Clerk's Corner
April 2012
Greetings! Spring is one of my favorite times of the year. Longer days, signs of new growth all around, as Christians around the world prepare to celebrate Christ’s resurrection. In this issue of Clerk’s Corner I want to review the headlines from our recent annual meeting, the recent developments at the Mission Presbytery meeting in San Antonio, and update you on the status of our search for a senior pastor and other actions taken by Session.
Annual Congregational Meeting
Our annual congregational meeting was held on Sunday, February 26 in FEB 200. Rev. Parsons gave a “State of the Church” message, noting that from the viewpoint of an “outsider”, Covenant is a GREAT congregation. He recalled last year’s celebration of Covenant’s 50th anniversary, the role of the Town Hall meetings to help define the identity of CPC, the special nature of the Service of Wholeness, the improved budget situation that enabled Session to adopt a balanced budget and provide both an increase in our Mission giving and a pay raise for our devoted staff for the first time in four years. He complimented the leadership of the church and the creative and dedicated staff we have at Covenant Presbyterian Church. He also reminded the congregation that sometimes in decisions regarding personnel matters it may appear that Session is keeping information from the congregation, but that this is usually dictated by confidentiality issues related to the legal aspects of termination, etc. He also spoke to the uniqueness of Covenant Presbyterian Church, a special place that, much like Austin, appreciates its diversity.
I then summarized some of the efforts Session has undertaken to respond to the passage of Amendment 10-A and the new Form of Government (nFoG). Session appointed a task force called the BOO (Book of Order) Committee, consisting of the Clerk, Judith Thorburn (immediate past Clerk), Joy Durrant (Clerk-elect), Frederick L. Clement (Dir. of Administration), and Tom Sedberry, to draft necessary documents for Session to review. It was pointed out that there are relatively few things that congregations need to do, but that each congregation does need to adopt bylaws that define their quorum, how their congregational nominating committee will be constituted, the notice requirements for Annual Meetings, and whether they will use Roberts Rules of Order as their principles of governance. Session is grateful for the many members of congregation who made suggestions that helped craft the final version of bylaws put forth by Session for the approval by the active members of the congregation. Following discussion, a vote to approve the bylaws passed by an overwhelming voice YES vote, with one NO vote.
Elders Tom Hutchison and Joe Muck, co-chairs of the 2011 congregational nominating committee (CNC), thanked the other members of the CNCAshley Ellison, Paulette Kern, Julie Ann Hartman, Jim Weatherby, and Thais Kilday-- for their service. After presentation of CNC’s slate of nominees, Don Davis, Evangeline Herring, Chuck Ruesink, Melanie Williamson and Cindy Young, were elected as Elders for the Class of 2015. Also elected at this meeting, were the Trustees, Deacons, and Corporate Treasurer. John McFarlane, Michael Maham, Barbara Rogers, and Amy Skaggs were elected as the four at-large members of the new CNC.
Mission Presbytery
Another important meeting earlier this year was the Mission Presbytery meeting in San Antonio on March 2 and 3. There are a few things of particular note that happened at this meeting that I want to share with you. The most controversial issue had to do with the process of “Gracious Separation” (http://www.mission-presbytery.org/GraciousSeparationPolicy.cfm) and how it relates to the status of three Hispanic churches in the Valley - El Principe de Paz (Mercedes), Iglesia Presbiteriana Getsemani (San Benito), and Iglesia Presbiteriana San Pablo (Brownsville). On Feb. 10, 2012 Mission Presbytery received a letter of renunciation from Pastors Hector Reynoso (El Principe) and Tom Johnson (Getsemani) on behalf of the three churches declaring “that we are no longer under the jurisdiction of the PCUSA” and “are seeking membership into another Presbyterian denomination.” While acknowledging the property issues (“we stand ready to hand everything over to you”), the letter “kindly implores” Mission Presbytery to let them go “with the little that we have”. Letters were sent to both pastors on Feb. 13th, acknowledging receipt of their request, and informing them that according to the Book of Order (G-2.0509) their renunciation would be effective upon reciept of the notification, or Feb. 10th, and that they were no longer Teaching Elders/Ministeres of the Word and Sacrament in PCUSA as of that date. The letter went on to inform them that they needed to collect their personal items and turn in their keys to the Committee on Ministry (COM) Regional Chair by Feb. 16th (or Friday, Feb. 17th ) This was followed by a response letter from Rev. Hector Reynoso to clarify that it was not just the pastors but the three congregations that had voted to renounce jurisdiction to the PCUSA and that they had joined the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
These actions have generated lots of public reaction, most of it in opposition of the actions taken by Mission Presbytery. The issues as presented in San Antonio by Mission Presbytery have to do with the three churches not following the Gracious Separation procedure adopted at the Mission Presbytery meeting last October which requires a listening team, a resolution team and terms of separation to be agreed upon as part of the separation process. Mission Presbytery arranged to fill the pulpit on Sunday, Feb. 20th. Mission Presbytery argued that they need time and the opportunity to identify and protect the interests of any remaining PCUSA congregants in the three churches in question. A r motion for Mission Presbytery to turn over the properties to the new EPC congregations for $1was made on Friday and tabled. On Saturday, the tabled motion was ruled “not valid and therefore out of order” and the motion was not voted on. Subsequently three motions from the Committee on Ministry (COM) to “move per G-3.0109b an Administrative Commission be appointed for … (each of the three churches) … to take original jurisdiction of the session, inquire into and settle difficulties within the church” passed after passionate, but respectful, debated with limited opposition.
