Dear Caldwell,
The nuts and bolts of Presbytery meetings are not usually blog-worthy. My compulsion to write about Presbytery meetings is about equal to your thirst to read it. Not a lot. But, as Presbyterians, it’s important to remind ourselves how we work together – always seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit – to make important decisions. For that reason, I thought I would tell you what happened today.
As you may well be aware, three major issues came up for a vote in Charlotte, just part of a national rolling vote underway across the national denomination. Of the three, the most headline-grabbing issue was, of course, our standards for ordination. If you read my blog or the Charlotte Observer last week, you know that this issue was technically decided last Tuesday. That was the day when, on a national basis, a majority percentage of Presbyteries was reached in favor of removing language that has barred otherwise qualified gays and lesbians from serving in ordained office (minister, elder, deacon).
That tipping point made today’s vote in Charlotte interesting. If it’s a done-deal nationally, how should we vote locally. As important, how should we debate the issue? We heard designated speakers make arguments for and against the change. Then about two dozen “floor speakers” stepped up to the mikes to add their input. Two hours later it was over. The result was approval of the new language (known as 10-A) by a vote of 162-154 (with one abstention). This was very close to the outcome of a similar vote in Charlotte two years ago. The newly adopted language is:
Amendment 10-A: 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.
So, now the Charlotte Presbytery stands with the majority of Presbyterians nationwide on this issue. That doesn’t mean everyone in Charlotte sees this issue the same way. To the contrary, today at Presbytery we were reminded of the many, many ways people of faith can arrive at opposite conclusions. Still, we strive to be the Body of Christ together. As the familiar spiritual we sing says, we are, as always, “standing in the need of prayer.” I will have more to say about all this on Sunday.
(If you are interested in the other issues, the Charlotte Presbytery approved adding the Belhar Confession to our Book of Confessions (though this issue is not on track to pass nationally) and disapproved of a simplification of our form of government.
In Christ,
John