the full rights and privileges of active membership within the PC(USA) (G-5.0202). Through this constitutional ban, G-6.0106b disregards the fact that a pluralism of methods of biblical and theological interpretation currently exists within the PC(USA) concerning homosexuality. Among these methods is the strongly held belief among many conscientious Presbyterians that homosexual practice is not a sin per se and that both heterosexual and homosexual relationships are capable of being either faithful and life-affirming or sinful and destructive. G-6.0106b, and its predecessor "definitive guidance" and subsequent affirmations, delineates human sexuality in categories more narrowly defined than the scriptures seek to claim. For example, while Christians disagree on the interpretation of the limited biblical references to homosexuality, most acknowledge that the Bible is silent on the issue of life long faithful homosexual partnerships. In contrast, the Bible is clear in its themes of covenant: the covenant between God and humanity, and the human covenants made before God. Removal of G-6.0106b from our Constitution would allow presbyteries and sessions to follow their understanding of the Holy Spirit's leading in making decisions about candidates for ordination/installation by the application of a common ethic of faithfulness and fidelity within human covenantal relationships. This return to a mutual trust in each ordaining/installing presbytery's or session's ability to make individual judgments concerning the fitness of a candidate for ordination/installation would restore to the presbyteries and sessions their traditional duty and prerogative to approve, ordain, and install persons whom, after due examination, they deem gifted, worthy, and called by God through the voice of the people.
 

DETROIT

The Presbytery of Detroit respectfully overtures the 216th General Assembly (2004) to approve the following:

1. The 216th General Assembly recognizes that within our denomination, people of good character and principle differ in their understanding of human sexuality, and in those differences we are called to exercise mutual forbearance toward each other. (G-1.0305)

2. The 216th General Assembly reminds the church that freedom of conscience with respect to the interpretation of Scripture is to be maintained. (G-1.0108)

3. The 216th General Assembly declares that no further force or effect shall be given to the statement of definitive guidance by the 190th General Assembly (1978) of the United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America that characterizes the practice of homosexuality as sin and instructs that unrepentant homosexual practice does not accord with the constitutional requirements for ordination.

4. The 216th General Assembly declares that no further force or effect shall be given to the interpretation of the 119th General Assembly (1979) of the Presbyterian Church in the United States that states "homosexuality falls short of God's plan."

5. The 216th General Assembly declares that subsequent General Assembly statements that affirmed the 1978 and 1979 guidance on homosexuality and ordination shall be given no further force or effect.

Rationale

A great theological divide exists in our denomination on the issue of homosexuality. Over the years as various proposed amendments were sent to the presbyteries, the votes cast by individual presbyters have indicated that a substantial minority, 40 to 45 percent, affirm an interpretation of Scripture that differs from the guidance of the 1978 and 1979 General Assemblies.

Current constitutional requirements for ordination have been built upon the Scriptural interpretations of the 1978 UPC and 1979 PCUS General Assemblies, and subsequent judicial rulings have stated that presbyteries and congregations are obligated to follow those constitutional requirements for ordination. Yet, the Scriptural interpretation that is used to bind the conscience of presbyteries and congregations was never sent to the presbyteries for approval.

The preliminary principles of "mutual forbearance" and "God alone is Lord of the conscience" must be given full effect through acknowledging the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) contains theological diversity on the issue of homosexuality. Scriptural interpretation on non-essentials of the Reformed faith is to be entrusted to individuals as they teach and preach, and to ordaining bodies as they seek to discern the call of Christ in those being examined for ordained office.
 

TWIN CITIES

The Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area respectfully overtures the 216^th General Assembly (2004) to do the following:

1. Direct the Stated Clerk to send the following proposed amendment to the presbyteries for their affirmative or negative votes:

a. Shall G-6.0106b be stricken.

b.  Shall G-6.0106a be amended by adding a new sentence to the end of the paragraph to read as follows: "Their suitability to hold office is determined by the governing body where the examination for ordination or installation takes place, guided by scriptural and constitutional standards, under the authority and Lordship of Jesus Christ."

"Interpretive statements concerning ordained service by homosexual persons by the 190^th General Assembly (1978) of the United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America and the 119^th General Assembly (1979) of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, and all subsequent denominational affirmations thereof, shall be given no further force or effect; and Section G-6.0106a of the Form of Government, together with the other prerequisites for ordination expressly stated in our Book of Order, hereby are affirmed as the sole and exclusive standards for ordination by ordaining bodies acting in prayerful discernment of the leading of Almighty God."

Rationale

We believe that the presence of G-6.0106b 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. 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.

The effects of compliance with G-6.0106b run counter to the sentiment of G-5.0103 that "Each member must seek the grace of openness in extending the fellowship of Christ to all persons." Failure to do this, it continues, "constitutes a rejection of Christ himself and causes a scandal to the gospel." We would honor Christ's last prayer with his disciples that all may be one (John 17:11) and would heed the admonition of the New Testament writers that we avoid needless controversies lest the body of Christ be divided.

Presbyterians have historically valued the rights of governing bodies to make decisions that affect them the most directly, seeking unity in the essentials of faith but not necessarily in "truths and forms with respect to which [people] of good characters and principles may differ." (Book of Order, G-1.0305) Biblical interpretations differ, and the church should therefore leave it to local governing bodies to act out of their own faith as discerned together in prayer when such interpretations over nonessential matters are in conflict.

