The New B Has Higher Standards

Today I opened up my print copy of this week's Presbyterian Outlook and saw my letter. Originally, it was a comment on this opinion piece by Jack Haberer. The editors were very nice. They hunted me down, called me at my office and asked to put it in print. Here it is:

The proposed G-6.0106b has higher standards than the current wording. Here is the text:

Those who are called to ordained service in the church, by their assent to the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W-4.4003), pledge themselves to live lives obedient to Jesus Christ the Head of the Church, striving to follow where he leads through the witness of the Scriptures, and to understand the Scriptures through the instruction of the Confessions. In so doing, they declare their fidelity to the standards of the Church. Each governing body charged with examination for ordination and/or installation (G-14.0240 and G-14.0450) establishes the candidate’s sincere efforts to adhere to these standards.

These standards apply to all who would be ordained officers (not just to some) and they are standards regarding the whole of one's life (not just one aspect of life).

The new G-6.0106b is a theologically sound text that reflects our treasured Reformed principles.