As a result of actions by the 219th General Assembly in July 2010, the presbyteries will vote on three major issues. We recommend a NO vote on all three of these:
- Amend G-6.0106b to remove the specific ordination standards regarding sexual behavior, thus clearing the way for the ordination of those who engage in sexual relationships outside of the marriage of a man and a woman. Vote NO.
- Replace the current Form of Government, found in the Book of Order in the “G” section, with the proposed Form of Government. Vote NO.
- Include the Belhar Confession in the Book of Confessions. Although the Belhar was written in response to the racism of South Africa’s apartheid, the language of Belhar does not limit it to the sin of racism. Some people interpret the Belhar to affirm same-sex behavior. Vote NO.
In addition to the three items above that will be voted on in presbyteries, the General Assembly “urged” the Board of Pensions to cover same-sex partners of church employees using the mandatory pension and medical plan of installed pastors. Every congregation will be required to financially support a behavior that Scripture, the Confessions, and the Book of Order call sin. Presbyteries will not vote on this. We encourage individuals, sessions and presbyteries to take action to prevent this from happening.
This article first appeared in Theology Matters, Vol. 16, No. 4 (Sep/Oct 2010).
