wfn.org | Presbyteries voting on 17 proposed constitutional amendments

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Note #6300 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

12-December-2000
00444

Presbyteries voting on 17 proposed constitutional amendments

Votes must be taken by next June 9

Analysis by Bill Lancaster
Reprinted with permission from
The Presbyterian Outlook

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The 212th General Assembly (2000) approved 17 amendments
to the Book of Order and forwarded them to the presbyteries for their
affirmative or negative votes.
	A majority of the 173 presbyteries must approve an amendment for it to be
ratified. Votes will be reported to the 213th General Assembly, which
convenes next June 9 in Louisville, and all those approved will take effect
at that time.
	The proposed amendments, with pro and con arguments:

	Amendment A would remove from paragraph G-5.0103 of the Book of Order the
list of persons not to be denied church membership and would substitute
all-inclusive language.  The only requirement for church membership would
remain profession of faith, which is defined in Book of Order paragraph
W-4.2003.
	The original overture from Twin Cities Area Presbytery would have added
"sexual orientation" to the list. The Advisory Committee on the Constitution
(ACC) advised that the addition was not necessary for gays and lesbians to
be included. The Assembly Committee on Church Polity nonetheless recommended
approval of the addition by a vote of 37 for, 8 against, 4 abstentions. The
Assembly approved an amendment from the floor to delete the entire list.
	Pro: It states in clear, simple, inclusive terms that the only requirement
for membership is profession of faith.
	Con: By omitting "race, ethnic origin, worldly condition" and potentially
"sexual orientation," racial ethnic and gay and lesbian persons may feel
that they could be discriminated against de facto.

	Amendment B would add a section "c" to G-7.0302 specifying the use of
Robert's Rules of Order for congregational meetings. A "comparable
parliamentary authority" to Robert's could be used if adopted by the
congregation.
	The amendment originated with an overture from Baltimore Presbytery. The
ACC advised different language to preserve the distinction between a
congregation and a governing body like the session, presbytery, synod and
General Assembly. The Assembly Committee on Church Polity approved the ACC
version 47/0/2 and the Assembly approved the committee's recommendation.
	Pro: It simply makes specific a practice already in use to conduct
congregational meetings "decently and in order."
	Con: None.

	Amendment C would delete G-11.0101b and add new text adjusting the way
presbyteries redress the imbalance between ministers and elders for
presbytery meetings. Specifically, it would remove the requirement that the
adjustment be made in January.
	The amendment originated with an overture from Baltimore Presbytery. The
ACC advised adding two words, "annually" and "resident." The Assembly
Committee on church Polity approved the ACC language 48/0/1 and the Assembly
approved the committee's recommendation.
	Pro: It allows the adjustment in the imbalance to occur after sessions have
submitted their annual statistical reports showing the number and
composition of members. Presbyteries could fine-tune their diversity
representation in accord with G-9.0104 and, more specifically, G-4.0403 on
full participation.
	Con: None.

	Amendment D would change G-11.0103n to strengthen salary and benefit
requirements for certified Christian educators by mandating "minimum
compensation and benefit requirements" rather than the current "guidelines."
	This amendment sprang from the report of the Workgroup on the Role and
Status of Christian Educators. The Assembly Committee on Church Orders and
Ministry recommended that the report, including this amendment, be referred
to the General Assembly Council (GAC) by a vote of 50/6/0. The Assembly
approved the committee's recommendation to refer, but then approved a
subsequent motion from the floor that resulted in this amendment. The result
is that, if the amendment fails in the presbyteries, it is still before the
GAC.
	Pro: It would result in higher pay for some certified Christian educators
by putting their pay more on a level with that of ministers and giving
presbyteries a stronger role in setting compensation and benefits for them.
	Con: It jumps the gun on the GAC's response to the report of the Workgroup,
which deals with this as well as other complex questions, such as the
ordination of certified Christian educators and their relationships to
sessions and presbyteries. The presbytery is not a party to the contract of
a Christian educator, so enforcement would be problematic.

	Amendment E would attempt to clarify constitutional language regulating
receiving ministers from other denominations. For an attempt to clarify,
this one is hard to follow. If you reqad the notes, even the stated clerk's
office found the Assembly action confusing, but the confusion appears to
have been properly resolved.
	The amendment originated with an overture from Miami Presbytery. The ACC
advised that the Assembly approve the overture. The Assembly Committee on
Church Polity amended the original overture and recommended its approval
44/5/0. The Assembly approved the committee's recommendation.
	Pro: It clarifies repetitious language and eliminates the need for a
presbytery to judge whether another denomination, not in the Reformed
tradition, "holds the Word and Sacraments in their fundamental integrity."
	Con: None.

