Chapter 26: Amending the Constitution of the Church

27.1. 26-1

26-1. The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in America, which is subject to and subordinate to the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, the inerrant Word of God, consists of its doctrinal standards set forth in the Westminster Confession of Faith, together with the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, and the Book of Church Order, comprising the Form of Government, the Rules of Discipline and the Directory for Worship; all as adopted by the Church.

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27.2. 26-2

26-2. Amendments to the Book of Church Order may be made only in the following manner: 1. Approval of the proposed amendment by majority of those present and voting in the General Assembly, and its recommendation to the Presbyteries. 2. The advice and consent of two-thirds (2/3) of the Presbyteries. 3. The approval and enactment by a subsequent General Assembly by a majority of those present and voting.

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27.3. 26-3

26-3. Amendments to the Confession of Faith and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms may be made only in the following manner: 1. Approval of the proposed amendment by three-fourths (3/4) of those present and voting in the General Assembly, and its recommendation to the Presbyteries. 2. The advice and consent of three-fourths (3/4) of the Presbyteries. 3. The approval and enactment by a subsequent General Assembly by three-fourths (3/4) of those present and voting. This paragraph (BCO 26-3) can be amended only by the same method prescribed for the amendment of the Confession of Faith and Catechisms of the church.

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27.4. 26-4

26-4. In voting upon an amendment to the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in America, the Presbyteries may not divide the parts of the amendment except as directed by the General Assembly which has recommended its adoption.

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27.5. 26-5

26-5. Full organic union and consolidation of the Presbyterian Church in America with any other ecclesiastical body can be effected only in the following manner: 1. The approval of the proposed union by three-fourths (3/4) of those present and voting in the General Assembly and its recommendation to the Presbyteries. 2. The advice and consent of three-fourths (3/4) of the Presbyteries. 3. The approval and consummation by a subsequent General Assembly by three-fourths (3/4) vote of those present and voting. This paragraph (BCO 26-5) can be amended only by the same method prescribed for the amendment of the Confession of Faith and Catechisms of the church.

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27.6. 26-6

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 and 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. Discipline – Its Nature, Subjects and Ends

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