Other items taken up at Mission Presbytery worth mentioning are: 1) Judy Skaggs, Chair of the General Council, presented By-laws for a first vote and a Manual of Operation for Mission Presbytery for approval. Both motions passed. Judy Skaggs also noted that Mission Presbytery invites further comments on the Gracious Separation policy approved at the October meeting by April 1st, so any needed changes can be addressed and voted on at the Presbytery meeting in June.
We are also monitoring two church property cases before the Texas Supreme Court,one filed by the Church of the Good Shepherd, San Angelo, and another by the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth. This is an important milestone for the law of church property in Texas as it potentially will affect the ownership of church properties. The last time the Supreme Court decided such a case was in 1909.
The final item I will mention was a vote taken (76 Yes, 99 No) not to endorse an overture calling for PCUSA to respond to the “Call from Palestinian Christians for Economic Solidarity” by engaging in a “boycott and disinvestment as tools for nonviolence for justice, peace, and security for all.”
Denominational Affairs
As part of Session’s efforts to stay informed and keep you informed on what has been happening in and outside of PCUSA, Session invited Rev. Jim Singleton to speak to us from his perspective about the Fellowship and ECO on the evening of March 19th in FEB 200. Session had intended that there would also be an opportunity for many of us to hear the perspectvie from PCUSA when Rev. Cynthia Bolbach, Moderator of General Assembly of PCUSA, was scheduled to speak twice in conjunction with the Mission Presbytery meeting in San Antonio in early March. Unfortunately, the Rev. Bolbach was not able to attend that meeting due to health issues. Session has invited the Rev. Tammy Brown, pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Charleston and former Associate Pastor at Covenant, to come and speak at a gathering of the Covenant congregation to give us her perspective on PC(USA) on April 16th, at 7:00 in FEB 200. In a manner similar to what was done for the visit by Rev. Jim Singleton, an invitation will be extended to the Austin cluster of Presbyterian Churches and Austin Seminary to this educational event.
Columbarium
I mentioned this last time, but I would like to remind you that Session approved a preliminary design for a self-funded columbarium project to be located under the exterior east stair in the FEB 1st floor Courtyard. This project will make 84 niches available, priced at $2,000 per niche, with each niche holding up to 2 sets of interred cremains. This project will be funded from pre-sales with construction to commence no earlier than upon realizing pre-sales revenue of at least $40,000. Look for information on this on our web site at covenant.org/CMP, or contact Jerry Beck for further details.
Pastor Search
There are two questions I am asked frequently, one is “Where are we on the search for a new senior pastor?” According to Nancy Reeves, our COM liaison, there is a well defined process that Mission Presbytery wants us to follow to form a Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) and identify a new senior pastor. The steps include: complete a Mission Study and have it approved by the COM (Session needs to oversee a Mission Study); call a congregational meeting to elect a PNC; the PNC crafts a Church Information Form (CIF); and with the approval by the COM, begin a PNC-lead search for our next Senior Pastor. Session authorized a Task Force to do the Mission Study this spring. The town hall meetings of last fall will help with this process; the information you provided through those meetings was the basis for an identity statement. In parallel with this process, the current CNC will be giving prayerful consideration to a slate for a PNC.
