Chapter 26: Amending the Constitution of the Church

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.