Recent Proposed Amendments Concerning the Participation of Gays and Lesbians in the Presbyterian Church (USA)

The 1997 General Assembly voted 328-217 to amend the Book of Order, replacing the newly passed "Fidelity and Chastity" Amendment (see below) with the following section (b):
"Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to Jesus Christ, under the authority of Scripture and instructed by the historic confessional standards of the church. Among these standards is the requirement to demonstrate fidelity and integrity in mariage or singleness, and in all relationships of life. Candidates for ordained office shall acknowledge their own sinfulness, their need for repentance, and their reliance on the grace and mercy of God to fulfill the duties of their office."

Fidelity and Chastity Amendment (Amendment B) (passed in 1997)

The 1996 General Assembly voted 313-236 to amend the Book of Order, Form of Government 6.0106 with the following new section (b):
"Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to Scripture and in conformity to the historic confessional standards of the church. Among these standards is the requirement to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage of a man and a woman (W-4.9001), or chastity in singleness. Persons refusing to repent of any self-acknowledged practice which the Confessions call sin shall not be ordained and/or installed as deacons, elders or ministers of the Word and Sacrament."

Holy Union Ban Amendment (Failed in 1995)

The proposed amendment would have added a sentence to the "Book of Order" (W-4.9001): "It is not permitted for ministers to participate in the blessing of any same-sex union."

Officer Lifestyles Amendment (Failed in 1995)

Addressing the lifestyle of church officers, the "Book of Order" currently states (G-6.0106): "Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel in the church and in the world."

The proposed amendment would have replaced that wording with: "Their manner of life should be a demonstration to the church and the world of the Christian faith and life as defined by scripture and the confessions."