The second question I get frequently is, “Can we keep Paul?” Promoting from within used to be forbidden. However, in the new FoG, Section G-2.0504b states that – “A teaching elder employed in a temporary pastoral relationship is ordinarily not eligible to serve as the next installed pastor, co-pastor, or associate pastor. Furthermore, Section G-2.0504c states – “A presbytery may determine that its mission strategy permits ….. a teaching elder employed in a temporary pastoral relationship to be eligible to serve as the next installed pastor… Presbyteries that permit this eligibility shall establish such relationships only by a three-fourths vote of the members of presbytery present and voting.” So, the answer is “Yes”, but at this time we should let Paul focus on continuing to lead us through this interium period and then let the PNC do its work.
This is my last Clerk’s Corner report as I and the rest of the Elder class of 2012 (Brynn Anderson, John Blitch, Maggie Tate and Trey Thompson) rotate off Session the end of April. It has been a blessing to have served on Session with them and the other elders. Joy Durrant has served as Clerk-elect this year and will make an excellent Clerk. I have said it before, but I will end with saying it one more time – With the talent we have at Covenant, I am very comfortable with how we can function under the local control options in the nFoG and look forward to what God has in store for Covenant Presbyterian Church in the future. As James Lee led us at Mission Presbytery : “God is good, all the time; all the time, God is good.”
Yours in Christ,
Marv Hackert
Clerk of Session
January 2012
It’s a new year, and a lot is happening around Covenant. Our worship attendance is up; our stewardship pledge statistics are up; our building debt is down; and there is an upbeat mood on campus and excitement about how Covenant is moving forward. We indeed have much to be thankful for.
2011 Reflections
I hope you were one of the many who attended the Service of Wholeness and Reconciliation on Dec. 4. Those in attendance were blessed with a powerful, emotional, special service dedicated to asking for God’s forgiveness and release from our past sins. As part of the process leading up to this service, Rev. Paul Parsons suggested that Session send letters to many of those named as wronged during our Town Hall meetings and that we invite them to attend the service. More than 20 letters were written and sent, and many of those individuals did attend the service. A highlight of the service was a "Join in the Dance" picture that James Lee presented to Covenant as a visual marker of the Healing and Reconciliation Service. Afterward, Rev. Paul stated that he felt the service will stand as a “marker” in the life of Covenant Presbyterian Church, that he believed it was “a Holy Spirit-initiated encounter”, and that he “sat in wonderment through the entire event, recognizing how life in the Kingdom of God is first and foremost meant to be in community working together.”
Budget Update
Covenant’s 2012 stewardship campaign is going well. Twelve weeks into the campaign (Jan.12), we have received 416 pledges for a pledge total of nearly $2 million. At this time, the average pledge is $4,781, which is 11 percent more than the $4,302 average pledge at the same point in the campaign.. If you haven’t turned in a pledge card yet, please give prayerful consideration for doing so soon. Based on a total revenue projection from the Finance Committee, Session approved a projected balanced 2012 operating budget of $2.97 million at its January meeting. The budget is similar to last year with two notable exceptions: a 14 percent increase in the budget for Missions, and a 2 percent across-the-board cost-of-living-adjustment for all staff employed one year or longer.
Many of you have expressed concern about our debt obligation on the new building. The Fellowship and Education Building (FEB) continues to be a source of great pride and anxiety at the same time. While it is a wonderful resource for our many programs and activities, it carries a large debt obligation that results in interest expense being a substantial portion of our total budget. I am pleased to report that the debt on FEB was reduced by nearly $800,000 during 2011, beginning the year at $8.95 million and ending the year at $8.15 million. While we still have a number of pledges outstanding, we need to decrease the debt to, at most, $7.3 million by August of this year. At that time, all of the funding must be converted to permanent financing.
Pastor Nominating Committee
Many people are wondering where we are on the search for a new pastor. After the Town Hall meetings, a Session committee comprised of Jeff Horn, Laura Tuma and Clark Weatherby was charged with taking all the information you provided to write a summary identity statement for Covenant. Session will use this to create a vision to guide us in the near future. Early in 2012, we expect to respond to Amendment 10-A, elect a Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC), and complete Mission Study and a Church Information Form, which are needed to begin the senior pastor search.
