10-A: 10 Reasons

Ten Reasons the PC(USA) Needs Amendment 10-AProposed Amendment 10-A would replace the current language of G-6.0106b with the following:“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.”

1. Amendment 10-A focuses on potential officers’ desire to serve and follow Jesus Christ. (The current G-6.0106b doesn’t even mention Christ.)
2. The proposed amendment sets a high standard for all church officers; it does not single out one group of church members for special scrutiny and exclusion.
3. Amendment 10-A assumes careful and prayerful examination of all candidates for church office – considering their “calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability . . . and commitment to fulfill all requirements” as well as the examining body’s understanding of Scripture and the confessions.
4. The new language focuses attention on candidates’ whole manner of life and faith, not solely on their sexuality (which is one aspect among many of faithful living).
5. Amendment 10-A does not privilege one disputed interpretation of Scripture with respect to same-gender relationships over all others; it maintains “freedom of conscience with respect to the interpretation of Scripture” (G-6.0108).  The current G-6.0106b forces half the church to follow an interpretation that violates their conscience.
6. The new amendment would replace a standard that is impossible to apply honestly.  If we genuinely excluded everyone who persists in “any practice which the confessions call sin,” we would have no deacons, elders, or ministers at all.
7. The proposed amendment returns us to the core Presbyterian principle that national standards are interpreted and applied to individual candidates by local governing bodies – people who actually know the candidate and ministry.  No presbytery or session would be required to ordain a candidate of whom they disapprove; and no presbytery or session would be prohibited from calling an officer with whom they wish to serve.
8. Amendment 10-A honors the time-honored Presbyterian practice of maintaining unity by respecting freedom of conscience in the interpretation of Scripture and offering one another mutual forbearance in non-essential matters.
9. Passing Amendment 10-A this year will mean we do not need to debate this issue again next year, or the next.  Our current law, which excludes significant parts of our body and offends the conscience of many more, is unsustainable. This question will come before every G.A. until we find a way to live together that acknowledges the value of every church member.
10. Passing Amendment 10-A would allow the church to focus on other essential mission, and present a far more winsome witness to the world. The church does not need or assume uniformity of views; it does need common discipleship and commitment to serving our Lord.