A Statement of Our Support for POL-01

From Moderators, Co-Moderators, and Vice Moderators of Previous General Assemblies of the Presbyterian Church (USA)

June 22, 2024

Dear Commissioners to the 226th General Assembly:

This statement by the undersigned moderators, co-moderators, and vice moderators of previous General Assemblies is an expression of our support for Item POL-01: On Amending the Book of Order to Include Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Among the Categories Against Which the Church Does Not Discriminate. The overture, which originated in Olympia Presbytery and received concurrences from eight presbyteries and two synods, has two parts. The first part proposes that sexual orientation and gender identity be included among the categories against which this church must not discriminate. The second part proposes that G-2.0104b be revised so that "the council responsible for ordination should examine each candidate's calling, gifts, preparation and suitability for the responsibilities of ordered ministry. The examination should include, but not be limited to, a determination of the candidate's ability and commitment to fulfill all requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W-4.0404) and in the principles of participation, representation, and non-discrimination found in F.41.0403." 

In the past ten years each General Assembly has included actions that have promoted and called for a more inclusive church. Many of these actions have reflected measured steps to expand the church's welcome, while preserving the freedom of local councils to make discerning decisions about ordination of ministers, elders and deacons. Approval of Item POL-01 would continue this trajectory towards full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ persons in the church while maintaining local councils’ authority in making decisions regarding the ordination of ministers, elders and deacons located within the bounds of their councils.

In 2018 the 223rd General Assembly approved a resolution that affirmed the gifts of LGBTQIA+ people in ministry and celebrated their service in the church and the world. The same resolution called on the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, the Presbyterian Mission Agency (through its Office of Public Witness), and all who represent the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to actively work for the protection of human and civil rights, both in the United States and around the world, especially the rights of marginalized and oppressed groups, including people facing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The resolution acknowledges that LGBTQIA+ people are leading churches, preaching the gospel, serving those in need and using their gifts for ministry in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), making the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity among the categories against which the church must not discriminate a logical next step and imperative for today's church.

Approval of the second part of POL-01 is just as important to maintaining the church's progress towards becoming a more just church. In the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), there is some latitude in how examinations are conducted, but given our church's lament over the treatment of LGBTQIA persons and its efforts to make the church more welcoming and more diverse, it is a reasonable expectation for councils to examine a minister, elder, or deacon's commitment to the inclusion of all people regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, geography, or theological conviction. The examination itself does not end a council's authority to make its own decision regarding the ordination of an individual. We simply believe that the church has reached the point where it must live out what it has continually confessed, both in word and lived relationship. 

Please join us in supporting the approval of both parts of POL-01, which we believe calls us to be a more just, inclusive and loving church.

With gratitude for your consideration, 

Rev. John M. Fife, Moderator, 204^th General Assembly (1992)
Elder Rick Ufford-Chase, Moderator, 216th General Assembly (2004)
Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, Moderator, 218^th General Assembly (2008)
Rev. Landon Whitsitt, Vice-Moderator, 219th General Assembly (2010)
Rev. Larissa Kwong Abazia, Vice-Moderator, 221st General Assembly (2014)
Rev. Cindy Kohlmann, Co-Moderator, 223rd General Assembly (2018)
Elder Elona Street-Stewart, Co-Moderator, 224th General Assembly (2020)

---

NOTE: Each of us offers this letter of support as individuals and not on behalf of organizations, congregations, judicatories, or communities of which we are a part.