In fact, failure to honor these laws would be irregular and a violation of the Book of Order. We must look at our entire Constitution and give appropriate consideration to all its important provisions. They provide guidance for all of us. We affirm fidelity in marriage and chastity in singleness as defined in the Heidelberg Catechism which requires chaste and disciplined lives, whether in marriage or in single life. It does not mean celibacy.
Chastity is an important virtue.
It is also important to emphasize that we do not condone adultery among heterosexual persons. We are opposed to promiscuous behavior by anyone. But we oppose an interpretation of a law which creates absolute, categorical exclusions and which disregards the facts of a particular case. We oppose an interpretation which excludes entire categories of people regardless of their character and qualifications - an interpretation which forever bars from ordination ALL people in an intimate unrepentant partnership outside of marriage regardless of the strength and quality of their chaste, committed relationship. We oppose this interpretation because it violates the Confessions themselves by making them rules of faith and practice.