This week, I have been following with great joy (and some amusement), the recent vote on amendment 10a in the Presbyterian Church(USA). What is amendment 10a? To summarize, amendment 10a effectively reverses 1996 legislation that previously restricted ordained ministry to candidates who were chaste in singleness, or married to a partner of the opposite sex. Although this small part of the Presbyterian Book of order says nothing about homosexuality, the result was to categorically exlude all Gay and Lesbian candidates from ordained ministry, unless they agreed to remain celibate. To me, this requirement had several flaws: 1) In the Presbyterian Church, the process for working towards ordained ministry begins in the local church, and ends with the approval of the presbytery. At no point in the process, is the national body involved. This legislation (known as g1016b), inserts the national body in the process of ordination. 2) God's Call. I have a very serious problem with organizations that refuse to recognize God's call, in candidates for ministry. I have spoken with several members of clergy, as well as some who have served on nominating committees. There have been times in our history, where otherwise gifted candidates were turned away, simply because of the people they are attracted to, or the relationships they may have. I believe that as a reformed body of believers, we should have standards for ordained ministry. However, I believe that sexual orientation should not be one of those. 3) G6.0106b places emphasis on one of the many "nonessentials" of the faith, rather than on what most in the PC(USA) view as the essentials. Amendment 10a changes all of this, replacing the text of G6.0106b with clear standards on ordained ministry that make sense. The former G6.0106b (listed first), is replaced by amendment 10a (listed second):
6.0106b:
"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), or chastity in singleness. Persons refusing to repent of any self-acknowledged practice
which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained and/or installed as deacons, elders, or
ministers of the Word and Sacrament."
10A
" Standards for ordained service reflect the church’s desire to
submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life (G-1.0000). The governing body
responsible for ordination and/or installation (G.14.0240; G-14.0450) shall examine each candidate’s
calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability for the responsibilities of office. The examination shall
include, but not be limited to, a determination of the candidate’s ability and commitment to fulfill all
requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W-4.4003).
Governing bodies shall be guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual
candidates.”
The result, is a church that is not afraid to live out its calling in ministry to and with all people. Too often, Christian institutions are viewed as old-fashioned, out of touch, and unwilling to reach out to the marginalized, the poor, or those who society says are "different". This is an important step in the right direction, and towards a church that is "as Just as God's Grace".
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