OVERTURE E - Change 2nd Ordination Vow

WHEREAS, Synod has recognized a need for clarification of the second ordination vow by the following actions:

1) The appointing of a committee to "study . . . question two and the apparent ambiguity therein, with a view toward revision if necessary." (148th General Synod: July 1970)

2) The reception of the committee's report, referring it to the presbyteries for study (149th General Synod: May 1971), and

WHEREAS, Synod has had an entire year for study of the report wherein is found abundant evidence that the mind of American Presbyterianism as seen in its official actions for 181 years (1729 - 1910) has been most clear and without ambiguity, ruling that the ordination vow binds the subscriber to receive and adopt the Confession and Catechisms rather than some undefined system of doctrine.

THEREFORE, The California Presbytery, most solicitous to bring our denomination into closer conformity with the mind of the church in that period when she had the highest regard for truth, overtures the 150th Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Evangelical Synod to:

1) Aver its conviction that the second ordination vow binds the Subscriber to the Confession of Faith and Catechisms which he has vowed to receive and adopt as his own confession; not just so far as they happen to contain the system of doctrine taught in scripture, but because he recognizes them to be a faithful summary of scriptural doctrine;

2) Revise the second ordination vow to read: "Do you sincerely receive and adopt the doctrinal standards of this church, namely, the Westminster Confession of Faith, and Catechisms, Larger and Shorter, as your own confession of faith, and as a faithful summary of scriptural doctrine?"

3) Recognize that the second ordination vow assumes neither an ipsissima verba (every word) subscription nor the absence of any reservations. What it does assume is that the subscriber having honestly examined any and all reservations is willing to subordinate the same -- without any wounding to his conscience -- so far as to pledge his active support of the standards which he recognizes to be a most faithful summary of scriptural doctrine.

ANSWER: The Bills and Overtures Committee recommends that Synod adopt Overture E as follows:

Recommendation (1) as is.

Recommendation (2) as is.

Recommendation (3) with the following revision: Recognize that the second ordination vow assumes neither an ipsissima verba (every word) subscription nor the absence of any reservations (doubts or questions) nor the absence of possible honest disagreements. What it does assume is that the subscriber having honestly examined any and all reservations is willing to subordinate the same -- without any wounding to his conscience -- so as to pledge his support of the standards which he recognizes to be a most faithful summary of scriptural doctrine. Furthermore, when honest disagreement with any article does exist, the subscriber is to make known the exception(s) to the appropriate judicatory (presbytery/session) prior to the taking of the vow.

ACTION: It was moved and seconded to adopt recommendations 1, 2, and 3. Recommendation 1 lost. Recommendation 2 was amended as follows: to strike out "and as a faithful summary of scriptural doctrine" and to add: "and as embodying the system of doctrine taught in Holy Scripture."* and an asterisked footnote: *"The second ordination vow assumes neither an ipsissima verba (every word) subscription, nor the absence of any reservations (doubts or questions) nor the absence of possible disagreements. What it does assume is that the subscriber, having honestly examined any and all reservations, is willing to subordinate the same -- without any wounding to his conscience -- so as to pledge his support of the standards. Furthermore, when honest disagreement with any article does exist, the subscriber is to make known in writing the exception(s) to the appropriate judicatory (presbytery/session) prior to the taking of the vow."

One a procedural motion the previous question was passed. Dr. William Barker and Dr. Richard Gray asked that their negative votes be recorded.

Synod recognizes that the second ordination vow assumes neither an ipsissima verba (every word) subscription nor the absence of any reservations (doubts or questions) nor the absence of possible honest disagreements. What it does assume is that the subscriber having honestly examined any and all reservations is willing to subordinate the same -- without any wounding to his conscience -- so as to pledge his support of the standards. Furthermore, when honest disagreement with any article does exist, the subscriber is to make known in writing the exception(s) to the appropriate judicatory (presbytery/session) prior to the taking of the vow.

ANSWER: The Bills and Overtures Committee recommends that Synod respond to Overture N by requiring regular study of the Westminster Standards by all elders and officers within the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Evangelical Synod. Synod adopted this recommendation.