Just in from GA2008.com:
Assembly Approves total package of changes on ordination standards
Written by Webmaster
Friday, 27 June 2008
The General Assembly has voted to approve all three major items related to ordination standards:
1) they have added a new authoritative interpretation of the constitution that is specifically designed to allow sessions and presbyteries to ordain persons who do not abide by the constitutional standards for ordination;
2) they have removed an existing authoritative interpretation that prohibits homosexual practice for church officers.
These two actions are immediately effective.
3) The GA voted to send to the presbyteries an amendment to the constitution, namely the deletion of the "Fidelity and Chastity" standard and the addition of language that says a sincere effort to obey one's personal interpretation of scripture is the standard for ordination.
It is difficult to imagine what more this Assembly could do to speak clearly about the state of the PC(USA). These are not little changes. And they were made with full knowledge of the effects of "little" changes at the last General Assembly.
PFR will very soon speak to the church about this GA and where we now are as denomination and as a renewal movement.
2 comments:
"...the addition of language that says a sincere effort to obey one's personal interpretation of scripture is the standard for ordination."
Wouldn't it just be easier to adopt the motto: "PCUSA: Ordaining anyone with any view" ?
I think it would streamline things...
Right! As long as you're "sincere" in your view we'll ordain you. It sounds a lot like Judges "In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes."
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