PCUSA Approves Ordination Questions on Sexuality and Gender Identity; Pastors Voice Concerns

The Presbyterian Church (USA) has given final approval to Amendment 24-C, an amendment to its Book of Order that will require clergy candidates to be questioned about their views on LGBT ideology. The measure was part of the Olympia Overture, which sought to amend G-2.0104b of the Book of Order to require candidates to be asked about their views on issues including sexual orientation and gender identity.

The amendment was approved for consideration last year at the 226th PCUSA General Assembly, by a vote of 297-130. It then needed a simple majority of presbyteries, or regional bodies, to vote in favor. A majority of presbyteries also approved Amendment 24-A, which added sexual orientation and gender identity to the denomination’s anti-discrimination statement in Book of Order F-1.0403.

The theologically progressive Covenant Network of Presbyterians welcomed the passage of the amendment, believing it will make the Mainline Protestant denomination more inclusive. The Rev. Brian Ellison, CNP’s executive director, said in a statement that “this new language provides the church with a rich opportunity for deeper reflection, honest conversation, and authentic discernment.” He added that he was excited to see how the more comprehensive examinations would benefit LGBTQIA+ people and others from marginalized groups as they learn where candidates stand.

The overture drew critics, many of whom signed an open letter against the proposal before last year’s General Assembly. The Christian Post contacted PCUSA clergy who supported that letter to ask about their continuing concerns and whether they believe the change will lead more people to leave the denomination.

The Rev. Tony Sundermeier, senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, Georgia, was among the letter’s authors. He and his wife, the Rev. Katie Sundermeier, who also serves at FPC Atlanta, signed the petition. In comments emailed to CP, the couple called 24-C “unnecessary and unwise.” They said the core affirmation that LGBTQIA+ individuals cannot be discriminated against had already been secured by Amendment 24-A, which they fully supported. They also wrote that 24-C “introduces a layer of evaluative inquiry into a candidate’s theological, ecclesiastical, and relational dispositions as they specifically and discreetly relate to sexuality,” which they said “crosses a line.” The Sundermeiers noted that they themselves have officiated same-sex weddings and supported the ordination of LGBT-identified people, but said that inclusion loses its moral and spiritual power when it becomes enforced orthodoxy rather than gracious welcome. Their view is that the amendment could allow ordaining bodies to disqualify candidates over theological convictions they consider within the bounds of the denomination’s Constitution, a point that reflects the honest speech they call for in disagreement (Ephesians 4:15).

The pastors said they did not believe “the final text sufficiently protects freedom of conscience.” They wrote that “the structure and tone of 24-C imply that some theological convictions, particularly those that dissent from progressive norms on sexuality and gender, may now be deemed unfit for ordination.” They added: “What concerns us is not the text on paper, but how it will be used. We’ve seen how polity can become policy, and policy can become exclusion.”

The article also reported a belief that CNP “now functions as the primary gatekeeping body in the denomination” and holds considerable influence beyond its advocacy for the Olympia Overture.

Source: Read the original report