Amendment 10-A does

• Lift up Jesus Christ as the source of ordination standards – in contrast to the current G-6.0106b, which fails even to mention Christ;
• Affirm the high call of all ordained persons to live out the fundamental Christian affirmation, “Jesus Christ is Lord,” in all aspects of life;
• Require thorough and rigorous examinations;

• Return the Church to the historic Presbyterian principles operative since the Adopting Act of 1729;

• Highlight the importance of Scripture and the confessions as authorities.

Amendment 10-A does not

• Commit the theological error of singling out sexuality as the only aspect of a faithful life worth mentioning;
• Require any ordaining/installing body to approve any individual candidate;
• Violate the freedom of conscience that has long been a hallmark of Presbyterian polity;

• Maintain the hypocrisy of naming “any self-acknowledged practice which the confessions call sin” while enforcing the provision only to prohibit service by persons in same-gender relationships;

• Take a stand one way or the other on interpretation of Scripture when it comes to same-gender relationships.

Approving Amendment 10-A will not remove the differences in the ways Presbyterians interpret Scripture, but it will allow the PCUSA to begin moving beyond the perpetual conflict that has resulted from the imposition of one interpretation on everyone. Those who are “tired of talking about the issue of gay ordination” will have to deal with it in Session or presbytery only if presented with a particular candidate – by definition, a person in whom some have recognized gifts for ministry, but who will be subject to the same requirements as all others.

This could be the last time we ever have to vote on G-6.0106b – wouldn’t that be great?

For more resources, and to volunteer to help make it happen, contact National Organizer Tricia Dykers Koenig, triciadk@covenantnetwork.org or 216-658-1770.