“Synod PJC’s opinion was as sharply divided as the presbytery vote, including a declaration that Larges’ declared departure from G-6.0106b (fidelity/chastity standard) is a serious departure from both Reformed faith and polity.”

In a 5-4 vote, the Synod of the Pacific Permanent Judicial Commission (PJC) has upheld the Presbytery of San Francisco’s decision to ordain Lisa Larges, a lesbian candidate for ministry in the Presbyterian Church (USA) who refuses to abide by the denomination’s sexual behavior standards.

The decision, which includes a dissenting opinion, affirmed the presbytery’s decision to ordain Larges, but a stay of enforcement will be in effect due to an anticipated appeal to the General Assembly PJC. The Rev. Mary Naegeli, who along with Bruce McIntosh represented the complainants, said there will be an appeal.

The presbytery’s close vote to validate Larges’ call as coordinator of That All May Freely Serve (TAMFS) on Nov. 10, 2009 was challenged to the synod. In addition to members of San Francisco Presbytery, the action was backed by San Joaquin and Santa Barbara presbyteries. According to the decision, the synod PJC denied the request of additional parties to be added to the complaint based on the Book of Order having no provision for “joinders.”

The one-day trial concluded on Sept. 23 and the decision was handed down on Sept. 27.

The prevailing opinion based its decision on the Knox Authoritative Interpretation, which allows candidates to declare departures from ordination standards, as follows:
“[The 218th General Assembly (2008) affirms the authoritative interpretation of G-6.0108 approved by the 217th General Assembly (2006). Further, the 218th General Assembly (2008), pursuant to G-13.0112, interprets] the requirements of G-6.0108 [to] apply equally to all ordination standards of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Section G-6.0108 requires examining bodies to give prayerful and careful consideration, on an individual, case-by-case basis, to any departure from an ordination standard in matters of belief or practice that a candidate may declare during examination. However, the examining body is not required to accept a departure from standards, and cannot excuse a candidate’s inability to perform the constitutional functions unique to his or her office (such as administration of the sacraments).”

The PJC declared that the presbytery had not erred in its decision to ordain Larges.

“In the absence of a preponderance of evidence showing that presbytery erred in its decision to accept the candidate’s departure, this SPJC accepts the presbytery’s decision that the candidate’s departure did not constitute a failure to adhere to the essentials of Reformed faith and polity,” the decision states. Therefore, the presbytery’s decision to accept the candidate’s departure does not obstruct the constitutional governance of the church.”

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