Bylaws
Session also approved a committee to address our needs to write bylaws and other necessary materials in response to the passage of the new Form of Government (nFoG). This committee (Fred Clement, Joy Durrant, Marv Hackert, Tom Sedberry and Judith Thorburn) drafted a set of bylaws late last fall. The document was reviewed by several others to get broader feedback before being presented to Session at its January meeting. Session is reviewing a draft of the bylaws to share with the members of the congregation in early February. The congregation will have until about mid-February to review these bylaws and pass any comments to the clerk. Session will then approve a final draft of the bylaws, which the congregation will be asked to vote on at the next congregational meeting.
Congregational Meeting
That congregational meeting will take place on Feb. 26, the first Sunday of Lent. At this important meeting, you will review the Annual Report, vote on bylaws, elect officers for the new classes of elders and deacons, and elect the at-large members of the next CNC (Congregational Nominating Committee).
Finally, at its January meeting, Session authorized moving forward on a self-funded columbarium project to be located under the exterior east stair in the first floor courtyard of the Fellowship and Education Building. This project will make 84 niches available, with each niche able to hold up to two sets of interred cremains. This project will be self-funded from pre-sales, so there is no obligation on the operating budget. Further details will be coming soon.
Part of our identity statement reads: “Covenant is firmly rooted in Austin, a city that celebrates diversity while refusing to be torn apart by differences. We are a uniquely Austin church, and we stand united around Christ in the midst of the division in our denomination.” There is much activity at Covenant Presbyterian Church, and we can all look to what God has in mind for us and this church in 2012.
Yours in Christ -
Marv Hackert
Clerk of Session
November 18, 2011
It’s hard to believe that fall is finally here, and we will soon celebrate the birth of Christ. What a joyous season. We have much to be thankful for at Covenant.
We have had excellent attendance at our three rounds of Town Hall Meetings. More than 200 people were at our second round of meetings, where we focused on recalling “markers” – places where Covenant could see God’s hand at work in the life of our church. We told how a “marker” was our founding pastor Carl Eaton setting the tone for the future development of Covenant with an emphasis on community and strong lay leadership. We also shared struggles, where we as a church may have missed some opportunities to do better. During this portion of the meeting, we talked about the advantages and challenges of our diverse congregation, the impact of rapid growth and the emotional impact of departing pastors.
In a third round of Town Hall Meetings held in mid-November, we looked for answers to the question: What do you believe the identity of our church is? We received good feedback and heard some wonderful stories about what the church means to so many of you.
Session is eager to work with the information you have provided through these meetings to adopt a statement about who Covenant is and create a vision to guide us in the near future. Early in 2012, we expect to respond to Amendment 10-A, elect a Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC), and complete Mission Study and a Church Information Form, which are needed to begin the senior pastor search.
Mission Presbytery Meeting
Several Covenant members and pastors attended the fall Mission Presbytery meeting at First Presbyterian Victoria, in Victoria, Texas, in late October. Meeting participants voted on four motions relating to the passage of Amendment 10-A and the New Form of Government (nFoG).
On behalf of General Council of Mission Presbytery, the Rev. Rob Mueller presented a three-part framework for living together in covenant amid our diversity. Part 1 reflects the “unity” option, which assures Presbytery would not impose its views and standards on a congregation’s local option position. Through this option, those troubled by changes approved earlier this year would get some relief of conscience. Part 2, a “Report of the Ad Hoc Committee of the Committee on Ministry,” suggested areas and questions to use as part of the ordination and installation examination process. Part 3 was the newly proposed Mission Presbytery policy for Gracious Separation. All three motions passed. See Mission Presbytery for more details on these motions.
The first two motions were mostly reflective and advisory in nature; the third outlined a multi-step process for “gracious separation”. Disaffiliation is a major step in the life of a congregation and not to be entered into lightly. When a congregation makes it known to presbytery that there is interest in leaving the denomination, presbytery forms a Listening Team to meet with Session to discuss their concerns. If things cannot be resolved by the Listening Team, a Resolution Team is formed to begin a period of no less than three months of consultation and meetings with the Session and the congregation, to study the situation further, to try to bring about reconciliation, and to answer questions about options involved in disaffiliation. If the resolution team determines that there is sufficient desire to petition Mission Presbytery for disaffiliation, Mission Presbytery would call a congregational meeting to vote on the matter. The quorum for such a meeting would be 50% of the active membership, and would require a vote of 75% or more of the congregation present and voting to request disaffiliation. Next the terms of separation would be negotiated to settle property, “exit tax”, and other issues. This agreement then comes before presbytery. Upon approval of the separation agreement by presbytery, another congregational meeting would be called to approve the agreement, also requiring a 75% vote to approve. Specifics on “Gracious Separation” can be found on pages 8-13 in the pdf file on Mission Presbytery’s website or find it on our web links.
