Christians Can Disagree

In June we gathered for “Pre-Worship Discussions,” 3 weeks to discuss what is known as “Amendment 10-A.” This important change to our Book of Order was approved by a majority of presbyteries and will take effect July 10.


Each week over 20 people came and learned more about Amendment 10-A (look at last month’s newsletter for details). It deals with who may be ordained as a minister, elder or deacon. This Amendment changes the wording of the paragraph G-6.0106b, replacing “fidelity and chastity” with “obedience to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life.” What this means is that a person who is partnered within a same-gendered relationship may now be considered for ordination. It removes the prohibition against it, but it does not mandate it. All persons must still exhibit faithful obedience to Jesus Christ, regardless of their sexual orientation. The sessions (who ordain elders and deacons), and the presbyteries (who ordain ministers) are to consider each case individually. For example, a session may or may not decide to ordain/install an openly gay deacon. 10-A does not bind your conscience either way.

This church has faithful people on both sides of this issue, with no clear majority. So these discussions in our church library provided something powerful: they allowed people on both sides to face each other, hear each other’s deeply-held convictions, and still agree to be church together. This is a sign of a healthy church. We resisted the urge to not talk about a divisive issue. Furthermore, we handled the discussions in a loving manner.

We have permission to disagree. That is because church is not about making sure we all vote alike, think alike, or stamp out conflict. God gave us each other so that, through the gift of the Spirit, we can grow in love. Our church is a model for our community—showing that Christians can disagree over important issues but still agree over what is Ultimate. Because we are, as we sing on Sundays, “One In the Spirit.”

Blessed, David