October 2012 GAPJC Decisions
Three decisions by the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission address the controversial issues of marriage, the property trust clause, and ordination standards.
New Guidelines for Examination Published
As sessions and presbyteries begin to implement the revised Form of Government, including the substitution of G-2.0104b for the obsolete G-6.0106b, the Covenant Network of Presbyterians offers an updated edition of its resource Guidelines for Examination of Church Officers.
A Personal Perspective on Scott Anderson's Ordination
Much has been said and written about the ordination of Scott Anderson this past weekend at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Madison, Wisconsin. Covenant Network's Interim Executive Director, Nancy Enderle, offers her reflections about this momentous event.
Rejoicing with Scott Anderson
Scott Anderson's Service of Ordination will take place on October 8th, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, in Madison, WI. Scott’s ordination as a teaching elder offers a sign of hope for the many people who have long worked for a more inclusive church policy toward the ordination of our gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgendered brothers and sisters.
25 Former G.A. Moderators Issue Letter to the Church
“Some of us have worked and prayed for this change to happen, and some of us have worked and prayed that the current wording in the Book of Order would hold firm. But all of us fervently hope that the church will move forward as a unified and missional expression of the Body of Christ.”
PCUSA Leaders Address the Church on the Approval of Amendment 10-A
"It is Jesus Christ who calls individuals to ordained ministries, and all those who are called to ordained office continue to acknowledge Jesus as Lord of all and Head of the church. It is this same Jesus Christ who is the foundation of our faith and to whom we cling."
Gratitude for the Passage of Amendment 10-A
As of May 10, 2011, the amendment to G-6.0106b proposed by the 219th General Assembly (2010) has received the affirmative votes of a majority of the presbyteries. The Covenant Network Board of Directors has issued a statement.
"Baptism is every Christian's ordination."
Rev. Dr. Dean K. Thompson, recently retired President of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, spoke in support of Amendment 10-A at the March 1, 2011 meeting of the Presbytery of West Virginia.
Reformation is never easy, unanimous, or noncontroversial
David Colby has provided some historical perspective on the difficulty of change in the church, in an article for The Presbyterian Outlook, "Reformation is never easy, unanimous, or noncontroversial."
A Letter of Support for 10-A
Across the church people are working together to spread the word about the merits of Amendment 10-A. In Coastal Carolina Presbytery a letter in support of 10-A was drafted and sent out prior to the March 26th presbytery meeting. Thanks to all who signed the letter and who persevere in hope.
Good words from the author of The Good Book
Peter Gomes, author of The Good Book and minister of Harvard’s Memorial Church, died this week. His remarks to the Covenant Network G.A. Luncheon in 1999 remain remarkably relevant as we again consider ordination standards.
Commending Dialogue, Including on Ordination Standards (2/11)
Meeting in Atlanta earlier this week, the Board of Directors of the Covenant Network commented on ongoing cross-boundary conversations within the denomination, and celebrated progress in voting on Amendment 10-A.
Interview with Rev. Dr. Arlo Duba
Dr. Arlo Duba, Professor of Worship Emeritus, retired Dean of the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, and PC(USA) Minister of Word and Sacrament, was recently interviewed by More Light Presbyterian Outreach Director, Debra Peevey. Dr. Duba shares his journey, leading to a change of heart and mind regarding the ordination of LGBT persons.
G-6.0106b in PC(USA) Perspective – Reflections on Amendment 10-A
The current text of G-6.0106b is out of sync with Presbyterian and Reformed theology and polity. Amendment 10-A corrects those errors. Here's a collection of references.
Standing by the Promises
Elder Signe Bell, speaking to New Castle Presbytery prior to their vote to approve Amendment 10-A, reminded Presbyterians of the promises made to all the baptized.