The Historical Development of the Book of Church Order

Chapter 26 : Amending the Constitution of the Church

Paragraph 6 : On Delayed Action by Presbyteries

26-6. If by reason of the failure of a number of Presbyteries to act, or to report action, on any proposed amendment to the Standards, the response of the Presbyteries is not satisfactory to the succeeding General Assembly, it may defer action for one year. In that event the General Assembly shall urge the delinquent Presbyteries to report their judgment to the next Assembly, which shall take final action on the proposed amendment.

DIGEST: The current PCA text remains that of PCUS 1925. No comparable provision was included in PCUS 1879.

BACKGROUND & COMPARISON:
1. PCA 1973, 27-5, Adopted text, as printed in the Minutes of General Assembly;
2. Continuing Presbyterian Church 1973, 27-5, Proposed text;
and
3. PCUS 1933, XXIX, §163
4. PCUS 1925, XXVIII, §163
If by reason of the failure of a number of Presbyteries to act, or to report action, on any proposed amendment to the Standards, the response of the Presbyteries is not satisfactory to the succeeding General Assembly, it may defer action for one year. In that event the General Assembly shall urge the delinquent Presbyteries to report their judgment to the next Assembly, which shall take final action on the proposed amendment.

No comparable text in the following editions:
1. PCUS 1879, VII
2. PCUS 1869 draft, VII
3. PCUS 1867 draft, VII

COMMENTARY:
[no comparable section in Ramsay's Exposition]