September, 2006

Overture to Pittsburgh Presbytery
regarding the newly adopted Authoritative Interpretation

The Session of Union Presbyterian Church of Robinson Township, McKees Rocks, PA, concurred in by the Sessions of Lebanon Presbyterian Church, Riverdale Presbyterian Church, and the First Presbyterian Church of Bakerstown, respectfully requests that Pittsburgh Presbytery approve the following:

In its discernment of the essentials of Reformed polity and for the sake of the peace, unity, and purity of the church, Pittsburgh Presbytery:

Adopts the principle that compliance with the standards for ordination approved by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in the Book of Order is an essential of Reformed polity. Therefore, any departure from the standards for ordination expressed in the Book of Order will bar a candidate from ordination and/or installation by this governing body. Provisions of the Book of Order are signified as being standards by use of the term "shall," "is/are to be," "requirement," or equivalent expression; and

Resolves that no exceptions to the requirement that all Ministers of the Word and Sacrament must "live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or in chastity in singleness" (Book of Order, G-6.0106b) will be allowed within the jurisdiction of this Presbytery; and

Resolves that Ministers of the Word and Sacrament shall be prohibited from conducting same-sex marriages within the jurisdiction of this Presbytery.

Rationale
The 217th General Assembly (2006) approved the new Authoritative Interpretation recommended by the Task Force on Peace, Unity and Purity in a much divided vote. Confusion has followed about what this Authoritative Interpretation means and what changes, if any, will result. Indications are that this confusion will contribute to our financial distress and membership decline as well as compromise our mission. It behooves Pittsburgh Presbytery to bring clarity to the application of the standards set forth in the Book of Order to our local situation.

Being an ordained Presbyterian means doing ministry within specific theological boundaries. “His or her conscience is captive to the Word of God as interpreted in the standards of the church so long as he or she continues to seek or hold office in that body.” (Book of Order, G-6.0108b).