The two waivers would allow governing bodies which cannot equitably and justly apply the requirements of G-6.0106b may apply for a waiver for up to three years. The waiver could be extended or revoked at any time by a majority vote. The overtures also say that no amendment can be made within 10 years. Santa Fe Presbytery believes this would allow the church 10 years of breathing room while the church comes more to one mind on the issue.
Current votes are nearly evenly split.
At the time of the reunion in 1983 a waiver allowed churches which had not ordained women to continue in that practice for 15 years. Currently, there are provisions that by a three-fourths majority, a presbytery may grant an exemption to the requirement that both men and women be elected as elders and deacons. All those who participate in such interpretations are shaped by their culture and, consequently, bring to the scripture a subjective filter which sometimes screens out what is central and fixes upon a peripheral matter. We believe the church needs a way to embrace and affirm our diversity while at the same time not endorsing or approving partisan positions. To top 2001 by The Witherspoon Society.