The confessions of our church are valuable guides in our decisions about ordination and many other issues, but they are always subordinate to Jesus Christ and the authority of scripture. (Book of Order, G-1.0307 and G-2.0200; Book of Confessions, 3.18-.20, 5.011-.014, 6.010, and 9.03) Our constitution affirms that "God alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are in anything contrary to his Word, or beside it, in matters of faith or worship." (Book of Order, G-1.0301; see also G-1.0305 and G-1.0307; Book of Confessions, 5.010-.014, 6.109, 6.174-.175, 7.215, and 8.20-.21)

The church "is called to be a sign in and for the world of the new reality which God has made available to people in Jesus Christ," reflecting that "(1) Sin is forgiven. (2) Reconciliation is accomplished. (3) the dividing walls of hostility are torn down." (Book of Order, G-3.0200). This leads to an affirmation of diversity and the welcoming inclusion of all people (Book of Order, G-3.0401, G-4.0203, G-4.0401-.0403, G-5.0202, and G-9.0104; Book of Confessions, 9.06-.07, 9.10, 9.19-.20, 9.22, 9.29, 9.31-33, and 9.44).

We understand our polity and system of ordination to mean that leaders are called by God and confirmed by the people, and that all members whose manner of life demonstrates the gospel and who possess the gifts and training for leadership have opportunities to participate in leadership. In faithfulness to our call to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us, we would affirm and enable ordained service and outreach by all in whom we discern a call to serve (Book of Order, G-1.0306, G-4.0402, G-4.0403, G-6.0102, G-6.0107, G-7.0103, G-10.0102l, G-14.0201, and G-14.0204).

In our continuing struggle on these issues, the Church is called to be open to God's continuing reformation "according to the Word of God and the call of the Spirit" (Book of Order, G-2.0200; see also G-3.0401, G-4.0303, G-10.0102j, and G-18.0101; Book of Confessions, 9.03 and 9.29).
 
 

WESTERN NEW YORK

Overture 04-01. On Amending G-6.0106b Regarding Gifts and Requirements for Officers—From the Presbytery of Western New York.

The Presbytery of Western New York respectfully overtures the 216th General Assembly (2004) to direct the Stated Clerk to send the following proposed amendment to the Book of Order, Section G-6.0106(b), to the presbyteries for their affirmative or negative votes:

Shall G-6.0106(b) be amended as follows: [Text to be deleted is shown with a strike-through; text to be added or inserted is shown as italic.]

“b. Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to Scripture and in conformity to the historic confessional standards of the church. Among these standards is the requirement to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (W-4.9001) a covenanted relationship between two persons where a lifetime commitment is intended, or chastity in singleness. Persons refusing to repent of any self-acknowledged practice which the confessions call sin does not conform with this discipline shall not be ordained and/or installed as deacons, elders, or ministers of the Word and Sacrament.”

Rationale

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, preached a gospel of love toward all the people of the earth (John 3:16); and therefore all people should be equally welcomed in the church, remembering that it is in the spirit of Christ to reach out most of all to those who have been persecuted and shunned by society.

We acknowledge that passages of Scripture have led to the condemnation of sexual intimacy between two people of the same sex; yet after long and intense discussion, prayer, and study of the Scriptures as a whole, we do not believe it was, or is now, Christ’s own desire to condemn sexual intimacy between people of the same sex as inherently bad. Sexual intimacy is a gift of God intended for sealing the most committed relationships that one person can have with another.

Our Lord’s gospel of love was also accompanied by high standards of self-discipline that he set for his followers, even that we should love our enemies.

In accord with our Lord’s teachings, we believe all people should be guided by the same principles of sexual behavior regardless of sexual orientation, summarized as chastity in singleness and fidelity in a covenanted relationship before God with one other person where a lifetime commitment is intended.

We also acknowledge that there continue to be strong differences of opinion among our members and churches over these matters, and that contrary opinions may be held in good faith with the backing of historical precedent; yet we believe Christ wants us to move forward here.
 
 

WESTERN RESERVE

Overture 04-18. On Issuing an Authoritative Interpretation Clarifying Standards for Ordination—From the Presbytery of the Western Reserve.

The Presbytery of Western Reserve respectfully overtures the 216th General Assembly (2004) to issue the following authoritative interpretation:

In carrying out their responsibilities under the Constitution to determine fitness for office, Sessions and Presbyteries are not bound by statements of the General Assembly and its Commissions, regarding ordained service by homosexual persons, that predate the adoption of G-6.0106b.

Rationale

In the decades preceding the adoption of G-6.0106b, General Assemblies and Permanent Judicial Commissions of the PCUSA, UPCUSA, and PCUS issued various policy and interpretive statements regarding ordained service by "self-affirming, practicing homosexual persons." Such statements were largely grounded in the "Policy Statement and Recommendations" issued in 1978 by the 190th General Assembly of the UPCUSA, known as "definitive guidance."

"Definitive guidance" and the "authoritative interpretations" which followed had the effect of amending our constitutional standards for ordination without the ratification of the presbyteries. This effect has been neither definitive nor authoritative. Rather, these statements have contributed to conflict and confusion in the Church, and have undermined respect for the Constitution.

The 208th General Assembly (1996) moved to end this conflict and confusion by adopting a new provision in the Constitution, G-6.0106b, that specifically addresses our standards for the sexual conduct of candidates for ordained office. This provision was ratified by the presbyteries, and actually changed the Book of Order. In order to eliminate continuing confusion and conflict, the 216th General Assembly should make clear that the language of the Constitution itself takes precedence over older General Assembly statements interpreting the Constitution before it was changed.