The church in its witness to the uniqueness of the Christian faith is called to mission and must be responsive to diversity in both the church and the world. Thus the fellowship of Christians as it gathers for worship and orders its corporate life will display a rich variety of form, practice, language, program, nurture, and service to suit culture and need.
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GA (1990, 238, 21.114, Req. 90-2): Nothing prohibits religious discrimination by churches in the employment of lay employees. Nevertheless, unless a religious viewpoint directly impacts work performance, the church must recall the need for inclusiveness in all areas of its life.
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Our unity in Christ enables and requires the church to be open to all persons and to the varieties of talents and gifts of God's people, including those who are in the communities of the arts and sciences.
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GA (1990, 238, 21.114, Req. 90-2): See at G-4.0401.
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The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) shall give full expression to the rich diversity within its membership and shall provide means which will assure a greater inclusiveness leading to wholeness in its emerging life. Persons of all racial ethnic groups, different ages, both sexes, various disabilities, diverse geographical areas, different theological positions consistent with the Reformed tradition, as well as different marital conditions (married, single, widowed, or divorced) shall be guaranteed full participation and access to representation in the decision making of the church. (G-9.0104)
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Amend (1985, 144, 17.120, Item 30): Inserted category "different marital conditions (married . . . divorced)".
Amend Rejected (1991, 397, 21.135, Ovt. 89-16, 89-102): Rejected amendment to grant governing bodies discretionary power to ordain church officers without regard to sexual orientation.
Amend Rejected (1989, 221, 21.137, Ovt. 89-40): See at G-10.0301.
GA (2006, 38, 40, 439, Item 05-25): Pursuant to G-7.0304a(1), a congregation may adopt a policy prohibiting election of the congregation’s paid staff for nomination and election as an officer or trustee of that congregation.
GA (1998, 68, 166, 16.0220, 651, Ovt. 97-24): PC(USA) commits itself not to exclude anyone categorically in considering those called to ordained service in the church but to consider the lives and behaviors of candidates as individuals."
GA (1991, 402, 21.194, Ovt 90-18): Defined age groups (G-9.0105) and ages they contain (G-4.0403).
GA (1990, 238, 21.114, Req. 90-2): See at G-4.0401.
PJC (1995, 117, 11.053, Bolton v. Alamance Presbyterian Church): Active elders and deacons not prohibited from serving on PNCs under this provision.
PJC (1993, 178, 11.054, Wilson v. Pby of Donegal): G-4.0403 does not support relief from mandatory participation in the church's Benefits Plan. One has the right to express an opinion; but once a decision is made, members must abide by it even if they continue to advocate change.
Earlier Ref.: This section has no single source. See on various subjects: PCUS (1971, 170) Overture to replace exclusively masculine words; PCUSA (1955, 103) Ovt. F, representative nominating committee; UPCUSA (1963, 316) Ovt. D, color, origin, worldly condition; (1971, 308) Ovt. F on offices, race, ethnic, sex, marital status; (1975, 96, 189, 528) Ovt. and report on inclusive language; (1975, 67, 299) Ovt. B, C, D, on fair representation, male, female, ages, ethnic; (1978, 64, 399) Ovt. L, men and women; (1979, 84, 531) Ovt. J on disability; (1977, 99-108) Ovt. 16: That All May Enter, responding to concerns of the handicapped.
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