The Constitution Interpretation Committee voted to recommend disapproval of CON-04, with comment, concluding that other proposals before the 227th General Assembly already address the concerns raised by the overture.
CON-04, submitted by Northwest Coast Presbytery, sought the creation of a special committee to study the theological, ecclesial and pastoral implications of two amendments approved by the 226th General Assembly and later ratified by presbyteries. Those amendments, known as 24-A and 24-C, added “gender identity” and “sexual orientation” to categories protected from discrimination in the Book of Order and require councils to consider the church’s principles of participation and representation when examining candidates for ordained ministry.
Supporters of CON-04 argued that additional study was needed to clarify how the amendments interact with longstanding Presbyterian commitments to freedom of conscience and local council authority. Advocates of the overture expressed concern that the amendments could function as a litmus test for ordination or service in ordered ministry.
Related reading: “A pastoral safety net for all: Why we need CON-04” by Wesley Pak and “More harm than good: Why CON-04 should be disapproved” by Brian Ellison
In recommending disapproval, the committee pointed to work already underway in the Gender and Sexuality Justice Committee. Commissioners specifically cited GEN-06 and GEN-09 as addressing issues that prompted the overture.
GEN-06 would allow a congregation to indicate its level of interest on a Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP), and the openness and readiness of the congregation to call an LGBTQIA+ candidate. Likewise, an LGBTQIA+ candidate would be allowed to view congregational responses about their openness and readiness to call an LGBTQIA+ candidate. As reported by the Outlook, this overture was approved by the Gender and Sexuality Justice Committee 55-4 with a comment.
GEN-09 calls for Presbyterian Life & Witness, in consultation with appropriate advisory and advocacy committees, to fund and develop a comprehensive theological framework document and study guide that addresses human sexuality and gender and that reflects and supports the denomination’s commitment to full inclusion of all people. This work would continue the work of the 223rd General Assembly (2018), in approval of “On Affirming and Celebrating the Full Dignity and Humanity of All Gender Identities.”
The overture was approved with amendment by the committee, 55-5, and will be sent on to the General Assembly, which convenes next week.
Related reading: “General Assembly overture recommends comprehensive studies on sexuality and gender, relationships, and family” by Gregg Brekke, Outlook reporting
During the discussion, Constitutional Interpretation Committee members agreed that these measures provide avenues for the church to continue addressing questions surrounding the implementation of Amendments 24-A and 24-C, making the special committee proposed in CON-04 unnecessary.
