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We received the following statement:
Christ Church, Presbyterian
Burlington, VT
Statement of Compliance with G-6.0106b
of the PC(U.S.A.) Book of Order
Since paragraph G-6.0106b was enacted in 1997, Christ Church, Presbyterian has struggled mightily with how to extend fully the grace and hospitality of Jesus Christ to our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters, while at the same time remaining faithful to the Church's constitution.
In June 1998, Christ Church, Presbyterian’s Report to the Presbytery of Northern New England stated that we had not found a way to be in compliance with G-6.0106b without harming deeply the church community that we are called to lead. We also believed that no congregation could be fully in compliance with G-6.0106b without violating numerous other provisions in the Book of Order that clearly mandate an inclusive church.
Since then we have been prayerfully listening to the wider Church and we have heard many voices.
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We have heard the Permanent Judicial Commission of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in its Londonderry vs. The Presbytery of Northern New England decision. “The Commission finds that there are no constitutional grounds for a governing body to fail to comply with an express provision of the Constitution, however inartfully stated. Assertions of inconsistency, confusion, or ambiguity may justify the right to protest. They do not create a right to disregard any part of the Constitution.” |
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We have also heard the GA-PJC state in the same decision, “It is not unusual for a document such as our Constitution, written at different periods of time and under different circumstances, to exhibit tensions and ambiguities in its provisions. Nevertheless, it is the task of governing bodies and judicial commissions to resolve them in such a way as to give effect to all provisions.” (emphasis added) |
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We have listened attentively as the Presbytery of Northern New England graciously exercised pastoral care and guidance, assisting us in fulfilling our obligation to comply with the Constitution. |
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While supportive of Amendment A from the 213th General Assembly in 2001, we have heard the wider Church when the amendment failed to be ratified by a majority of the Presbyteries. |
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We have listened with great interest to recent GA-PJC rulings in the Stamford and Wier proceedings. |
In assessing all that we have heard, the Session concluded that the April 1997 Resolution (of conscience) and our 1998 Report to the Presbytery of Northern New England were no longer appropriate under the circumstances. Consequently, on June 2, 2002, the Session unanimously adopted the following statement:
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"We have been engaged in a continuing process of congregational discernment in light of the GA-PJC decision in Londonderry Presbyterian Church vs. Presbytery of Northern New England, the help we have received from the Pastoral Committee established by the Presbytery pursuant to this decision, and recent PJC decisions interpreting and applying G-6.0106b. The Session of Christ Church, Presbyterian, grateful for new opportunities for creative witness on an issue it cares deeply about, hereby sets aside our Resolution of April 20, 1997, and the Report of June 18, 1998, so that we can clarify and strengthen our statement of present conviction.” |
In Londonderry vs. the Presbytery of Northern New England, the GA-PJC challenged us (and the Church as a whole) to find a way of resolving tensions and ambiguities in the Constitution in such a way as makes effective all of its provisions. At the time of the PJC decision, this seemed a daunting challenge. But today, following a period of study, dialogue, discernment, listening and prayer, we now realize that the task can be accomplished.
Whereas in June of 1998 we had not found a way to reconcile G-6.0106b with other provisions in the Book of Order calling for full inclusiveness, we now have. Our error was in leaving the interpretation of G-6.0106b to others, rather than exploring for ourselves what it is that G-6.0106b actually says. After closer examination as instructed by the GA-PJC in Londonderry vs. the Presbytery of Northern New England, we now realize that our church's stand on inclusiveness, the Constitution’s requirements for inclusiveness, and the provisions of G-6.0106b are not mutually exclusive. When properly and faithfully interpreted, G-6.0106b and other constitutional requirements for inclusiveness can co-exist.
Let us, then, examine the provisions of G-6.0106b and assess whether or not they constitute a bar to ordination of gay and lesbian persons of faith:
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"G-6.0106b: Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to Scripture…
The interpretation of scriptural passages related to homosexuality has been a core issue dividing Presbyterians for decades now. Countless books and articles, debates on the floors of presbyteries and pronouncements from biblical scholars of every stripe have failed to resolve the issue. We shall not attempt to resolve it here, except to state that it is our conviction that scripture, taken as a whole, proclaims the Good News of God's everlasting love. We take as our guidance the overarching commandment given to us by our Lord, Jesus Christ, that we are to love God with all our heart and soul and mind; and that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves.
