Overture 04-27. On Declaring That the Definitive Guidance Statements of 1978 and 1979, and Subsequent General Assembly Statements Shall Be Given No Further Force or Effect—From the Presbytery of Detroit.

The Presbytery of Detroit respectfully overtures the 216th General Assembly (2004) to approve the following:

1. The 216th General Assembly (2004) recognizes that within our denomination, people of good character and principle differ in their understanding of human sexuality, and in those differences we are called to exercise mutual forbearance toward each other (Book of Order, G-1.0305).

2. The 216th General Assembly (2004) reminds the church that freedom of conscience with respect to the interpretation of Scripture is to be maintained (Book of Order, G-6.0108a).

3. The 216th General Assembly (2006) declares that no further force or effect shall be given to the statement of definitive guidance by the 190th General Assembly (1978) of the United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America (UPCUSA) that characterizes the practice of homosexuality as sin and instructs that unrepentant homosexual practice does not accord with the constitutional requirements for ordination.

4. The 216th General Assembly (2004) declares that no further force or effect shall be given to the interpretation of the 119th General Assembly (1979) of the Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS) that states “homosexuality falls short of God’s plan.”

5. The 216th General Assembly (2004) declares that subsequent General Assembly statements that affirmed the 1978 and 1979 guidance on homosexuality and ordination shall be given no further force or effect.

Rationale

A great theological divide exists in our denomination on the issue of homosexuality. Over the years, as various proposed amendments were sent to the presbyteries, the votes cast by individual presbyters have indicated that a substantial minority, 40 to 45 percent, affirm an interpretation of Scripture that differs from the guidance of the 1978 and 1979 General Assemblies.

Current constitutional requirements for ordination have been built upon the scriptural interpretations of the 1978 UPCUSA and 1979 PCUS General Assemblies, and subsequent judicial rulings have stated that presbyteries and congregations are obligated to follow those constitutional requirements for ordination. Yet, the scriptural interpretation that is used to bind the conscience of presbyteries and congregations was never sent to the presbyteries for approval.

The preliminary principles of “mutual forbearance” and “God alone is Lord of the conscience” must be given full effect through acknowledging the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) contains theological diversity on the issue of homosexuality. Scriptural interpretation on nonessentials of the Reformed faith is to be entrusted to individuals as they teach and preach, and to ordaining bodies as they seek to discern the call of Christ in those being examined for ordained office.