Fellowship Presbytery approved an overture at its January 26, 2019 Stated Meeting, asking the 47th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America to “Commend and Distribute the [Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America] RPCNA’s ‘Contemporary Perspectives on Sexual Orientation: A Theological and Pastoral Analysis.’”

An overture is a means by which a Presbytery can bring a matter to the GA for consideration. This overture will be considered by the 47th PCA General Assembly at its meeting in Dallas, Texas, June 24-27, 2019.

Overture 11 from Fellowship Presbytery
Commend and Distribute the RPCNA’s
‘Contemporary Perspectives on Sexual Orientation: A Theological and Pastoral Analysis’”

Whereas it is the responsibility of the General Assembly to evaluate needs for the most effective fulfillment of the Great Commission (BCO 14-1.5); and

Whereas the General Assembly has been given the power in general to recommend measures for the promotion of charity, truth, and holiness through all the churches under its care (BCO 14-6.k); and

Whereas the local Sessions are tasked with shepherding the flock in their midst (1 Peter 5:2), and saving others by snatching them out of the fire, showing mercy to others with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh (Jude 23); and

Whereas much of the flock in our midst has often been exposed to great depths of evil through the ubiquitous presence of the internet, the sexualization of entertainment, broadening sexual ethics in the court system, and increasing globalization; and

Whereas some of the flock in our midst are hard-pressed with temptation that manifests itself through same sex attraction or a confused sexual identity (Rom 1:26); and

Whereas some elders, deacons, or sessions may feel overwhelmed or underequipped to minister to those in their flock that struggle with these unholy desires; and

Whereas the topic of sexual orientation needs clarification, and is as yet an uncovered topic in PCA reports; and

Whereas a NAPARC member church, the Reformed Presbyterian Church North America (RPCNA), has produced an excellent resource on this issue that is both exegetically sound and pastorally tender entitled “Contemporary Perspectives on Sexual Orientation: A Theological and Pastoral Analysis”; and

Whereas at the 44th 34 General Assembly the Cooperative Ministries Committee, though unable to make direct recommendations to the Assembly, commended this RPCNA report to be read and studied by teaching elders and Sessions (M44GA, p. 334);

Therefore, be it resolved that the General Assembly receive “Contemporary Perspectives on Sexual Orientation: A Theological and Pastoral Analysis” (available on pages 86-131 at http://rparchives.org/data/Minutes%20of%20Synod/2011%20Minutes.pdf)  and distribute it to the presbyteries and congregations of the denomination; and

Be it further resolved that the General Assembly direct the Committee on Discipleship Ministries to publish the CPSO for sale and distribution, along with the other actions of the Assembly related to human sexuality, especially the actions of the 5th 1 General Assembly and the Joining and Receiving, as the PCA’s statements on the Gospel and human sexuality; and

Be it further resolved that the General Assembly direct the Committee on Discipleship Ministries to assist sessions in the watching over their flock and in the nourishing and guarding of the children of the church by creating a resource or curriculum based on the CPSO report that could be used with students that might be struggling with issues related to sexual identity, same sex attraction, or gender confusion; and

Be it further resolved that the General Assembly direct Reformed University Fellowship to participate in promoting the prosperity and enlargement of the Church by incorporating CPSO in their annual training; and

Be it further resolved that the General Assembly direct Covenant College to nourish and safeguard the young people of the church by making this report available to faculty, staff, and students, as well as including the content of this report in the life of the school in some fashion (perhaps through RA training, chapel, or other venues); and

Be it further resolved that the General Assembly encourage Sessions and elders to be active in shepherding those in their flock that struggle against same sex attraction or sexual confusion so that elders might keep watch over their flocks as ones who will give an account, and that we all might win a full reward (Heb. 13:17; 2 John 8).

Adopted by Fellowship Presbytery at its stated meeting, January 26, 2019
Attested by TE Robert F. Sprinkle Jr., stated clerk

[Editor’s note: The link (URL) to the article source is unavailable and has been removed.]