	Amendment F would change G-12.0201 to reduce from 10 to three the number of
ministers and elders required to call a synod meeting.
	The amendment originated with an overture from the Synod of the Southwest.
The ACC advised the Assembly to approve the overture. The Assembly Committee
on Church Polity recommended approval by 49/0/0 and the Assembly approved
the committee's recommendation.
	Pro: It would help synods which have a small number of commissioners and
bring the numbers more in line with those for presbyteries.
	Con: None.

	Amendment G would change G-12.0202 to allow each synod to determine its own
quorum rather than hold to the set number of 10 elders and 10 ministers now
required.
	This amendment originated with an overture from the Synod of the Southwest.
The ACC advised different language for the overture. The Assembly Committee
on Church Polity approved the ACC language 48/1/0 and the Assembly approved
the committee's recommendation.
	Pro: It allows flexibility so a synod can fix its quorum according to its
circumstances.
	Con: It could have the effect of lowering actual participation in decision
making.

	Amendment H would change G-14.0301a, G-11.0103l and G-11.0103v to shift
from committees on preparation for ministry to presbyteries the final
responsibility for certifying that candidates are ready for examination for
ordination, pending a call.
	This amendment originated with an overture from Baltimore Presbytery. The
ACC advised different language. The Assembly Committee on Church Orders and
Ministry approved the ACC language 53/2/0 and the Assembly approved the
committee's recommendation.
	Pro: It puts the authority in the proper place. In most presbyteries, the
work will still be done by the committee on preparation for ministry.
	Con: None.

	Amendment I would change G-14.0313b to allow the waiver of examination
requirements for inquirers or candidates with documented disabilities that
affect their test-taking abilities.
	The amendment originated with an overture from Philadelphia Presbytery. The
Presbyteries' Cooperative Committee on Examinations for Candidates
recommended disapproval of the overture, saying that it has always had a
policy of accommodating persons with disabilities. The ACC recommended
different language. The Assembly Committee on Church Orders and Ministry
amended the overture using the ACC language and approved it by 40/10/0. The
Assembly approved the committee's recommendation.
	Pro: It avoids the humiliation of exam failure for persons with certain
disabilities. The presbytery retains the prerogative to examine and approve
candidates by alternative means.
	Con: Current examination committee policy allows the disabled candidate to
achieve satisfactory grades using alternative means, thus avoiding failed
examination attempts, a vote of presbytery, the approval of synod and the
stigma of a waiver.

	Amendment J would change G-14.0501g to permit the calling of designated
associate pastors.
	The amendment originated with an overture from Seattle Presbytery. The ACC
advised against approving it, saying the same thing could be accomplished
through other existing means. The Assembly Committee on Church Orders and
Ministry amended the original overture and recommended its approval 52/2/1.
The Assembly approved the committee's recommendation.
	Pro: Designated associate pastors would have more permanency than interim
associate pastors, yet still would have a definite term limit.
	Con: The same thing can be accomplished through contractual relationships
with ministers or use of interim pastors.

	Amendment K would bring two paragraphs of the Book of Order -- G-14.0506b
and G-14.0506e -- into line with current tax laws and regulations.
	The amendment originated with an overture from Western Colorado Presbytery.
The ACC offered amended language and advised approval of the overture. The
Assembly Committee on Church Orders and Ministry recommended approval of the
ACC's version 57/0/0 and the Assembly approved the committee's
recommendation.
	Pro: It removes restrictive, "manual of operations" language from the
constitution and brings the Book of Order into line with revised tax
requirements.
	Con: Half the battle is educating pastors and sessions about tax
requirements, and the amendment leaves unanswered questions regarding auto
expenses, utilities and use of manses. The burden of answering these
questions will fall on the provider of the "model form' and if unanswered
could lead to confusion.

	Amendment L would change G-14.0513d to provide a way to bypass the
six-month absence rule for temporary supply pastors or associate pastors to
be called to the respective installed positions.
	The amendment originated with an overture from East Iowa Presbytery. The
ACC offered alternative language without recommendation for approval or
disapproval. The Assembly Committee on Church Orders and Ministry
recommended the ACC version 48/7/1 and the Assembly approved the committee's
recommendation.
	Pro: Congregations and pastors often find the six-month rule onerous and
inhibitive of ministry. The amendment would allow an alternative.
	Con: It defeats the automatic nature of the rule, putting congregations and
presbyteries in the awkward position of debating the merits of an individual
supply pastor to assume the installed post. Congregations might find it
difficult to deal with pressure from temporary supply pastors to request the
exception. Presbyteries may find it difficult to refuse the exception
because doing so would oppose the individual pastor and congregation.

	Amendment M would add identical paragraphs to G-16.0201 and G-16.0401 to
establish a policy for a presbytery to follow to dismiss a union
congregation from membership in the presbytery.
	The amendment originated with the Permanent Judicial Commission in a
communication to the ACC. The Assembly Committee on Church Polity
recommended approval of the amendment to G-16.0201 by 26/19/4 and to
G-16.0401 by 26/18/5. The Assembly approved the committee's recommendation.
	Pro: Union congregations have their own complexities and the amendment
would give presbyteries guidance in dealing with dismissals.
	Con: It might encourage the union congregation to seek a "divorce" from one
of its parents -- the presbytery.

