A proposal by the Presbytery of Beaver-Butler (PA) seeks to stem the tide of Presbyterian Church (USA) congregations leaving the denomination by offering more flexibility in the presbytery structure.

The changes would diminish the power of higher judicatories while increasing the lower judicatories’ power, the overture claims.

Acknowledging a denomination with “diverse belief systems, theological positions and mission designs,” the recently-approved overture calls for changes to the PCUSA Form of Government that would encourage a “flexible equilibrium.”

The recently-approved overture would amend G-11 in the Book of Order to include affiliation based on geographic, theological or missional considerations, as well as an opportunity for congregations to leave their current presbytery in favor of a more theologically compatible one. The new language expands presbytery organization beyond churches and ministers “within a certain district,” as it’s currently worded.

The goal is maintaining unity while providing “freedom of affiliation” within PCUSA, the overture states. Outlining Presbytery tradition as a basis for the flexible presbyteries, the changes would diminish the power of higher judicatories while increasing the lower judicatories’ power, the overture claims.

“Membership flexibility acknowledges the current era of diverse styles and forms while maintaining the historic unity of the church,” according to the overture’s rationale. “The flexibility allows the denomination to focus on positive change rather than defensive battles. … The overture grants a relief of conscience to those churches within a presbytery where the majority has chosen a theological path which the minority cannot continue because of conscience.”