GAPJC Upholds Session’s Approval of Elder in Committed Same-Gender Relationship

In a recent ruling, White vs. St. Paul Presbyterian Church of San Angelo, TX (#2010-101), the Permanent Judicial Commission of the General Assembly has upheld a session’s examination and approval of an elder-elect who is in a committed same-gender relationship. In so ruling, the GAPJC rejected complainants' arguments that G-6.0106b requires "singleness" of all persons who are not heterosexually married. No question about sexual practice arose in the case because the elder-elect testified that he and his partner are celibate.In upholding the session's finding that the elder-elect is fit for ordained service, the GAPJC also reiterated the longstanding principle that PJC’s may substitute their judgment for that of the examining and ordaining body only for the most “extraordinary reasons.”  The original body has both the responsibility and authority to conduct the examination and determine fitness to serve.Covenant Network director Douglas Nave represented the session with co-counsel Mary Noel Golder.The full decision can be found on the denomination’s website.