A complaint filed against the Presbytery of SF on February 2, 2011 has delayed CPC's transition to the EPC and full implementation of the Terms of Dismissal. The complaint is being processed through the PC(USA) judicial order. The Presbytery of San Francisco has appointed a Committee of Counsel (CoC) to represent them and on April 27, 2011 it filed a response denying the complaint. Representatives from CPC have met with and provided input to the CoC and have offered to provide further support to the CoC. The trial of the remedial case by the Permanent Judicial Commission (PJC) of the Synod has been scheduled for September 15. CPC will continue to post PC(USA) current news in an effort to keep our congregation informed regarding the denomination.
SF Presbytery June 14 Meeting Update
- Confession of Belhar: The SF Presbytery voted in favor of adding the Confession of Belhar to the PC(USA) Book of Confessions. The vote was 121 in favor, 61 opposed and 1 abstained.
Gracious Dismissal Policy
The first reading of the newly revised proposed policy was presented at the April 12th, 2011, Presbytery of SF meeting. The intent is to replace the Gracious Dismissal Policy adopted by Presbytery of SF on September 15th 2009.
SF Presbytery June 14 Meeting Update
- Revised Policy for Dismissing Churches: Following a lengthy debate, the SF Presbytery voted to table the motion to approve the proposed revised Presbytery of San Francisco Policy for Dismissing Churches until the next Presbytery meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 13, 2011. The revised policy is to be scheduled on the September 13 meeting agenda, presented as a motion and open for debate, discussion and vote.
Ordination Standards - G.60106B Amendment 10A
The 219th General Assembly (2010) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) approved and recommended to the presbyteries for their affirmative or negative votes proposed changes in the language of the Book of Order that, if approved, amends the Constitution eliminating chastity in singleness and fidelity in marriage. A majority was required for the amendment to pass among the 173 voting presbyteries. On April 12, 2011, the Presbytery of SF voted to affirm Amendment 10-A, 198 for and 143 against. On May 10, 2011 the National vote affirmed to amend the Constitution, ratifying a proposal that removes explicit reference to fidelity in marriage of one man and one woman or chastity in singleness as an ordination standard. This amendment to the Book of Order, which reads as follows, is expected to open the door to those who are sexually active outside the bonds of the covenant of marriage.
"Standards for ordained service reflect the church’s desire to submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life
(G-1.0000). The governing body responsible for ordination and/or installation (G.14.0240; G-14.0450) shall examine each candidate’s calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability for the responsibilities of office. The examination shall 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-4.4003). Governing bodies shall be guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual candidates."
Balloting will continue among those Presbyteries who have yet to vote however the national majority needed for this amendment to pass has been met by the vote of 87 for and 62 against.
- Click Here to view the amendments to the Constitution
- Click Here to view the national presbytery vote update
PC(USA) General Assembly - Big Tent
June 30-July 2, 2011
Indianapolis IN
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