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On May 19, 1997,
Session voted unanimously to approve the proposed covenant of dissent statement and send
it to the stated clerks of the Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly. The statement is
as follows:
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As faithful Christians and
loyal Presbyterians, our faith and conscience compel us to state the following:
Jesus welcomed all people who came to him in faith, refusing none by
reason of race or condition, even when these conditions were clearly proscribed by law.
Jesus commanded us to love one another, even as he has loved us.
Scripture and our confessions command us to love the Lord our God, love our neighbor as
ourselves, deal justly with all men and women in word and deed, and defend the oppressed.
The gospel is to be preached to all peoples, as Jesus commanded, and
the church is to be inclusive, as Peter and Paul preached. Our constitution affirms this
by requiring only baptism and a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and
Lord for membership in the church (G-5.0101).
The church is exhorted to strive for justice (W-7.4001) which calls
for dealing honestly with each other and redressing wrongs against individuals and groups
in the church (W-7.4002).
The church is enjoined to practice openness and inclusiveness in the
name of Jesus Christ (G-3.0401b, G-4.0403, G-5.0103), and no person shall be denied
membership because of any reason not related to profession of faith (G-5.0103).
The right of the people to elect their own officers is inalienable
(G-1.00306).
Active members are entitled to all the rights and privileges of the
church, including the right to vote and hold office (G-5.0202). Officers differ from
members in function only (G-6.0102).
There are truths and forms with respect to which faithful Christians
may differ(G-1.0305).
The decisions of church bodies may be in error (G-1.0307).
God alone is Lord of the conscience (G-1.0301).
The recently passed amendment to G-6.0106, which adds section b
("Amendment B"), is not indispensable in doctrine or Presbyterian government,
nor is it an essential tenet of our faith.
The amendment relies primarily on our Confessions, which, by their
own admittance, are subordinate standards in the church and in which no one statement is
irreformable (C-9.03).
In obedience to the teachings of Jesus; guided by scriptures, our
confessions, and the Book of Order - and after individual and collective study,
consideration, and prayer - we have determined that we cannot agree to abide by the
recently passed amendment to G-6.0106 ("Amendment B") without violating our
informed conscience, faith, and interpretation of our obligations.
We covenant together to elect, ordain, and install as officers those
members with suitable gifts who are called to ministry, who are persons of strong faith,
dedicated discipleship, and love of Jesus Christ, and whose manner of life is a
demonstration of the Christian gospel in the church and the world, without additional
requirements or restrictions.
We further covenant to:
remain in the Presbyterian Church (USA), trusting in the grace of God
and working to change the constitution of the church;
uphold the constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in all its
provisions, except G-6.0106b, and continue full financial support of the mission of the
Presbyterian Church (USA) and its per capita apportionment;
pray for the reconciling spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ to transform
the entire church, and continue to welcome all God’s children to the life and work of
our community;
participate responsibly in whatever disciplinary measures may be
brought against us for this action.
Adopted by unanimous vote of the Session of The First and Franklin
Street Presbyterian Church this 19th day of May, 1997.
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