A Pastoral Response from the Committee on Ministry
Dear Pastors and Clerks of Session:
It now appears to us on the Committee on Ministry that Amendment 10A, dealing with changes in ordination standards, is going to pass in the denomination-wide vote of all the presbyteries. This news will bring joy to some members of the churches of our presbytery, and it will bring pain to others.
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For all of us, it brings some questions about any changes it will make in our churches. We want to reflect on what the passage of this amendment really means to your congregation, your session, and our presbytery, especially for the presbytery commissioners and members who may have been against the amendment, which failed to pass in our presbytery.
First, note that the source of the new ordination standards is the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The standards affirm the high call of all ordained persons to live out the fundamental truth that “Jesus Christ is Lord” in all aspects of life.
The new standards do not require any ordaining or installing body to approve any individual candidate. They do not violate the freedom of conscience and considerate respect that have long been hallmarks of Presbyterian polity. The new standards do not take a stand one way or another on interpretation of scriptures when it comes to same-gender relationships.
Each governing body will continue to be responsible for confirming the call of a Minister of Word and Sacrament, or an Elder, or a Deacon, as it has been according to the Book of Order (G-1.0306.
The new standards do not force congregations to do something against the congregation’s will. The key tenet that “Jesus Christ is the Lord of the conscience” remains. Churches and ministers can go on teaching and preaching what they have always taught and preached, as the Spirit leads.
Whatever changes may come about if Amendment 10-A passes, one thing will remain constant: each church is an important part of our presbytery and we trust that our relationship in Christ will hold us together. Our unity and our relationships as a presbytery are more important that any single amendment to our church’s Constitution.
The urgency of the mission of the church calls us to focus on our united witness to the world for Jesus Christ. May we continue to work together in common discipleship and service in God’s mission in our time and place.
Please feel free to share this information with your congregation. If the Committee on Ministry can be of any help to you, please contact us. We are willing to meet with sessions and ministers if we can be helpful in any way.
From the Committee on Ministry
Reverend Dr. S. Glenn Wilson,
Moderator
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