	Amendment N would change W-3.3616e to permit sessions to serve the Lord's
Supper to those isolated from the community's worship on a day other than
the day the congregation was served.
	The amendment originated with an overture from Central Florida Presbytery.
The GAC pointed to other paragraphs in the Book of Order that support the
maintaining of worship on the Lord's Day. The ACC advised that current
language is an "acceptable compromise," encompassing both the practical and
theological issues involved, and, by implication, that no change is needed.
The Assembly Committee on Theological Issues amended the overture and
recommended its approval 43/15/0. The Assembly approved the committee's
recommendation.
	Pro: It allows greater flexibility to pastors and elders already faced with
a full Sunday schedule.
	Con: The communal nature of the Lord's Supper is valued in the Reformed
tradition and any movement toward private sacraments should be discouraged.

	Amendment O would add a new paragraph (W-4.9007) to the Book of Order
prohibiting same-sex unions or the blessing of relationships other than
those consistent with fidelity in marriage between a man and a woman or
chastity in singleness.
	The full text of the proposed paragraph reads: "Scripture and our
Confessions teach that God's intention for all people is to live either in
fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or in
chastity in singleness. Church property shall not be used for, and church
officers shall not take part in conducting, any ceremony or event that
pronounces blessing or gives approval of the church or invokes the blessing
of God upon any relationship that is inconsistent with God's intention as
expressed in the preceding sentence."
	This amendment originated with an overture from San Joaquin Presbytery. The
ACC advised the Assembly that, because all the specific points in the
overture "...are already covered by other portions of the constitution, the
proposed amendment could be construed as unnecessary." The ACC went on to
confirm that if the 212th General Assembly (2000) desired an amendment, the
Directory for Worship was an appropriate place to insert it. The Assembly
Committee on Physical and Spiritual Well-Being recommended approval of the
overture 25/22/0. The Assembly approved the committee's recommendation.
	Pro: The Definitive Guidance of 1978-79 and the General Assembly's
authoritative interpretation of the constitution in 1993, which are the
standards of the church, affirm that homosexual practice is not in accord
with God's will. The practice of church officers and the public witness of
the church must be carried out in consistency with what the church
repeatedly has said it believes. The church cannot bless what it declares to
be sinful. The amendment is necessary to maintain the church's integrity in
light of recent pastoral practice and Permanent Judicial Commission rulings.
	Con: The amendment presents an unnecessary and unusual intrusion into
pastoral prerogatives. In 1994-95, a similar amendment was defeated by the
presbyteries. The church should give professional trust and flexibility to
its pastors to make this decision in light of their knowledge of a couple's
Christian convictions, intents and promises. It is also an undue intrusion
into the prerogatives of the session in regard to the pastoral
responsibilities of elders and the use of church property. The blessing of a
monogamous, same-sex relationship is not a marriage and does not detract
from marriage, which is between a man and a woman.

	Amendment P is in five parts which would fine-tune paragraphs in the Rules
of Discipline concerning remedial and disciplinary cases. Beyond
fine-tuning, the amendment also provides a pre-hearing conference in the
appeals process in both types of cases to seek agreement on issues and
expedite resolution.
	The proposed amendments originated with a formal request from the Permanent
Judicial Commission to the Office of the General Assembly. The ACC supported
the amendments without recommendation. The Assembly Committee on Church
Polity recommended approval 49/0/0 and the Assembly approved the committee's
recommendation.
	Pro: They give the parties more time, reduce paperwork and provide an
opportunity to expedite resolution.
	Con: None.

	Amendment Q in two parts would change two paragraphs (D-12.0103 and
D-12.0104) in the Rules of Discipline to permit a recommendation of
restitution by the offender to the victim(s) in a disciplinary case.
	These amendments originated with an overture from Genesee Valley
Presbytery. The Advocacy Committee for Women's Concerns recommended approval
of the overture. The ACC advised the Assembly to disapprove the overture,
citing conflicts with current provisions of the constitution. Nonetheless,
the Assembly Committee on Church Polity recommended approval 31/16/1. The
Assembly approved the committee's recommendation.
	Pro: It would exhort the offender, for his or her own rehabilitative needs,
to provide financial restitution to the victim(s) to compensate for
expenses. Restitution would give the victim(s) confirmation he or she had a
demonstrated grievance that should be righted.
	Con: It is punitive in nature and is in conflict with the pastoral spirit
of church discipline and the rehabilitation process. It is in conflict with
other provisions of the constitution. The recommended restitution is not
purely voluntary as required, and the current Rules of Discipline do not
prevent purely voluntary restitution.

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