Third presbytery
targeted, too
The Layman
Online
Thursday, November
16, 2006
The Layman Online
was informed this afternoon that a third presbytery – Mid-South –
is also the target of a remedial complaint because of its Oct. 17
resolution that says the constitutional "fidelity/chastity"
ordination requirement – G-6.0106b in the Book of Order –
is binding on presbyteries and sessions.
The Mid-South stated clerk informed the presbytery
during its meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 14, that the complaint had been
filed. However, she would not divulge the nature of the complaint,
noting that she had received a copy, and not the original. She did say
it was signed by 44 people.
That's the same number of commissioners who voted against the Mid-South
resolution. The vote was 79-44.
The Layman Online has been notified that 11 presbyteries have approved
similar resolutions affirming the "fidelity/chastity"
requirement in the Book of Order. In addition, 17 presbyteries
are reviewing proposed resolutions.
The complaint against the Mid-South Presbytery was filed with the
Permanent Judicial Commission of the Synod of the Living Waters. The
synod court issued an order that prohibits the presbytery from
implementing its resolution until the issue is resolved by the church
court.
The following is the text of the Mid-South resolution:
- 1.That the Presbytery of the Mid-South ("Presbytery" or
"Presbytery of the Mid-South") reaffirms in every aspect
of its decision making a renewed commitment to Jesus Christ, the
Head of the Church and the Word of God, as the one who gives to His
Church its faith and life, its unity and mission, its officers and
ordinances. (BO, G-1.0100c, G2.0200, G14-0207, G-14.0405b)
- 2. The Presbytery of the Mid-South affirms its conviction that
all constitutional requirements for ordination, including G-6.0106b
of the Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) ("PCUSA"),
are binding on all the sessions and presbyteries of the PCUSA,
including the Presbytery of the Mid-South, and none are subject to
being considered "non-essential" by any governing body of
the Church. The Presbytery specifically declares that all provisions
of the constitution using the word "shall" are not
ambiguous, do not require authoritative interpretation, and are
binding on all churches, governing bodies and ordained persons
within its bounds. No ordinations may be made or recognized within
the bounds of this Presbytery in violation of any mandatory
provision of the Book of Order, including without limitation,
G-6.0106b.
- 3. In its discernment of the essentials of Reformed polity and
for the sake of the peace, unity, and purity of the church, the
Presbytery of the Mid-South adopts the principle that compliance
with the mandatory standards for ordination adopted by the whole
church in the Book of Order is an essential of Reformed polity.
Therefore, any departure from the mandatory standards for ordination
expressed in the Book of Order will bar a candidate from ordination
and/or installation by this governing body. Provisions of the Book
of Order are signified as being mandatory standards by use of the
term "shall," "is/are to be," "requirement,"
or equivalent expression. These terms are not ambiguous, do not
require authoritative interpretation, and are binding on all
churches, governing bodies and ordained persons within its bounds.
- 4. The Presbytery of the Mid-South declares itself to be a
constitutional presbytery in fellowship with other governing bodies
that covenant to maintain constitutional integrity, and we urge all
the Sessions within our bounds to study matters related to this
crisis and to declare themselves on the issues raised by the actions
of the 217th General Assembly.
- 5. The Presbytery shall create a Task Force on Denominational
Relations that will report to the Presbytery in two areas:
- a. Suggestion of possible changes in national denominational
structures and relationships including a potential Overture from our
Presbytery to the 218th General Assembly that would affirm the
binding nature of our polity as embodied in our Book of Order and
suggest amendments to better reflect a Reformed polity attuned to
the new generation of Presbyterians.
- b. Creation of a short and simple method by which congregations
within our bounds can be dismissed from the PCUSA in possession of
their property in compliance with the constitution. Such method must
contain protections for the pastors and elders of congregations
wishing to institute this procedure so that there can be no action
taken against them during the period required for the process.
- Approved at the Call Meeting of the Presbytery of The Mid South
meeting at First Presbyterian Church Humboldt, Tennessee on October
17th, 2006 by a vote of 79 yes, 44 no.
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