That marks the fourth time since the “fidelity and chastity” language was ratified in 1997 that the denomination’s 173 presbyteries have been asked to remove it. Three times they have said “No” – but the vote has been growing closer.
Knowing exactly what to make of the ordination standards vote was complicated, because within hours of that vote, the assembly decided not to discuss a series of overtures asking the denomination to change the definition of marriage in the Directory for Worship (W-4.9001) from being between a man and a woman to being between “two people.”
In the end, both Presbyterians who want the ordination standards to change and those who don’t were left with a mixed result – and without a clear sense of where the PC(USA) is likely to go.
On July 8, the assembly voted 373 to 323 (a margin of 53 to 46 percent) to approve an overture submitted by the Presbytery of Western Reserve. That overture would replace “fidelity and chastity” with the following language:
“Standards for ordained service reflect the church’s desire to submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life.” The governing body responsible “shall examine each candidate’s calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability for the responsibilities of office,” and determine the candidate’s ability and commitment to fulfill the requirements presented in the constitutional questions for those being ordained and installed.
“Governing bodies shall be guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual candidates.”
Some who spoke against the Western Reserve overture warned that it would amount to local option – letting local governing bodies set their own ordination standards – and amounted to a lowering of the denomination’s ordination standards. Others said the overture would actually strengthen the standards.
There also was discussion about how Christians in the global South would react, and about what young people want – a traditional understanding of sexual morality, or more tolerance? And Presbyterians are well aware that they’re not alone in this – that other denominations, including the Episcopalians, Lutherans, and Methodists, continue to debate ordaining gays and lesbians as well.
Some warned that if the presbyteries delete the “fidelity and chastity” standard, more individuals and congregations will leave the PC(USA), which now has about 2.1 million members.
Hector Reynoso, a minister from Mission Presbytery, said if the presbyteries remove “fidelity and chastity,” he will leave the PC(USA).
But Lacy Morris, a young adult advisory delegate from Arkansas Presbytery, said “it breaks my heart” that people are so afraid of ordaining gays and lesbians. Pointing out that Presbyterians also resisted ordaining women and people of color, Morris said she sees the change in ordination standards as “one more step in the direction of Jesus Christ.”
The assembly rejected a minority report that sought to leave the current ordination standards intact but to send a pastoral letter instead.
