Majority of presbyteries have approved Amendment 24-C
The Covenant Network of Presbyterians says the vote marks ‘another historic step for inclusion and diversity’ in the PC(USA)
The Covenant Network of Presbyterians reported Tuesday that a majority of presbyteries have now approved Amendment 24-C, which works to ensure that commitment to inclusion and diversity will play a more substantial role in decision-making about ordination and installation of ministers, elders and deacons.
“This is not only a major step forward for the LGBTQIA+ community, but for the church as a whole,” says Slats Toole of Minneapolis, co-moderator of the CNP Board of Directors. “In a time when we are deeply divided, Amendment 24-C encourages dialogue and gives us opportunities to learn from each other. This is vital to being a healthy, sustainable, and Christ-focused church in today’s world.”
The amendment to G-2.0104b of the church’s Book of Order requires presbyteries and sessions to examine candidates on the principles of representation found in another provision, F-1.0403. That important paragraph — which already included “race, ethnicity, age, sex, disability, geography, or theological conviction” — will now also include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” thanks to the earlier passage of Amendment 24-A.
According to a news release from Covenant Network of Presbyterians, Amendment 24-C does not change councils’ freedom to decide whether someone should be ordained; rather, it gives councils more information about candidates’ understandings as they make their decisions.
“This new language provides the church with a rich opportunity for deeper reflection, honest conversation, and authentic discernment,” says the Rev. Brian Ellison, executive director of CNP, which advocated for both amendments. “I’m genuinely excited to see the ways these more comprehensive examinations will benefit LGBTQIA+ people, as well as those from other marginalized groups, as they hear more where they stand with those who would serve among them.”
Covenant Network of Presbyterians said it is committed to working with councils to implement the new provisions in meaningful ways. CNP has already offered sample questions that it believes would be examples of questions that fulfill the provision’s requirements, such as:
- What has the experience of transgender Christians taught you about faith and ministry?
- Talk about a time you have worked with someone with a different race or ethnicity from yourself, and how that affects your understanding of ministry.
- What does it look like for you to “be a friend to your colleagues in ministry” who are LGBTQIA+?
- Talk about a time someone with a different theological conviction changed your mind about something, and whether that was a good thing.
- What would you say to a member of your session if they came to tell you that they couldn’t continue serving as an elder because they disagreed with another elder’s decision to get a divorce?
The CNP vote count, which can be seen here, showed that Amendment 24-C received support from more than 84 presbyteries (the majority required for passage) on May 13. Amendment 24-A had received majority approval in early March.
“With the passage of Amendment 24-C, we rejoice in a church that is moving from affirmation to accountability,” says the Rev. TJ Remaley, pastor of Southminster Presbyterian Church in Boise, Idaho, and co-moderator of the CNP Board of Directors. “Inclusion is not just something to talk about, but something to practice. This is a hopeful and heartfelt step toward making equity more than a statement, and toward ensuring that LGBTQIA+ people — and all who have been marginalized — are seen, respected, and embraced in the full life of the church.”
The changes to the Book of Order take effect July 4.
The Covenant Network of Presbyterians is a national non-profit organization that advocates, educates and equips councils and congregations of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for a fuller and more authentic welcome of LGBTQIA+ people. For more information or to find out more about how your congregation can join our network of affirming churches, visit www.covnetpres.org or contact Executive Director Brian Ellison at brian@covnetpres.org.
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