Meeting online June 22-24, the Constitutional Interpretation Committee of the 227th General Assembly will work to discern the mind of Christ on a handful of significant issues, including monogamy among ministers and the prohibition of non-disclosure covenants in employee relations.
Ruling Elder Miriam Hollar of the Presbytery of South Louisiana will moderate the committee and the Rev. Joseph Genau, Jr. of the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley will serve as vice-moderator.
CON-02 and CON-03 are overtures on prohibiting non-disclosure covenants in employee relations. CON-02, from the Presbytery of the Cascades, would direct staff to rewrite employee policies prohibiting the use of non-disclosure covenants with all employees. A report on revisions in employee policies would be due by the 228t General Assembly (2028).
CON-03, from the Presbytery of Pueblo, includes the requirements of CON-02 and adds re-establishing “the authority of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in hiring and employee relations, making clear that when state law contradicts the Constitution, the Constitution holds primary authority in employee relations with staff of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) at all levels.”
The Unification Commission argues against adopting CON-03. The Advisory Committee on the Constitution said it opposes both items. “This is clearly an administrative task, not a constitutional issue,” the ACC said, adding, “It is therefore beyond the constitutional authority of the 227th General Assembly to dictate revisions to employee policies.”
CON-10, from the Presbytery of Sierra Blanca, would require ministers to be monogamous. It would direct the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly to add this authoritative interpretation to the book of Order after G-2.0503a(3): “(4), Display moral character in all personal relationships by loving all neighbors without exception; refraining from gossip or strife; exhibiting patience; extending grace; serving as agents of God’s reconciliation in the world; and, if engaged in any relationship of a sexual nature, living in a monogamous one.” It also commends development of pastoral resources for sessions and presbyteries “offering care to individuals exiting polyamorous or polygamous situations …”
The Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy, Advocacy Committee for Women and Gender Justice, and Advocacy Committee on LGBTQIA+ Equity advise disapproval. The ACC said the overture doesn’t meet the standards for an amendment to the Constitution nor a request for an authoritative interpretation.
Among other items of business the committee is scheduled to take up:
CON-04 would establish a special committee to evaluate the implementation of Amendments 24-A and 24-C from the 226th General Assembly. Northwest Coast Presbytery, which is bringing the overture, says that while the amendments were adopted during the last assembly “to expand the church’s witness to inclusivity and equity,” questions remain “regarding their interpretation and application in diverse theological, ecclesial and pastoral contexts.” Providing interpretive guidance “will assist congregations, presbyteries and candidates for ordered ministry in navigating these changes faithfully and pastorally,” the rationale states.
CON-07, an overture from the Presbytery of Santa Fe, would remove required participation in the Board of Pensions Medical Plan. It would amend G-2.0804, Terms of Call, to state, “if a congregation and pastor elect not to participate in the medical benefits plan of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), an acceptable alternative for medical coverage for the pastor and their family must be presented to the appropriate committee or commission of the presbytery for approval.” The Racial Equity Advocacy Committee opposes adoption, while the Board of Pensions said it takes no position on the proposal, but does offer information in its rationale.
CON-08, brought by the Presbytery of Philadelphia, is on expanding healthcare options for ministers. It adds “or any comparable medical, mental health and wellness plan approved by the presbytery” to G-2.0804. “If a minister has access to comparable medical benefits through their spouse, or if comparable medical coverage is available through a state or national marketplace, the presbytery should be able to approve the most cost-effective medical coverage for the terms of call,” the overture’s rationale states. While again taking no position, the Board of Pensions says it believes that this amendment to the Book of Order “will effectively end the percent of salary medical system and the subsidies it contains.”
CON-09, from the Presbytery of Susquehanna Valley, sends proposed revisions on boundary training and abuse prevention training requirements to presbyteries for their approval or disapproval.
Except for CON-14, CON-11 through CON-16 are all requests by the Advisory Committee on the Constitution for authoritative interpretations on different portions of the Book of Order. In CON-14, the ACC recommends that the 227th General Assembly adopt an authoritative interpretation on the review of minutes and records.
CON-INFO-01 is the ACC’s 2026 Summary Report.
By Mike Ferguson, Presbyterian News Service
