As our denomination gathers for the 227th General Assembly (2026), we find ourselves at a profound moment of reflection. The passage of Amendments 24-A and 24-C by the 226th General Assembly marked a significant milestone in our church’s historic journey toward expanding equity and inclusivity. Yet, as we move from legislation to implementation, we are faced with a vital question: How do we live out this new invitation to discernment in a way that preserves the peace, unity and purity of the entire church?
This is precisely why CON-04, submitted by the Northwest Coast Presbytery, deserves our collective attention and support. Far from attempting to roll back or diminish the church’s witness to inclusivity, CON-04 seeks a pastoral path forward. It asks the General Assembly to provide clear, protective interpretive guidance that honors the historic Reformed tradition of freedom of conscience (F-3.0101, F-3.0105).
Related reading: “Clarity and oversight sought after passage of ‘Olympia Overture’” by Blake Brinegar, Outlook reporting
True to our theological heritage, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has always maintained that “God alone is lord of the conscience.” Even the Advocacy Committee for LGBTQIA+ Equity (ACQ+E), in its counsel on this item, wisely observed that “a thoughtful theological foundation will deepen trust, strengthen our common life, and support the flourishing of God’s people.” If we truly desire that flourishing, our expansion of inclusivity must be authentic enough to encompass those whose theological conscience differs from the current majority. True diversity cannot exist without theological diversity.
We must ensure that the implementation of recent amendments does not inadvertently become a coercive litmus test that excludes faithful candidates, sessions or mid-councils who hold traditional views of ordered ministry. Whether the assembly chooses to form a new Special Committee or, in the spirit of the current unification process, refers this work to an existing agency, the substantive mandate of CON-04 must be preserved.
Related reading: “More harm than good: Why CON-04 should be disapproved” by Brian Ellison
We need a mature, comprehensive love that refuses to leave any part of the church behind. I pray that the commissioners of the 227th General Assembly will affirm the intent of CON-04, ensuring that our polity remains a space of mutual forbearance, relational discernment, and genuine unity in diversity.
