PERMANENT JUDICIAL COMMISSION

SUMMARY OF WORK

Served the General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church according to the authorities and responsibilities enumerated in the Book of Government 21-3.D.

1. Reviewed Presbytery of the Rivers & Lakes Overture to Amend G.5-10.
2. Reviewed Presbytery of the Rivers & Lakes Overture to Amend G.9-5.
3. Reviewed Presbytery of the Rivers & Lakes Overture to Amend G.19-3.
4. Reviewed the Presbytery of the Pacific Northwest Overture to amend G.9-3A.
5. Reviewed recommendations from the Ad-Interim Committee on Same Sex Attraction and Ordination Standards, proposing amendments to G.9-3A, G.9-3B, G.12-2B, G.12-3A, G.12-3B, and G.12-6.
6. The PJC reviewed the Presbytery of the West overture to Amend G.9-3A.
7. Reviewed the Central Carolinas Presbytery Overture to Amend G.9-3A.
8. Reviewed the Florida and Caribbean Presbytery Overture to Amend G.9-3A.
9. Reviewed the Florida and Caribbean Presbytery Overture to Amend G.12-2C.
10. Reviewed the New River Presbytery Overture to Amend G.9-3A.
11. Reviewed the Ad-Interim Committee on Ordination Standards recommendations to amend Chapters 11 and 12 of the Book of Government.
12. Reviewed the National Leadership Team recommendations to amend in full the Book of Discipline.
13. Adjudicated the complaint of The Session of New Albany Presbyterian Church v. Presbytery of the Alleghenies, finding the complaint stated grounds upon which relief may be granted, and sustaining the complaint in part and granting certain relief.
14. Adjudicated Robert McClelland, TE, v. Presbytery of the Central Carolinas. The PJC found that the complaint stated a basis for relief. The parties thereafter settled.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

46-13 On the recommendations from the Ad-Interim Committee on Ordination Standards, proposing amendments to G. 11-2.G of the Book of Government, the Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly APPROVE the amendments, having found that the proposal satisfies the requirements of clarity and consistency of language, and compatibility with the EPC Constitution. The PJC has prepared a Report on its findings, included herein.

46-15 On the recommendations from the Ad-Interim Committee on Ordination Standards, proposing amendments to G. 11-2.H of the Book of Government, the Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly APPROVE the amendments, having found that the proposal satisfies the requirements of clarity and consistency of language, and compatibility with the EPC Constitution. The PJC has prepared a Report on its findings, included herein.

46-17 On the recommendations from the Ad-Interim Committee on Ordination Standards, proposing amendments to G. 12-2 of the Book of Government, the Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly APPROVE the amendments, having found that the proposal satisfies the requirements of clarity and consistency of language, and compatibility with the EPC Constitution. The PJC has prepared a Report on its findings, included herein.

46-29 On the recommendations from the Ad-Interim Committee on Same Sex Attraction and Ordination Standards, proposing amendments to G.9-3A, G.9-3B, G.12-2B, G.12-3A, G.12-3B, and G.12-6, the Permanent Judicial Commission found that the proposals satisfy the standard for Clarity (7-2), Consistency (8-1), and Compatibility (8-1). The PJC has prepared a report on its findings, included herein. The Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly consider its reported findings in deciding whether to accept or decline the amendments.

46-37 On the Overture from the Presbytery of Florida and the Caribbean, to amend G.12-2C, the Permanent Judicial Commission recommends that the 46th General Assembly answer the Overture with reference to the Ad-Interim Committee on Ordination Standards, which, among other things, has also proposed to amend G.12-2 The PJC has prepared a Report on its findings, included herein.

46-39 On the Overture from the Presbytery of Rivers and Lakes, to amend G.9-5, the Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly APPROVE the revisions to G.9-5, having found that the proposal satisfies the requirements of clarity and consistency of language, and compatibility with the EPC Constitution. The PJC has prepared a Report on its findings, included herein.

