While Overtures 23 and 37 did not receive the approval of 2/3 of presbyteries, they did receive more than a majority of the presbyteries that have voted so far. The debate on the issue is not over. There are a number of presbyteries preparing to send overtures to the 49^th PCA General Assembly on the qualifications for ordination to church office. 

An unofficial early count has determined that both Overture 23 and Overture 37 of the 48^th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) have failed to pass the denomination’s regional presbyteries, before which they were considered as Items 2 and 4.

At the 48^th General Assembly, commissioners passed Overture 23 by a vote of 1438-417 (71% approval) and Overture 37 by a vote of 1209-617 (66% approval). The General Assembly’s approval of the Overtures led to their being considered by the denomination’s constituent regional presbyteries for a vote. Of the 88 presbyteries in the PCA, 59 were needed to answer these Book of Church Order (BCO) amendment proposals (Items 2 and 4, respectively) in the affirmative for the proposals to be presented to the 49^th General Assembly for final ratification. Every BCO amendment must be affirmed by at least 2/3 of the presbyteries.

Conversely, 30 negative presbytery votes on any BCO amendment will cause it to fail at the level of the presbyteries. On January 29^th, 2022, Overture 37 (Item 4) received its 30^th negative vote, causing it to fail the presbyteries.  Overture 23 (Item 2) is expected to register its 30^th negative vote soon in one of the presbyteries yet to vote. This means that both amendments fail to meet the 2/3 requirement needed to be considered at the 49^th General Assembly scheduled to be held in Birmingham, Alabama in June of this year.

Overture 23 (Item 2)

Overture 23 (Item 2) sought to amend BCO 16-4 to prohibit the ordination of men who self-identify as “gay Christians,” “same sex attracted Christians,” “homosexual Christians,” “or like terms.” The amendment states:

BCO 16-4. Officers in the Presbyterian Church in America must be above reproach in their walk and Christlike in their character. Those who profess an identity (such as, but not limited to, “gay Christian,” “same sex attracted Christian,” “homosexual  Christian,” or like terms) that undermines or contradicts their identity as new creations in Christ, either by denying the  sinfulness of fallen desires (such as, but not limited to, same sex attraction), or by denying the reality and hope of progressive sanctification, or by failing to pursue Spirit-empowered victory over their sinful temptations, inclinations,  and actions are not qualified for ordained office.

Supporters of this amendment argued that the proposal grants constitutional authority to many of the most significant aspects of the Ad Interim Report on Human Sexuality. Concerns regarding gay identity and the nature of progressive sanctification are at the heart of this proposed amendment to the BCO. Supporters believe that the PCA must now issue an authoritative – and even Constitution-amending – response to today’s controversy swirling around human sexuality.

Opponents of this amendment argued that the proposed change lacks mature consideration and was merely reactionary. Opponents characterized this amendment as redundant and unnecessary because the PCA’s doctrinal standards already speak to issues of sexuality. Moreover, opponents argued that the term “identity” is a modern creation that may become opaque and obsolete in the near future.

Overture 37 (Item 4)

Overture 37 (Item 4) sought to amend BCO 21-4 and 24-1 to further emphasize the moral requirements for ordained officers in the PCA and to clarify the process for examining the moral character of candidates for office in the church. The amendment states:

BCO 21-4 e. In the examination of the candidate’s personal character, the presbytery shall give specific attention to potentially notorious concerns, such as but not limited to relational sins, sexual immorality (including homosexuality, child sexual abuse, fornication, and pornography), addictions, abusive behavior, racism, and financial mismanagement. Careful attention must be given to his practical struggle against sinful actions, as well as to persistent sinful desires. The candidate must give clear testimony of reliance upon his union with Christ and the benefits thereof by the Holy Spirit, depending on this work of grace to make progress over sin (Psalm 103:2-5, Romans 8:29) and to bear fruit (Psalm 1:3; Gal. 5:22-23). While imperfection will remain, he must not be known by reputation or self-profession according to his remaining sinfulness, but rather by the work of the Holy Spirit in Christ Jesus (1 Cor. 6:9-11). In order to maintain discretion and protect the honor of the pastoral office, Presbyteries are encouraged to appoint a committee to conduct detailed examinations of these matters and to give prayerful support to candidates.

BCO 24-1. In the examination of each nominee’s personal character, the Session shall give specific attention to potentially notorious concerns, such as but not limited to relational sins, sexual immorality (including homosexuality, child sexual abuse, fornication, and pornography), addictions, abusive behavior, racism, and financial mismanagement. Careful attention must be given to his practical struggle against sinful actions, as well as to persistent sinful desires. Each nominee must give clear testimony of reliance upon his union with Christ and the benefits thereof by the Holy Spirit, depending upon this work of grace to make progress over sin (Psalm 103:2-5; Romans 8:29) and to bear fruit (Psalm 1:3; Gal. 5:22-23). While imperfection will remain, he must not be known by reputation or self-profession according to his remaining sinfulness, but rather by the work of the Holy Spirit in Christ Jesus (1 Cor. 6:9-11). In order to maintain discretion and protect the honor of church office, Sessions are encouraged to appoint a committee to conduct detailed examinations into these matters and to give prayerful support to nominees.

Supporters of this proposal argued that changes to these two paragraphs in the BCO would bring peace and unity to the PCA by maintaining a high standard for officers within the church. They believe presbyteries have often struggled with evaluating the moral character of candidates for ordination. The adjustments put forward in this proposal would have offered clear guidance for presbyteries and churches as they examine candidates for ordained office.

Opponents of this proposal argued that this addition to the BCO would do more harm than good. They believe that there is simply too much ambiguity regarding what the amendment seeks to achieve. In short, this amendment would fail to protect the church from officers with character deficiencies and it would not be clear or helpful enough for presbyteries in their examination process of candidates for the gospel ministry.

Is the Issue Over?

While Overtures 23 and 37 did not receive the approval of 2/3 of presbyteries, they did receive more than a majority of the presbyteries that have voted so far. The debate on the issue is not over. There are a number of presbyteries preparing to send overtures to the 49^th PCA General Assembly on the qualifications for ordination to church office.

Scott Edburg is Assistant Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Tuscumbia, Ala.

Resources on the Sexuality Amendments:

Articles on Overture 23 and 37

2021 BCO Amendment Spreadsheet

Resources on Amending the BCO:

See “Amending the Book of Church Order (BCO) on pcapolity.com/case-studies.