Should revocation of the waiver occur, any person then holding office shall not be affected during the current term of office or call . The overture, in its rationale, correctly states that exemptions are, and have been, provided under certain circumstances. The advisability of adding another consideration on which an exemption can be granted is consistent with this Constitution and may rightly be decided by the presbyteries. However, the wording of this proposed amendment is inappropriate. Provision for the election of elders and deacons is the subject of G-14.0200.
Election is a right of the congregation.
Under certain circumstances, congregations may ask for exemption from particular constitutional constraints. The rights and privileges of the congregation are defined and limited. The overture seeks to add a third category of exemption from constitutional provisions governing elections. The overture would seek to allow a waiver, not for a failure in a positive obligation, but a waiver for defying a clear prohibition. The historic right of conscience as described in G-1.0300, however, is a right of individual conscience.