MLP General Assembly Legislative Summary, July 3

The Civil Union & Marriage committee approved overture 13-04 to amend W-4.9001 to change the definition of marriage from a "man and a woman" to "two people" by 28 to 24. Overture 13-05, the authoritative interpretation, was disapproved by 24 to 26. The committee also approved legislation calling on the PCUSA to study the meaning of Christian marriage:

In a desire to promote the peace, unity and purity of the church, I move the whole Presbyterian Church USA enter into a season of serious study and discernment concerning the meaning of Christian Marriage in the two year period between the 220th General Assembly and the 221st General Assembly.  I would further move the Office of Theology and Worship prepare and distribute educational materials to all presbyteries and congregations.

These materials should include the relevant scripture key methods of biblical interpretations current understanding of our constitution and some suggested guidance for prayerful and reconciling ways of listening to one another.

We would ask that all presbyteries report to the Office of General Assembly on how this was conducted in their congregations at least three months prior to the 221st General Assembly. 

This motion is offered in the hope and trust that  such discernment will genuinely seek the rule and will of God be done in our Presbyterian Church as it is in heaven under the guidance of the triune God.

More detail is available on MLP's live blog of the Civil Union & Marriage committee. You may also read and listen to the Overture Advocate speeches.



Attempts to reinstate previous ordination standards were disapproved in the Church Orders & Ministry committee. More detail is available on MLP's live blog of the committee. Overture 07-05 adding the words "this includes repentance of sin and diligent use of the means of grace" to G-2.0104a was approved by 28-20-5. Watch the committee video.

The Church Polity committee moved to disapprove all overtures that preemptively allowed churches to leave the denomination with their property if they disagree with G-2.0104b and other parts of the Book of Order without consulting the presbytery. Watch the committee video.

The Mid Councils Review committee moved to disapprove overtures that would allow union churches and presbyteries to reject certain standards in the Book of Order including G-2.0104b and non-geographic presbyteries based on opposition to G-2.0104b and other parts of the Book of Order. Watch the committee video.

The Confessions of the Church committee approved overture 18-01 on the Confession of Belhar. Watch the committee video.

The Board of Pensions, Foundation, Presbyterian Publishing committee moved to disapprove with comment overture 20-11, On Amending G-2.0804 Regarding Freedom of Conscience Regarding the Benefits Plan. Watch the committee video.