From Pastor Pete James...
Ordination standards for ministers, elders and deacons continue to divide our PCUSA denomination. A majority of PCUSA presbyteries voted this summer to replace a national sexual ethic for all clergy, elders and deacons. This decision replaced Book of Order standards requiring all leaders "to live either in fidelity in marriage between a man and a women or chastity in singleness" with more ambiguous language. This change now places the responsibility for ordination standards with local governing bodies. In the absence of a clear standard, what this will mean for our church is anyone’s guess.
Let’s be clear about what has changed. Our denomination has eliminated a national standard for sexual ethics on the part of its leaders. Yet let’s also be clear about what hasn’t changed. According to our PCUSA constitution, Jesus Christ is still Lord and Scripture continues to be “our only rule of faith and practice.” Whether or not our constitution makes explicit a sexual standard for our leaders, we remain committed to the Lordship of Jesus and the authority of Scripture. Regardless of polity, our Christ-centered, Biblically grounded theology makes a claim on all leaders to live either in fidelity in marriage between a man and a woman or chastity in singleness.
It will take time for our denomination to become clear about the full implications of this decision. For some churches, this recent action has become the tipping point. Some churches have left, others are considering leaving. I attended a gathering of 2,000 Presbyterians in Minnesota, where we looked at various ways to address our present situation. You may read my presentation for this meeting.
In the coming months Session will likely give consideration to joining a new association of PCUSA churches committed to national standards for sexual ethics for its clergy and ordained leaders. Churches like ours will also give serious thought to the formation of a new reformed body. I urge your patience and diligent prayer as our Session discerns a future course of action.