An analysis of proposed amendments to the PC(USA) Constitution
Amending the Heidelberg Catechism in the Book of Confessions
Amendment 12-1: A new translation of the Heidelberg Catechism
Context: The Heidelberg Catechism was written in German and Latin texts in 1563. It appears there were a number of translation errors in the English translation that is in our Book of Confessions. A committee was formed to investigate the translation errors. During the tenure of the committee, it was discovered that two other Reformed denominations (Christian Reformed Church and Reformed Church in America) were also working on translation issues of Heidelberg. Joining with the CRC and the RCA, the recommendation of a new translation comes to all three denominations for consideration.
PRO: The language in the new translation is more accurate with the original German and Latin texts; Scripture references have been added back that were in the original version; three Reformed denominations (CRC, RCA, PCUSA) agree on the same translation.
CON: Have the current translation in the Book of Confessions.
Clerk Comments: Several issues stand out: (1) The issue of “excessive interest” is not about charging interest, but about charging excessive interest or usury. (2) In Question 87, the original German words are “unchastity or unchaste persons.” The current translation is “homosexual perversions,” but “homosexual” was not a word in 16th century German or Latin. The issue is about unchaste persons regardless of orientation. (3) The fact that three Reformed denominations can agree on a new translation strengthens the credibility of this document.
Amending the current Book of Order
12-A. Business proper to congregational meetings — On amending G-1.0503
PRO: It provides consistency with G-5.05B concerning joint congregational witness.
CON: It could cause the constitution to be at odds with itself; that is, one portion of the Form of Government (FoG) would provide for a joint congregational witness, but there would be no provision in the powers of a congregation to implement the provision.
Clerk Comments: It seems appropriate to approve this; however, it opens issues where congregations are to set various standards (i.e., quorum for congregational meetings, notice of congregational meetings, etc.) without having authorization in G-1.0503 to implement the provision.
12-B. Gifts and qualifications for ordered ministry — On amending G-2.0104a
PRO: It is always good to remind ourselves that repentance is a constant need for any Christian for we all sin and fall short of the glory of God.
CON: How does a council gauge and determine if someone has sufficiently repented and been open to the grace of God? It opens up the possibilities of mis-interpretation or of a creating new set of regulations.
Clerk Comments: Why do we keep adding to the standards for ordination? Will the current FoG continue to expand?
12-C. Presbytery registers — On amending G-3.0104 and G-3.0305
PRO: It clarifies the requirement of Clerk’s ongoing recording of rolls and registers (cf: G-3.0204b)
CON: It could cause some records not to be kept; expands a portion of the Book of Order not needing expansion.
Clerk Comments: The amendment will not hurt anything except to expand the print of the Book of Order. The proposed amendment to G-3.0104 is fine; the change to G-3.0305 is not necessary.
12-D.1-9. Shared Synod Permanent Judicial Commission G-3.0109a, b(6), 3.0404, D-5.0101, D-5.0106, D-5.0203, D-5.0206, D-6.0101, D-6.0202a(6)
Context: It is important to remember that 12-D, 1-9 are all related and need to be considered as such. The issue before the church in this amendment is to provide mechanisms in cases of shared Synod Permanent Judicial Commissions (PJC). Since contiguous synods may share administrative services, it seems logical to provide for the possibility of a shared PJC. These amendments would allow for, but not require, shared PJCs.
PRO: Provides the means for a shared synod to have a shared PJC — if desired by the synods.
CON: No negative reasons; if these amendments are not approved, the shared synod will maintain separate PJCs.
Clerk Comments: These amendments can be a helpful addition during the time of transition of and restructuring of synods. The addition can clarify processes for synods sharing administrative services. It opens up cooperation without requiring it.
12-E. Enrolling ruling elders as members of presbytery — On amending G-3.0301
PRO: Gives clarity to allow Ruling Elders who are Moderators of Committees or Commissions to be enrolled as members of the presbytery during their time of service. In many presbyteries, it would help in the balancing of commissioners.
CON: It seems the current language already provides for this action to occur by the presbytery in its “by rule” determination of members of the presbytery for voting purposes.
Clerk Comments: Why do we need all the details worked out?
12-F. Concurrences for overtures — On amending G-3.0302d
PRO: the amendment declares that an idea in one presbytery out of 173 needs at least another presbytery to concur for the proposal to be considered by a General Assembly. It is a test to see if the concept may be of value to the whole church.
CON: Not requiring some concurrence beyond at least one presbytery encourages business that may or may not be about the whole church.
Clerk Comments: This amendment is a step in the right direction. However, it may behoove us to consider any changes to the Book of Order require a vote of a supermajority of the presbyteries.
12-G. Service of ordination, installation or commissioning — On amending W-4.4002
PRO/CON: It appears this amendment is neither positive nor negative in its addition to the Book of Order. It won’t hurt anything at all.
Clerk Comments: Again, why do we need to keep adding verbiage to the Book of Order?
12-H. Jurisdiction in judicial process — On amending D-3.0101b(2)
PRO: A helpful addition in an electronic age…for a Teaching Elder could be “engaged in work within the geographic bounds of a presbytery” and not be physically present.
CON: It continues current practices which could cause confusion.
Clerk Comments: A good addition providing clarification and flexibility of the process.
12-I. Administrative leave — On amending D-10.0106
PRO: Opens up the administrative leave process to any allegation of sexual misconduct.
CON: Keeps administrative leave for sexual misconduct restricted to actions against persons under 18 or lacking mental capacity to consent.
Clerk Comments: This amendment protects the victim and the congregation/agency and provides a process to deal with the teaching elder.
12-J. Investigating committee responsibilities — On amending D-10.0202
PRO: This amendment provides a first step for the Investigative Committee (IC) to determine if an allegation meets the thresholds required in D-2.0203b; that is, an action contrary to Scripture or the Constitution of the PC (U.S.A.).
CON: This amendment may encourage an IC to forego due process in determining issues in a disciplinary case. Why shouldn’t an IC, already appointed, report to the PJC for a final determination of the case, instead of the Stated Clerk?
Clerk Comments: The amendment needs additional wording so that a PJC, not a stated clerk, determines if a case is worthy of consideration.
CARSON RHYNE is general presbyter and stated clerk of the Presbytery of the James, based in Richmond, Va.
