Stated Clerk Sends Letter on
Proposed Overtures on Ordination Standards

Click here to read the letter

Following the General Assembly's adoption (by 57%) of an Authoritative Interpretation reiterating the authority and responsibility of sessions and presbyteries to determine whether an expressed "departure" or "scruple" by a potential ordinand (for deacon, elder, or minister of Word and Sacrament) constitutes a departure from "the essentials of Reformed faith and polity," many presbyteries entered into the process of forming discernment groups and task forces to explore options and to study theology together, as a precursor to thinking further about how the newly adopted Authoritative Interpretation of G-6.0108 may affect ordination procedures.

Unfortunately, some of the same groups that opposed the Theological Task Force report before G.A. are now trying to blunt the impact of the new A.I. at presbytery level. They have sent overtures to a dozen presbyteries that attempt to remove any governing body discretion in ordination decisions. Although there are variations, the most common declares that G-6.0106b is itself an “essential of Reformed faith and polity” from which no departures can be permitted.

If you find similar measures coming before your presbytery, you will want to know about the recent letter from the Stated Clerk*, advising that these and several other recently suggested overtures are unconstitutional. Please also contact National Organizer Tricia Dykers Koenig [216 658-1770, triciadk@covenantnetwork.org] to share your news and learn of others' experience in facing such moves.

*pdf file