We have studied scripture, including the six passages of Old and New Testament that are commonly cited as condemning homosexuality. When placed in their proper historical context, these passages are subject to differing interpretations – especially so when viewed through the twin lenses of science and human experience.
Does the Bible clearly condemn homosexuality and loving homosexual relationships? We believe that it does not. And our right of scriptural interpretation is protected by Paragraphs G-1.0301 and G-6.0108 of the Book of Order.
"…and in conformity to the historic confessional standards of the church.
The larger Westminster Catechism (7.249) condemns "unnatural lust" and "sodomy." But there is no clear agreement on how these terms are to be defined and used. "Unnatural" could apply to a homosexual involved in a sexual relationship with a heterosexual. "Lust" may be understood as uncontrolled, illicit, or obsessive sexual interest--not the kind of sexual sharing manifested in a loving and faithful relationship.
"Sodomy" has many meanings, some of which include heterosexual acts. Other interpretations include rape, injustice, oppression, cruelty, deceit, greed, idolatry, inhospitality and hypocrisy. We find no indictment of loving and committed homosexual relationships.
The translation of the Heidelberg Catechism (4.087) as currently used in our Book of Confessions condemns "homosexual perversion." However, most scholars agree that the original language referred to "(an) unchaste person, idolater, adulterer." In fact, the word "homosexual" didn't even exist when the Heidelberg Catechism was written. Further, 'homosexual perversion' no more condemns all homosexual acts than 'heterosexual perversion' condemns all heterosexual acts. In short, we do not believe that our Confessions condemn all homosexual practice.
"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.
Chastity does not mean celibacy. In fact, our Confessions warn us that vows of celibacy in service to the church constitute "superstitious and sinful snares, in which no Christian may entangle himself." (6.126; 7.249)
Other possible interpretations of the word "chastity" include moderation, seriousness, monogamy, modesty and respect. Therefore, "living chastely in singleness" does not constitute a ban on committed homosexual relationships.
"Persons refusing to repent…
Our Confessions establish that "repentance" is a state of inward conviction about the wrongfulness of one's acts. Many homosexuals believe that their relationship with a same-sex partner is a gift from God, a good and natural part of God's creation that can be responsibly acted on. Further, our Confessions state that "repentance is a sheer gift of God and not a work of our strength." Accordingly, "refusing to repent" should not be assumed from a mere refusal to acquiesce in the views of a narrow majority.
"…of any self-acknowledged practice which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained and/or installed as deacons, elders, or ministers of the Word and Sacrament."
Again, we are back to our Confessions and whether or not they proclaim homosexual relationships to be sinful. As stated earlier, it is far from clear that they do and, indeed, it is our conviction that loving homosexual relationships are neither more nor less likely to be sinful than loving heterosexual relationships.
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We are reminded of the GA-PJC admonition to give effect to all parts of the Constitution. In the foregoing, we have addressed specifically the provisions of G-6.0106b; but we must not overlook the preceding paragraph in the Book of Order, G-6.0106a, which provides in positive terms the qualifications for ordination: "(Candidates) should be persons of strong faith, dedicated discipleship, and love of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel in the church and in the world." While we cannot overlook potentially negative traits that might disqualify candidates from leadership in the church, we must--and will--give significant attention to the qualities called for in G-6.0106a.
In giving effect to all parts of the Constitution, we affirm that "God has put all things under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and has made Christ Head of the Church, which is his body." We confirm that membership, and all rights of membership, are based solely on one's profession of faith. We hold high the right of the people to choose their own leaders. We believe in giving full expression to the rich diversity within our membership. We believe in welcoming all who respond in trust and obedience to God's grace in Jesus Christ. We affirm that all active members are entitled to the privileges of the church, including the right to vote and hold office. We pledge to continue working for reconciliation and unity in the midst of our diversity, and, in so doing, we pledge forbearance towards those who differ with us and ask the same of them. And we remain open to God's continuing reformation of the Church.
With full confidence that we are abiding with the Constitution, including the provisions of G-6.0106b, the Session of Christ Church, Presbyterian vows to continue welcoming persons living singly or in committed relationships, regardless of sexual orientation, into the life, membership and leadership of this congregation on an equal basis, including eligibility for election and ordination as a ruling elder or deacon.
Adopted by the Session
November 11, 2002
Related links:
• Book of Order, G-6.0106
• Decision in Londonderry vs. The Presbytery of Northern New England
• Stamford decision
• Wier decision
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