"Fidelity and Chastity" Ordination Standards Upheld in Recent Rulings by Highest PCUSA Court Applying Authoritative Interpretation Approved by GA 2006

FYI – The PCUSA ordination standards have been reaffirmed by recent rulings as decided upon by the highest court of the denomination (akin to the U.S. Supreme Court). The General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission (GAPJC) of the Presbyterian Church (USA) has ruled that “Fidelity and Chastity” remains binding with respect to what is now regarded as the established proper application of the Authoritative Interpretation that was amended and approved by the 2006 General Assembly.


From: PFR [mailto:pfroffice@pfrenewal.org]
Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2008 1:27 AM
Subject: Breaking News from Presbyterians For Renewal



BREAKING NEWS FROM
presbyterians for renewal


February 14, 2008
PC(USA) High Court Rules "Fidelity and Chastity" Standard Remains Binding

Tuesday February 12 the PC(USA)'s highest court issued a landmark decision that has direct bearing on the intense debate over ordination standards in the PC(USA).

For the last twenty months, a confusing debate has raged on the meaning of a new "authoritative interpretation" (AI) of the constitution passed by the 2006 General Assembly. Indeed congregations have left the PC(USA) in recent months, citing this new AI as a primary cause. The new AI appeared as though it would allow sessions and presbyteries to ordain candidates who were in open violation of our denomination's constitutional standards for ordination, including the biblical "Fidelity and Chastity" standard. In addition, just last month two presbyteries cited this new AI as justification for their decisions to allow open departures from the "Fidelity and Chastity" standard.

However, in three decisions issued yesterday, the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission (GAPJC) has ruled that no ordaining body (session or presbytery) has the right to ordain a candidate who is in violation of constitutional standards, including the "Fidelity and Chastity" standard expressed in the Book of Order (G-6.0106b). With these new GAPJC rulings, we can now rest assured that our standards for ordination in the PC(USA) continue to reflect the clear teaching of Scripture and the plain meaning of our constitution.
Click here to read the rest ot this article on GA2008.com where you can also offer your comments on this issue.



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