Yesterday evening, the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area voted 205-56 to ratify Amendment 10-A to the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), casting the 87th affirmative vote. A majority of the nation's 173 presbyteries have now voted to ratify Amendment 10-A, which opens the possibility of ordination for gay and lesbian people to the offices of Deacon, Elder, and Minister of Word and Sacrament. A number of presbyteries have yet to vote, and while we await those results, as of today, 88 presbyteries have voted affirmatively to ratify the amendment.
Amendment 10-A replaces language that has been in the Book of Order since 1997. The current language has been worded in this way:
“Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to Scripture and in conformity to the historic confessional standards of the church. Among these standards is the requirement to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (W-4.9001), or chastity in singleness. Persons refusing to repent of any self-acknowledged practice which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained and/or installed as deacons, elders, or ministers of Word and Sacrament.”
The new language in the Book of Order will state the following:
“Standards for ordained service reflect the church’s desire to submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life (G-1.0000). The governing body responsible for ordination and/or installation (G.14.0240; G-14.0450) shall examine each candidate’s calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability for the responsibilities of office. The examination shall include, but not be limited to, a determination of the candidate’s ability and commitment to fulfill all requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W-4.4003). Governing bodies shall be guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual candidates.”
Here are some national news stories concerning this vote in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.):
Huffington Post: Presbyterian Church Votes to Allow Openly Gay and Lesbian Clergy
Los Angeles Times: Presbyterian Church Votes to Allow Gay Ordination
Here are some news stories and opinion pages from Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) sources:
Presbyterian News Service: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Approves Change in Ordination Standard
Covenant Network: Gratitude for the Passage of Amendment 10-A
More Light: Breaking News! Amendment 10-A is Ratified
Presbyterians for Renewal: FPR Response to Removal of "Fidelity & Chastity" Clause
The Layman Online: Reactions to the Passing of Amendment 10A
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