Judicial Ruling Reaffirms Need for Constitutional Change

In the Bush decision, Remedial Case 218-10, the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission (GAPJC) stated unequivocally that the freedom of conscience granted in G-6.0108 “does not permit departure from the ‘fidelity and chastity’ requirement found in G-6.0106b.” While candidates may express disagreement or a “scruple” regarding a constitution provision, a governing body may not grant an exception to any mandatory church-wide ordination standard. The GAPJC went on to say “The fidelity and chastity provision may only be changed by constitutional amendment. Until that occurs, individual candidates, officers, examining and governing bodies must adhere to it.” This decision makes even more evident the urgency to delete G-6.0106b.

More Light Presbyterians (MLP) celebrates and affirms the actions of nine Presbyteries that have sent overtures to the 218^th General Assembly urging the removal of the discriminatory ban on ordaining lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons. It is time for Presbyterians to end the discrimination against their LGBT sisters and brothers and to honor their calls to ordained office. This judicial ruling further entrenches the unjust ordination standard in G-6.0106b. MLP hopes that this ruling will also stop what we now know to be futile and divisive attempts to interpret or seek ways around what really must be removed. Since 1997, MLP has consistently maintained that the only response to the unacceptable and impossible choices imposed on LGBT persons is to change our constitution. It’s about time!