46-40 On the Overture from the Presbytery of the Pacific Northwest to amend G.9-3A, in conducting its 3-C analysis, the PJC found that the proposal satisfies the criteria for clarity by a vote of 4-3-1, did not satisfy the criteria for consistency of language by a vote of 5-3, and that it did not satisfy the compatibility requirement by a vote of 5-3. The PJC has prepared a Report on its findings, included herein, along with a Minority Report. Additional Concurring Opinions were submitted and are included. The Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly consider its reported findings in deciding whether to accept or decline the Overture.

46-42 On the Overture from the Presbytery of Central Carolinas to amend G.9-3A, which was identical in wording to the Overture from the Presbytery of the Pacific Northwest, the PJC found the proposal to be answered by the PJC’s Report regarding the Pacific Northwest Overture. A separate Report was issued, included herein, with the Minority Report from the Pacific Northwest Overture being incorporated by reference. The Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly consider its reported findings regarding the Pacific Northwest Overture in deciding whether to accept or decline the Overture.

46-44 On the Overture from the Presbytery of Florida and the Caribbean to amend G.9-3A, which was identical in wording to the Overture from the Presbytery of the Pacific Northwest, the PJC found the proposal to be answered by the PJC’s Report regarding the Pacific Northwest Overture. A separate Report was issued, included herein, with the Minority Report from the Pacific Northwest Overture being incorporated by reference. The Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly consider its reported findings regarding the Pacific Northwest Overture in deciding whether to accept or decline the Overture.

46-46 On the Overture from the Presbytery of New River to amend G.9-3A, which was identical in wording to the Overture from the Presbytery of the Pacific Northwest, the PJC found the proposal to be answered by the PJC’s Report regarding the Pacific Northwest Overture. A separate Report was issued, included herein, with the Minority Report from the Pacific Northwest Overture being incorporated by reference. The Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly consider its reported findings regarding the Pacific Northwest Overture in deciding whether to accept or decline the Overture.

46-48 On the Overture from the Presbytery of the West to amend G.9-3A, the Permanent Judicial Commission found that the proposal satisfied the standard of Clarity (8-1), but did not satisfy the standards of Consistency (5-4) or Compatibility (5-4). The PJC has prepared a Report on its findings, included herein. Given the similarities between the Overtures from the Presbyteries of the West and the Pacific Northwest, the PJC Minority Report is incorporated herein by reference. The Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly consider its reported findings in deciding whether to accept or decline the Overture.

46-51 On the Overture from the Presbytery of Florida and the Caribbean to adjust boundaries to include Spain, the Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly APPROVE the adjustment of boundaries to include Spain.

46-53 On the Overture from the Presbytery of Rivers and Lakes to amend G.5-10, the Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly APPROVE the revisions to G.5-10, having found that the proposal satisfies the requirements of clarity and consistency of language, and compatibility with the EPC Constitution. The PJC has prepared a Report on its findings, included herein.

46-55 On the Overture from the Presbytery of Rivers and Lakes to amend G.19-3, the Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly APPROVE the revisions to G.19-3, having found that the proposal satisfies the requirements of clarity and consistency of language, and compatibility with the EPC Constitution. The PJC has prepared a Report on its findings, included herein.

46-61 On the recommendations from the National Leadership Team, proposing restatement of the Book of Discipline, the Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly APPROVE the amendments, having found that the proposal satisfies the requirements of clarity and consistency of language, and compatibility with the EPC Constitution. The PJC has prepared a Report on its findings, included herein.

46-68 Regarding The Session of New Albany Presbyterian Church vs. Presbytery of the Alleghenies, the Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly SUSTAIN (a) the PJC’s determination that the complaint stated grounds upon which relief may be granted and (b) the grant of relief set forth in the PJC’s Order dated January 15, 2026. 

46-69 Regarding Robert McClelland, TE, vs. Presbytery of Central Carolinas, the Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly SUSTAIN (a) the PJC’s determination that the complaint stated grounds upon which relief may be granted and (b) the grant of relief set forth in the PJC’s Order dated December 30, 2025.

