Resolution for Standards of Ordination
Presbytery of San Joaquin
Meeting June 11, 2011
Whereas: In the 2009-2011 edition of the Form of Government, Book of Order, the ordination standards in the Book of Order require an ordained officer to: “…live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman or chastity in singleness. Persons refusing to repent of any self-acknowledged practice which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained as deacons, elders, or ministers.”
Whereas: The new language approved by the Presbyteries and General Assembly deletes the above quoted language and replaces it with: “The governing body responsible for the ordination and/or installation…shall examine each candidate’s callings, gifts, preparation, and suitability…the examination shall include, but not be limited to a determination of the candidate’s ability and commitment to fulfill all requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions…governing bodies shall be guided by Scripture and the Confessions….”
Whereas: The Presbytery of San Joaquin interprets the new language of the Book of Order to authorize the governing body of each congregation and presbytery to establish its own standards of ordination beyond those stated in the Book of Order.
Whereas: Presbytery of San Joaquin follows the historical Christian teaching on these subjects and is guided by Scripture and the Confessions, which normatively call for leadership in the church to require those so ordained to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman or chastity in singleness.
Therefore, it is RESOLVED that the historical ordination standard known as G-6.0106b, shall still be mandated within the examination process for all called to the office of minister of the Word and Sacrament in Presbytery of San Joaquin as set forth below:
“Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to Scripture and in conformity to the historical confession of the church. Among these standards is the requirement to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman or chastity in singleness. Persons refusing to repent of any selfacknowledged practice which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained as deacons,elders, or ministers of Word and Sacrament.”
Following discussion, the presbytery approved this Resolution as policy of the Presbytery pertaining to the examination, ordination, and acceptance of ministers of the Gospel and directed the General Presbyter to release information about this action to news media.
Click here to view the Minutes For The Meeting of Presbytery of the San Joaquin June 11, 2011 at First Presbyterian Church, Hanford, CA
