The Board of Directors of the Covenant Network has approved a new Call to Covenant Community, inviting congregations and individuals to renew their commitment — or make one for the first time — to the Covenant Network’s work for inclusion and unity in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Since the first Call to Covenant Community in 1998, thousands of Presbyterians have joined the effort to see lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people fully included in membership and leadership in the PCUSA.  And while we rightly celebrate the passage of G-2.0104b, returning historic and just standards for examination and ordination, the new Call reminds the church that there is still much work to do.

All are invited to read the new mission statement and Call to Covenant Community — and to sign on by clicking the “JOIN” button at the left of the page.

Call to Covenant Community

With the help of God’s grace, the Covenant Network of Presbyterians is called to strengthen the Church of Jesus Christ by furthering the inclusion of persons identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ) that was signaled by the adoption of G-2.0104b; by supporting sessions and presbyteries as they apply these ordination standards; and by working for the unity of the church, engaging in conversations with those with whom we disagree, seeking understanding and reconciliation. In this crucial time in church and culture, the Covenant Network remains committed to serving the church, believing that Jesus Christ has already made us one and that we are better equipped to carry out our larger ministry and witness when we are together.

As individuals and congregations committed to the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, we are called to:

      • Serve the PC(USA), supporting its mission, honoring its historic understanding that “God alone is Lord of the conscience,” and by God’s grace, working for the unity of the church.
      • Bear witness to Christ’s love with kindness and compassion in the midst of conflict as we seek to live together with differences in perspectives, beliefs, and practices.
      • Welcome in the name of Christ all whom God calls into community and leadership in God’s church, including LGBTQ persons.
      • Ensure that sessions and presbyteries are able to ordain those called and gifted by God.*
      • Provide support for LGBTQ members and friends, and comfort those wounded by former church policies and practices.
      • Commit financial resources to this ministry generously and regularly.

*G-2.0104b :  “Standards for ordained service reflect the church’s desire to submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life.  The council responsible for ordination and/or installation shall examine each candidate’s calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability for the responsibilities of ordered ministry.  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.  Councils shall be guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual candidates.”

Approved by the Board of Directors, September 2012