Read an explanation of the reasons for this overture.

On amending G-14.0202 by inserting a new exemption/waiver clause for congregations which cannot apply the requirements of G-6.0106b justly and equitably.

The Presbytery of Santa Fe, meeting in regular session, February 3, 2001, respectfully overtures the 213^th General Assembly (2001) to direct the Stated clerk to send the following proposed amendment to the Book of Order to the presbyteries for their affirmative or negative vote:

Shall a new section G-14.0202a(3) and G-14.0202b be added which shall read:

14.0202a(3) If any congregation cannot justly and equitably apply the requirements of G-6.0106b, it may request through its session a waiver of G-6.0106b from its presbytery, stating its reasons for seeking such a waiver. The presbytery may grant the waiver by a majority vote for not more than three years at a time. The waiver shall be subject to renewal or to revocation at any time by a majority vote of the presbytery. Should revocation of the waiver occur, any person then holding office shall not be affected during the current term of office, and since ordination to office is perpetual, no one can lay it aside at pleasure or be divested of it except as provided in the Rules of Discipline.

14.0202b Paragraph (3) above may not be amended within 10 years following its adoption by a majority of the presbyteries.

Rationale

1. Waivers are historic, Presbyterian, and constitutional. This waiver would help restore a climate of civility and integrity in the church.
2. While recognizing the need for church order, this provision would give the Presbyterian Church breathing room while it comes to more of one mind on the gifts and requirements for church office.
3. The provision of a waiver would help provide an openness in coming to terms with our differences and in respecting different points of view, especially theological points of view, without stereotyping or shunning people who think, believe, look, or act differently.
4. From the revisions of Westminster in 1902 through decisions of the General Assembly rejecting the "five fundamentals" and fundamentalism in the 1920s and 1930s to the Confession of '67, the Presbyterian Church has resisted a rigidity which would bind the conscience of believers on nonessentials of the faith.
5. At the time of reunion in 1983, an exemption was granted those congregations which could not or had not ordained women (after 15 years, the exemption was lifted as the church become more of one mind concerning the ordination of women).
6. Currently, G-14.0202a(1) allows for waivers for congregations from the requirements which call for election of "men and women from among its members, giving fair representation to persons of all ages and of all racial ethnic members and persons with disabilities who are members of that congregation."
7. There is little agreement among theologians, church historians, church leaders, and church members as to which of the many practices "which the confessions call sin" are still relevant. Many of these practices are accepted today as sinless without question.
8. As votes on various amendments in recent years have demonstrated, the mind of the church is sharply divided on the provisions of G-6.0106b for any number of reasons. The provision of waivers would preserve the unity of the church and preserve church order.
9. The provision of waivers would allow the church to shift its attention to building up the body of Christ.
10. Because there is no relief from the requirements of G-6.0106b except through disobedience and/or leaving the church, the church is using valuable resources of money, time, and energy in judicial procedure. At the same time it is losing the God-given gifts for service to Christ and Christ's church of countless faithful men and women who in good conscience cannot agree with the provisions of G-6.0106b because of its rigidity and harshness.
11. The provision for waiver would provide a means for the church to tolerate certain actions in the church which many find unacceptable while at the same time not endorsing or approving those actions.

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