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WORK OF THE COMMISSION

Constitutional Matters

The Permanent Judicial Commission convened to examine all overtures and recommendations from Presbyteries, permanent committees, and ad-interim committees that potentially amend the Constitution for clarity and consistency of language and for compatibility with other provisions of the Constitution of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, with the objective of presenting its recommendations to the General Assembly (G.21-3D.2.a-b).

The Permanent Judicial Commission prepared detailed reports and analyses regarding its 3-C review of the Overtures and Recommendations, which are appended herein.

Judicial Matters

The Session of New Albany Presbyterian Church v. Presbytery of the Alleghenies

This matter pertained to procedural irregularities regarding the presentation of an Overture for consideration at the Presbytery. The facts of the matter are complex and detailed and concern the manner in which an overture is to be considered for discussion given the Presbytery’s practice of first and second readings. The Overture was acknowledged to be in order, but a vote was held as to whether to place the matter on the docket, and the motion failed. As a result, the Overture was apparently not taken up at the meeting of the Presbytery based on reliance on the so-called Gentleman’s Agreement of GA 44-43. All parties recognized that the Gentleman’s Agreement was not enforceable. The Commission sustained the Complaint in part and directed Respondent to place the Overture on the agenda for consideration, including opportunity for debate and vote, at Respondent’s February 14, 2026 meeting. The relief granted was based solely on the facts of the record, namely that the Overture was acknowledged to be in order, yet was not taken up for consideration based on reliance on GA 44-43. The PJC’s Order dated January 15, 2026, and a Concurrence are appended hereto for full reference.

Robert McClelland, TE, v Presbytery of the Central Carolinas

The PJC conducted its D.14-8A analysis as to whether the Complaint stated grounds upon which relief may be granted and found that it did. The Complaint alleged that Respondent Presbytery authorized mediation pursuant to the Book of Discipline and that the parties thereafter reached a mediated settlement agreement disposing of pending charges. It further alleged that Respondent Presbytery, acting through its judicial commission, declined to give effect to that settlement for reasons other than constitutional noncompliance, and also declined to review a modified settlement agreement entered into between the underlying parties (Complainant and Respondent’s Prosecutor), instead insisting that the matter proceed to trial. The PJC directed Respondent Presbytery to respond to the Complaint. The parties thereafter settled. The PJC’s Order dated December 30, 2025, is appended herein for full reference.

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RECOMMENDATIONS (DETAILED)

RECOMMENDATION 46-13

On the recommendations from the Ad-Interim Committee on Ordination Standards, proposing amendments to G. 11-2.G of the Book of Government, the Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly APPROVE the amendments, having found that the proposal satisfies the requirements of clarity and consistency of language, and compatibility with the EPC Constitution. The PJC has prepared a Report on its findings, included herein.

RECOMMENDATION 46-15

On the recommendations from the Ad-Interim Committee on Ordination Standards, proposing amendments to G. 11-2.H of the Book of Government, the Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly APPROVE the amendments, having found that the proposal satisfies the requirements of clarity and consistency of language, and compatibility with the EPC Constitution. The PJC has prepared a Report on its findings, included herein.

RECOMMENDATION 46-17

On the recommendations from the Ad-Interim Committee on Ordination Standards, proposing amendments to G. 12-2 of the Book of Government, the Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly APPROVE the amendments, having found that the proposal satisfies the requirements of clarity and consistency of language, and compatibility with the EPC Constitution. The PJC has prepared a Report on its findings, included herein.

RECOMMENDATION 46-29

On the recommendations from the Ad-Interim Committee on Same Sex Attraction and Ordination Standards, proposing amendments to G.9-3A, G.9-3B, G.12-2B, G.12-3A, G.12-3B, and G.12-6, the Permanent Judicial Commission found that the proposals satisfy the standard for Clarity (7-2), Consistency (8-1), and Compatibility (8-1). The PJC has prepared a Report on its findings, included herein. The Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly consider its reported findings in deciding whether to accept or decline the amendments.