The fourth vote, a proposal from First Presbyterian Church Brownsville, was intended to reverse Amendment 10-A and reintroduce the language of “fidelity” and “chastity”. Commissioners voted to give the current language a chance before renewing the controversy on sexuality. The overture did not pass.
Other Session News
Your Session approved a committee to address our needs to write by-laws, an operations manual, and other necessary materials in response to the nFoG passage. The BoO (Book of Order) Committee members are the former, current and future clerks of Session – Judith Thorburn, Marv Hackert and Joy Durrant, as well as Director of Administration Fred Clement and Tom Sedberry.
PC(USA) has provided a template for writing by-laws that was used to draft by-laws for Covenant. The “BoO” committee is editing that document and will be putting together a comprehensive appendix of our “Manual of Administrative Operation”. Covenant is slightly ahead of many congregations on this topic, but we still have much work to do. The operations manual will be a living document always undergoing updating and refinements. The committee hopes to have an initial report ready for Session early next year and our by-laws ready for congregational vote and approval at our congregational meeting in February.
Of special note, on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 4 p.m. we will be gathering for a Service of Wholeness dedicated to asking for God’s forgiveness and release from our past sins. As part of the process leading up to this special service, your Session sent personal letters of forgiveness to several individuals identified as we recalled struggles from our past during the town hall meetings.
Rev. Paul Parsons stated recently that challenges often bring out the best in people, and that it is his hope for us that Covenant will look back at these challenging time as our finest hour. We are comforted by the belief that God’s hand is in this, and remain optimistic and excited about the place God will lead us as together we reflect and discern on who we are and who we should become.
Finally, session is in the process of reviewing budget projections with the aim of setting next year’s budget before the end of the year. If you haven’t turned in a pledge card yet, please give prayerful consideration for doing so soon.
Yours in Christ
Marv Hackert
Clerk of Session
October 2011
To the Covenant Congregation,
In three separate meetings in late August and early September, more than 400 Covenant members and friends participated in roundtable discussions about two issues affecting PC(USA). This marks the first time in Covenant’s 50-year history that we have come together in such numbers to discuss denominational issues. In part, that is because our response to these issues will have long-term consequences for Covenant. We also recognize that these issues have arisen at a time when Covenant is seeking to better understand who God is calling us to be on this corner, in the wider community, and in the world.
The specific issues that brought us together are the new Form of Government and Amendment 10-A, which changes the language governing ordination standards for deacons, elders and ministers. . The new wording states that “Governing bodies shall be guided by scripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual candidates.” Responses within PC(USA) have varied widely, with some congregations embracing the new standards and others seeking ways to maintain the old standards.
At Covenant, we responded by reading the Bible in 90 Days prior to gathering for congregational conversations about these changes. We also continue to monitor development as churches within Mission Presbytery and groups such as the Fellowship of Presbyterians explore a range of possible responses. Ultimately, Covenant’s response will be determined by Session after extensive prayer, discernment, and consultation with the congregation.
This report provides an overview of the themes and priorities brought forth during the town hall meetings, as well as answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. An extensive list of comments made at the meetings is available in the church office, church library, and the narthex and a digital copy can be downloaded below. Comments and questions can be submitted to Session online or by letter. The website is updated regularly as new information becomes available.
The town hall meetings represent one step in establishing Covenant’s identity, which will ultimately determine how we move forward as a congregation. At the recommendation of Interim Senior Pastor Paul Parsons, Session has approved another series of conversations to celebrate God’s provision, acknowledge where we have not been faithful, and seek His guidance. The meetings will be Wednesday, Oct. 12, and Monday, Oct. 17 in FE 200, and we ask that you choose one meeting to attend. We believe this process will illuminate the path God intends for us.
On behalf of Session, I thank everyone who attended the town hall meetings and ask for your continued prayer and participation as we move forward.
