Former PC(USA) moderators, co-moderators and vice-moderators speak out in favor of Olympic overture

Editor’s note: This article is a response to POL-01, the “Olympic Overture.” To read more opinions, click here.

Dear Commissioners of the 226th General Assembly:

This statement by the undersigned Moderators, Co-Moderators and Vice-Moderators of previous General Assemblies expresses our support for Item POL-01: To amend the Order Book to include sexual orientation and gender identity in the categories against which the Church does not discriminate. The proposal, which originated in the Presbytery of Olympia and was supported by eight presbyteries and one synod, consists of two parts. The first part proposes that sexual orientation and gender identity are among the categories against which this church may not discriminate. The second part proposes to revise G-2.0104b to state that “the council responsible for ordination shall examine the calling, talent, preparation, and suitability of each candidate for the responsibilities of ordained ministry. The examination shall include, but is not limited to, a determination of the candidate’s ability and commitment to meet all of the requirements set forth in the constitutional questions for ordination and inauguration (W-4.0404).” and in the principles of participation, representation and non-discrimination in F.41.0403.”

Over the past decade, each General Council has taken actions that have promoted and called for a more inclusive church. Many of these actions were deliberate steps to increase the church’s welcoming nature while maintaining the freedom of local councils to make their own decisions regarding the ordination of ministers, elders, and deacons. Adoption of item POL-01 would continue this path toward full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ persons in the church while maintaining the decision-making authority of local councils regarding the ordination of ministers, elders, and deacons within their areas of jurisdiction.

In 2018, the 223rd General Assembly passed a resolution affirming the gifts of LGBTQIA+ persons in ministry and honoring 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 (USA) to actively work to protect human rights and civil liberties both in the United States and globally, especially the rights of marginalized and oppressed groups, including people who face discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The resolution recognizes that LGBTQIA+ persons lead churches, preach the gospel, serve those in need, and use their gifts in ministry in the Presbyterian Church (USA), making the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity in the categories against which the church may not discriminate a logical next step and a necessity for the church today.

Approval of the second part of POL-01 is equally important to sustaining the church’s progress toward becoming a more just church. There is some latitude in the conduct of examinations in the Presbyterian Church (USA), but given our church’s grievances over the treatment of LGBTQIA persons and its efforts to make the church more welcoming and diverse, it is a reasonable expectation that councils examine a minister, elder, or deacon’s commitment to inclusion of all people regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, geography, or theological belief. The examination itself does not terminate a council’s authority to make its own decision regarding the ordination of a person. We simply believe that the church has reached the point where it must live out what it has continually professed, both in word and in lived relationship.

Please join us in supporting the adoption of both parts of POL-01, as we believe it 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 Session (2004)
Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, Moderator, 218^th General Assembly (2008)
Rev. Landon Whitsitt, Assistant Moderator, 219th General Assembly (2010)
Rev. Larissa Kwong Abazia, Deputy Moderator, 221st General Assembly (2014)
Rev. Cindy Kohlmann, co-moderator, 223rd General Assembly (2018)
Elder Elona Street-Stewart, co-moderator, 224th General Session (2020)