Council affirms presbytery statement on 'possible next steps' on G-6.0106b The Layman Online Friday, November 22, 2002 TOWSON, Md. – The Council of the Presbytery of Baltimore has affirmed a presbytery-approved statement on "possible next steps" regarding the fidelity and chastity clause of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The original statement, approved by the presbytery June 27, included a list of actions for consideration, such as working to make the denomination fully inclusive of its gay, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual members; expressing its strong dissent over the "injustice" of G-6.0106b; not pursuing "any disciplinary or remedial complaints growing out of attempts to enforce the provisions of G-6.0106b;" among others. Officials emphasized that the statement is just that, a statement, and not a policy of the presbytery. The council has appointed a committee, "made up of persons supportive of the statement," that will present those views in "listening sessions" throughout the presbytery. The text of the statement "On Seeking Reconciliation in the Church" was published in the fall newsletter of More Light Presbyterians. The full text is as follows: "After careful consideration of the many positions and perspectives regarding G-6.0106b during a day-long retreat on May 2, 2002, and at several council meetings, the Council offers this statement to all who serve Jesus Christ within the bounds of our Presbytery as a first step toward providing a context for discussion and decision making. "Presbyterians have struggled with ordination standards since 1978, and the recent defeat of Amendment 01-A raised the level of controversy. While there are congregations comfortable with G- 6.0106b and there are congregations whose consciences are deeply troubled by G-6.0106b, many other congregations do not consider the issue a high priority. We believe that most of us want to live together in a beloved community strongly committed to Jesus Christ. In recent years, the controversy has often been framed around votes. Groups have worked hard to convince fellow Presbyterians of the rightness of their position in preparation for decisions at various levels of our judicatories. "This has not helped us understand the history and hurts of those with whom we disagree. Now we need not only to be honest and articulate about our own positions, but also to truly hear each other, to hear each other clearly enough that we can paraphrase each other's reasoning. We implore everyone to respond in a new way, to practice active listening and focus not on opposing positions in the controversy but on the great, central affirmation we share: Jesus is Lord! Each of us, whatever our position on G-6.0106b, has declared this. We believe this truth must overarch all issues. Only a focus on Jesus' Lordship will enable us to move together beyond conflict so that we can be about our urgent work of declaring God's love for the whole world. We in no way belittle the pain and frustration felt by all in this controversy. Nor do we ask anyone to be less than fully honest in their position: statements of conscience must not be suppressed. We do not ask anyone to shift their position on the issue in the least. We believe in and urge a policy of patience and mutual forbearance across the church. We seek a climate where we wait, without actions such as provocative dissent or judicial charges, while we study and share ideas, free of suspicion and battle among factions, to work through our differences. "We recommend that disputes be solved through mediation and conciliation. Further, we will honor every session's compliance with G-6.0108b. (This last sentence was added by the presbytery.) Together, especially in moments of dispute over scriptural interpretation, let us strive to preserve the peace, unity, and purity of the church whose manner is one of grace, hospitality, and cooperation and whose Lord is Jesus Christ. At the same presbytery meeting of June 27, 2002, the presbytery adopted the following motion with overwhelming support: a. Remain steadfast in honoring its history of giving strong conscientious leadership to its constituent churches and to the PCUSA by its work to make the PCUSA just and fully inclusive of its GLBT members b. Express its regret and strong dissent from the action of the majority of the PCUSA presbyteries to maintain the injustice of G-6.0106b in the Book of Order by their failure to ratify Amendment "A," commended by the 213th GA to the Church for its approval; c. Support sessions and ordained officers who exercising their conscience must strongly dissent the presence of G-6.0106b in the Book of Order; d. Support sessions and ordained officers who cannot in good conscience comply with G-6.0106b, in accordance with the clear language of G-6.0108b, which states that the determination of what is or is not essential to reformed faith and polity "ultimately becomes the responsibility of the governing body" in which officers serve; e. Inform session and presbytery investigating committees and the Presbytery Permanent Judicial Commission that in the conduct of their business they shall be instructed by the following: Baltimore Presbytery, as a matter of conscience, shall not pursue any disciplinary or remedial complaints growing out of attempts to enforce the provisions of G-6.0106b."

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