In Christ,
Marv Hackert
Clerk of Session
“10-A and nFoG”
Download this letter in PDF form here.
July 22, 2011
It is our hope that by publishing articles in the Cornerstone and Covenant Matters, and posting news on covenant.org/session, Session can keep you better informed of what is happening around the Covenant community. This letter expands on what Session is doing to study the impacts of recent changes in church polity in PC(USA). We will continue to share information with you as it becomes available. Here are some dates to keep in mind:
- July 24 at 9:30 a.m. in FE 107
Koinonia Class to discuss Amendment 10-A with members of Covenant's Denominational Affairs Committee (Guests are welcome).
- July 30
Mission Presbytery—Specially called meeting of the General Council to hear concerns and early proposals from Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church
- August 2
Webinar on nFoG (Clerk and Heads of Staff registered)
- August 20
Mission Presbytery hosts a wider dialogue with presbyters and representatives from churches seeking ways to relieve their issues of conscience with the Book of Order G-2.0104 a & b.
- August 25–26
Fellowship PC(USA)* meeting in Minneapolis
*note: the Fellowship is a separate organization from PC(USA)
- August 31
Session will host a Gathering of Elders (details TBA).
- September 7 and 12
Session hosts town hall meetings to present what we have learned and to listen to input from the congregation on these issues (details TBA).
- November 3–5
Covenant Network National Conference, First Presbyterian Church, Durham, N.C.
PC(USA) Changes to Book of Order, Book of Confessions
In 2009, the 219th General Assembly of PC(USA), of which Covenant is a member congregation, approved and sent to presbyteries for ratification two meaningful changes to The Book of Order (Amendment 10-A and the New Form of Government, or nFoG), and one addition to the Book of Confessions (Belhar). Changes to the Book of Order require a simple majority vote of the 173 presbyteries to pass, while those to the Book of Confessions require a two-thirds majority vote to pass.
At the spring 2011 Mission Presbytery meeting, Amendment 10-A, which changes the wording on ordination standards, was approved by a vote of 201 yes, 194 no, and one abstention. At the June 2011 Mission Presbytery meeting, the motion to adopt the proposed new Form of Government (nFoG) passed by a voice vote. At that time, Mission Presbytery also approved the Belhar Confession by a vote of 139 yes, 90 no. Overall, Amendment 10-A and nFoG have received approval by a majority of the presbyteries; these changes took effect on July 11, 2011. However, the Belhar Confession did not pass because it did not receive the required two-thirds vote for passage.
In May, Session appointed a task force on PC(USA) polity to study these changes and what impacts they may have on Covenant Presbyterian Church. Members of this task force are Elders John Blitch, Marv Hackert, Maggie Tate, Laura Tuma and Clark Weatherby. Your Session and its task force are collecting information and are prayerfully considering all of these matters. No decisions have been made, nor do we feel there is any need to rush to make decisions at this time.
nFoG
Covenant will be required to draft a set of bylaws for how we choose to operate in those areas not explicitly spelled out in the nFoG. Initially, we were concerned that we had to take some actions—like defining what would constitute a quorum for congregational meetings by July 10, 2011. However, at the June Mission Presbytery meeting, The Stated Clerk presented an enabling motion that passed in amended form. In brief, it states that Mission Presbytery amend the Manual of Operations to adopt the necessary provisions of the 2009–11 Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as a policy and guidelines manual for Mission Presbytery, its organizational entities, agencies and congregations for one year or until new policies and guidelines necessary to implement the provisions of the newly adopted Form of Government for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), whichever comes first. When the 2009–11 Book of Order stands in conflict with the nFoG and the soon-to-be-published Book of Order, the nFoG provisions will prevail. This means that we have some time to study the nFoG, develop the new bylaws that will be necessary and present them to the congregation for input before we act and ultimately take a congregational vote on these matters.
PC(USA) Ordination Standards
With the adoption of Amendment 10-A, effective on July 11, 2011, the provision of the ordination standards for deacons, elders, and pastors (church officers) changed from “fidelity in marriage and chastity in singleness” to “submit joyfully to the Lordship of Christ in all aspects of life.” This change in the ordination standards gives individual congregations and presbyteries permission to make independent decisions about the suitability, conduct and installation of church officers. This change in polity will not compel or require any congregation to ordain or install church officers or pastors in same-sex relationships, but it will allow individual churches and presbyteries to do so if they so choose.
