An examining governing body may not allow a candidate to exercise her freedom of conscience if doing so ‘ignore(s) or waive(s) a specific standard of behavior that has been adopted by the whole church such as the ‘fidelity and chastity’” requirement.

A complaint is again before the Synod of the Pacific’s Permanent Judicial Commission (PJC) contesting the Presbytery of San Francisco’s action to ordain Lisa Larges, a lesbian candidate for ministry. However, the list of complainants could grow before the case is even heard.

At least two presbyteries and one session approved a joinder supporting the complaint by seven San Francisco elders claiming a presbytery vote on Nov. 10, 2009 to ordain Larges is a violation of the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s constitution.

“An examining governing body may not allow a candidate to exercise her freedom of conscience if doing so ‘ignore(s) or waive(s) a specific standard of behavior that has been adopted by the whole church such as the ‘fidelity and chastity’ portion of G-6.0106b or any other similarly specific provision,’” the complaint states. “The vote of the presbytery was irregular because it resulted in an unconstitutional result … approving the ordination of a candidate who, by her refusal to comply with mandatory ordination standards established by the whole church for the whole church, is ineligible for ordination as set forth by the Book of Order.”

So far, the presbyteries of Santa Barbara and San Joaquin have joined the complaint, as well as the session of Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church in the Presbytery of San Francisco.