Overture 11

On Confirming the Requirements in G-6.0106b of “Fidelity” and “Chastity”—From the Presbytery of Mississippi.

The Presbytery of Mississippi overtures the 217th General Assembly (2006) to approve the following authoritative interpretation:

The 217th General Assembly (2006) of the PC(USA) hereby confirms that the requirement for fidelity and/or chastity as set forth in Section G-6.0106b of the Book of Order plainly prohibits practicing homosexuals, adulterers, or anyone engaged in sexually immoral conduct from being ordained and/or installed to church office whether as deacons, elders, or ministers of the Word and Sacrament.

[Section G-6.0106b of the Book of Order provides that “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 the Word and Sacrament.”]

Rationale

The conduct of all persons, in matters concerning sexual activity, is clearly taught in the Holy Scripture.

The particular sexual disposition of a candidate for ordination is not mentioned.

The proper actions of the people of God are addressed in the inspired Word, and should be obeyed by all Christians.

Membership in a church is open to all believers, and all are sinners.
Ordination and/or installation as an officer of the church lays on the person special responsibility and authority, calling for special qualifications.

Reference is made to The Book of Confessions, The Larger Catechism, 7.249, Question 139 and answer; and to Hebrews 13:4 as well as other constitutional statements.