The ordination of self-avowed practicing gays and lesbians has been debated in the Presbyterian Church since the 1970s. The debate continued during the 1980s and early 1990s, and reached such a point where in 1993 a three-year voting moratorium was called on issues related to the ordination of gay and lesbian members to church office. The equivalent motion narrowly missed passing in 2009 when the last vote on this issue was taken. Many congregants are passionate about this issue, both for and against Amendment 10-A, and both sides cite scripture as the basis for their positions and convictions. Reports show that a number of congregations have separated from the PC(USA) over the last four years and affiliated with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, citing a crisis of conscience and concern about the direction of PC(USA) is headed.
Seeking Solutions
The 219th General Assembly recognized that large groups would remain divided on these issues, and tried to identify workable options and alternatives to address these issues. To that end, the 219th General Assembly created a “Middle Governing Body Commission” with the power to act as the General Assembly, upon requests of presbyteries and synods wishing to realign their structures or boundaries. One option, among others that are being discussed to avoid continued conflict over these issues, is to allow like-minded congregations to “seek relief of conscience” by realignments within presbyteries, including the possibility of creating an “overlay presbytery” within Mission Presbytery. Another option being discussed is creating multiple commissions like COM (Committee of Ministry) and COPM (Committee on Preparation for Ministry), etc., within existing presbyteries. Mission Presbytery recently released a letter announcing plans to host a wider dialogue on Aug. 20 with presbyters and representatives from churches seeking ways to relieve their issues of conscience with the Book of Order G- 2.0104 a & b. Mission Presbytery will host another, similar discussion after the Minneapolis meeting (see below).
Fellowship PC(USA) and Covenant Network Study Options
We also will study the options that emerge from discussion of these issues at a meeting in Minneapolis on Aug. 25–26 organized by Fellowship PC(USA). It should be noted that while the Fellowship consists of ministers and elders within PC(USA), it is not directly affiliated with the PC(USA), and Fellowship supporters are aligned with those who are in opposition to the new ordination standards. More than 1,150 ministers, elders and interested others will participate in this meeting to study how PC(USA) can evolve to address these disparate groups, each passionate on where they stand. The seven members on this Steering Committee, including our former pastor Dr. Jim Singleton, have invited advocates within PC(USA) with different views on the passage of Amendment 10-A to the meeting. They are expected to contribute to the discussion of how we deal with opposing theological world views of these two large groups, neither of whom feel they can retreat from their divergent views. There is also a meeting in early November hosted by the Covenant Network in North Carolina. Covenant Network supporters favor of the new ordination standards, and they also are working to see how the PC(USA) might evolve to address both groups. Session hopes to have reports from both meetings.
After we gather information, study and discuss these issues, and try to understand them from the differing perspectives, we can ask the question, Can we co-exist with this diversity toward Scripture within the same denomination? If not, what options are available for more essential change, recognizing that any major shift beyond realignment would raise a host of other issues such as how this would impact seminaries, pension/medical funds, and property issues, etc. As we identify our options, have the opportunity to discuss them and receive input from the members of Covenant, we will be looking for God’s plan for Covenant. Once that is revealed, Session intends to exercise the local authority granted by nFoG to move forward with civility and pray that we do not to get swept up in the politics or rhetoric surrounding these issues that tend to detract from our main mission in being. We may be divided by issues like this, but we are united in our love of Christ and furthering God’s word.
These are meaningful issues that deserve prayerful, careful and deliberate discussion before we make decisions on steps to be taken. The congregation will have multiple opportunities to discuss these matters and provide input to Session.
- Gathering of Elders on Aug. 31
- “Town Hall”/church-wide meetings on Sept. 7 and 12
These meetings will give us the opportunity to present information on polity changes in the PC(USA) and give the congregation an opportunity to provide input. Expect it to take some time before Session takes any formal action in leading this congregation’s response to these changes in church polity. Members of Session and the Denominational Affairs Committee are available to answer questions from small groups, classes or anyone who would like to delve more deeply into these topics.
Like many of you, members of Session are reading the Bible in 90 Days. Pray that this time will reveal God’s guidance as we address these issues at the end of summer.
Yours in Christ,
Marvin L. Hackert
Clerk of Session