Cascades Presbytery

June, 2005

Motion: That the Presbytery of the Cascades send the following overture to the 217th General Assembly (2006)

Overture

The Presbytery of the Cascades respectfully overtures the 217th General Assembly (2006) to:

• Provide the following authoritative interpretation:

“Interpretative statements concerning ordained service of homosexual church members made by the 190th General Assembly (1978) of the UPCUSA and the 119th General Assembly (1979) of the PCUS, and all subsequent affirmations thereof, have no further force or effect.”

• Direct the Stated Clerk to send the following proposed amendment to the presbyteries for their affirmative or negative vote:

“Shall G-6.0106b be stricken?”

Rationale:

The General Assembly has agreed that homosexual persons who sincerely affirm “Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior” …should not be excluded from membership. (Minutes of the General Assembly, UPCUSA, 1978)

The Constitution of the PCUSA declares that all active members are entitled to all the rights and privileges of the church, including the right …to hold office. (G.5.0202)

The Historic Principles of the PCUSA state that every Christian church, or union or association of particular churches, is entitled to declare the terms of admission into its communion, and the qualifications of its ministers and members. (G.1.0302)

It will further the peace, unity, and purity of our churches, Presbyteries, and denomination (G.14.0207g) to allow sessions and presbyteries their historic rights and responsibilities to ordain to leadership those whom they find called to serve.