Overture 10

<typohead type="2">Sexual Orientation as a Barrier to Call to Ministry or Eldership</typohead>

At St Peter's Presbyterian Church Ellerslie on 13 July 2004, the Presbytery of Auckland met and was constituted.

<typohead type="3">Among other things:</typohead>

It was moved seconded and carried that the Presbytery transmit the following overture simpliciter to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand appointed to meet in on 19 September 2004.

Whereas the General Assembly has been debating the issue of homosexuality since 1985 without reaching agreement

And whereas it is clear that there are contrasting and strongly-held convictions on this issue

And whereas the differing convictions share common foundation in the discernment of Scripture and understanding of Christian discipleship

And whereas the Church in past times has chosen not to proceed further on important matters despite majority decisions (1931 and 1948 General Assembly on Church Union) for the sake of the peace and unity of the Church

And whereas to date no Assembly of the Presbyterian Church has specifically endorsed the ordination of practicing homosexuals

And whereas to date no Assembly of the Presbyterian Church has specifically forbidden the ordination of practicing homosexuals

And whereas the Book of Order already makes provision for procedures for objection prior to the licensing, ordination or induction of any person

And whereas successive General Assemblies over the last decade have endorsed local congregations as the primary locus of mission for the Church and have promoted healthy congregations as a primary aim in order that the mission of the Church may be fulfilled

And whereas ordained leadership is recognised as one of the key factors in the development of healthy congregations and promoting the mission of the local church

And whereas the local congregation is the best judge of its mission and of the style of leadership required to promote its mission

And whereas the right of the local congregation to call whom it will to ministry or eldership in the congregation is one of the foundational principles and hard-won privileges in the Presbyterian tradition

And whereas there are currently some congregations of the Presbyterian Church with homosexual persons in leadership positions ably and faithfully leading the mission of those congregations

<typohead type="3">It is hereby overtured that the General Assembly:</typohead>

Decide not to enact any legislation that would place any barrier in terms of a person´s sexual orientation in the way of the right of every congregation to call the minister or to elect the elders of their choice.

Decide not to enact any legislation that would place any barrier in the way of homosexual persons being licensed, ordained or inducted as elders or ministers beyond that which already exists under opportunities for objection to the licensing, ordination or induction of any person.

Enact the following statement: "Among the grounds for deciding on the suitability of any individual for eldership or ministry, homosexual orientation or relationship is not in and of itself a barrier to any person being licensed, ordained or inducted into the eldership or ministry of this Church."

</typolist>

Or that the General Assembly determine otherwise as in its wisdom it shall consider best.

The Presbytery appointed the Rev David Clark and Mr. John Trainor to support the Overture to the General Assembly.

Extracted from the records of Presbytery by

Trevor Mosley
Presbytery Clerk