Proposed Form of Government approved by the 219th General Assembly (2010)

Recommended to presbyteries for their vote

The proposed amendment would replace the current Form of Government in the Book of Order.

Proposed Amendments to the Constitution —
Part 1 of 3 (Includes Foundations of Presbyterian Polity, Form of Government, and Advisory Handbook for Councils for the Development of Policies and Procedures Required by the Form of Government.)

Foundations of Presbyterian Polity — lays out the principles that are foundational to government, worship, and discipline for the PC(USA). Preserves the vast majority of the material in the first four chapters of the current Form of Government. (Korean and Spanish versions are being prepared.)

Form of Government — in six chapters, spells out the constitutional framework for government of the PC(USA) as it seeks to respond to God’s call to life in mission. (Korean and Spanish versions are being prepared.)

Advisory Handbook for Councils for the Development of Policies and Procedures Required by the Form of Government — an aid to councils (governing bodies) of the church for developing the policies and procedures to carry out their mission.

About the Proposed Amendments — Part 1 of 3 (Includes a letter from the Stated Clerk, Recommendations from the 219th General Assembly (2010), General Information, and Study Guide.)

Additional resources:

Frequently asked questions that address key issues about the task force’s report.

What Is Missional Ecclesiology? from Paul Hooker, minister member of the FOG Task Force, member of the Advisory Committee on the Constitution.

A letter to PC(USA) elders from Carol Hunley, a task force member who is a ruling elder.

A brief reflection on the Foundations of Presbyterian Polity by noted author William Chapman.

Comparison Chart: Proposed Foundations and Form of Government to Current Form of Government

Comparison Chart: Current Form of Government to Proposed Foundations and Form of Government

Proposed Form of Government PowerPoint (7.3mb) This Power Point is suitable for use at Presbytery meetings. (This Power Point contains a narrative. To access the narrative please follow the directions below to download the Power Point to your computer.)

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