RECOMMENDATION 46-37

On the Overture from the Presbytery of Florida and the Caribbean, to amend G.12-2C, the Permanent Judicial Commission recommends that the 46th General Assembly answer the Overture with reference to the Ad-Interim Committee on Ordination Standards, which, among other things, has also proposed to amend G.12-2 The PJC has prepared a Report on its findings, included herein.

RECOMMENDATION 46-39

On the Overture from the Presbytery of Rivers and Lakes, to amend G.9-5, the Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly APPROVE the revisions to G.9-5, having found that the proposal satisfies the requirements of clarity and consistency of language, and compatibility with the EPC Constitution. The PJC has prepared a Report on its findings, included herein.

RECOMMENDATION 46-40

On the Overture from the Presbytery of the Pacific Northwest to amend G.9-3A, in conducting its 3-C analysis, the PJC found that the proposal satisfies the criteria for clarity by a vote of 4-3-1, did not satisfy the criteria for consistency of language by a vote of 5-3, and that it did not satisfy the compatibility requirement by a vote of 5-3. The PJC has prepared a Report on its findings, included herein, along with a Minority Report. Additional Concurring Opinions were submitted and are included. The Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly consider its reported findings in deciding whether to accept or decline the Overture.

RECOMMENDATION 46-42

On the Overture from the Presbytery of Central Carolinas to amend G.9-3A, which was identical in wording to the Overture from the Presbytery of the Pacific Northwest, the PJC found the proposal to be answered by the PJC’s Report regarding the Pacific Northwest Overture. A separate Report was issued, included herein, with the Minority Report from the Pacific Northwest Overture being incorporated by reference. The Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly consider its reported findings regarding the Pacific Northwest Overture in deciding whether to accept or decline the Overture.

RECOMMENDATION 46-44

On the Overture from the Presbytery of Florida and the Caribbean to amend G.9-3A, which was identical in wording to the Overture from the Presbytery of the Pacific Northwest, the PJC found the proposal to be answered by the PJC’s Report regarding the Pacific Northwest Overture. A separate Report was issued, included herein, with the Minority Report from the Pacific Northwest Overture being incorporated by reference. The Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly consider its reported findings regarding the Pacific Northwest Overture in deciding whether to accept or decline the Overture.

RECOMMENDATION 46-46

On the Overture from the Presbytery of New River to amend G.9-3A, which was identical in wording to the Overture from the Presbytery of the Pacific Northwest, the PJC found the proposal to be answered by the PJC’s Report regarding the Pacific Northwest Overture. A separate Report was issued, included herein, with the Minority Report from the Pacific Northwest Overture being incorporated by reference. The Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly consider its reported findings regarding the Pacific Northwest Overture in deciding whether to accept or decline the Overture.

RECOMMENDATION 46-48

On the Overture from the Presbytery of the West to amend G.9-3A, the Permanent Judicial Commission found that the proposal satisfied the standard of Clarity (8-1), but did not satisfy the standards of Consistency (5-4) or Compatibility (5-4). The PJC has prepared a Report on its findings, included herein. Given the similarities between the Overtures from the Presbyteries of the West and the Pacific Northwest, the PJC Minority Report is incorporated herein by reference. The Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly consider its reported findings in deciding whether to accept or decline the Overture.

RECOMMENDATION 46-51

On the Overture from the Presbytery of Florida and the Caribbean, to adjust boundaries to include Spain, the Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly APPROVE the adjustment of boundaries to include Spain.

RECOMMENDATION 46-53

On the Overture from the Presbytery of Rivers and Lakes to amend G.5-10, the Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly APPROVE the revisions to G.5-10, having found that the proposal satisfies the requirements of clarity and consistency of language, and compatibility with the EPC Constitution. The PJC has prepared a Report on its findings, included herein.

RECOMMENDATION 46-55

On the Overture from the Presbytery of Rivers and Lakes to amend G.19-3, the Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly APPROVE the revisions to G.19-3, having found that the proposal satisfies the requirements of clarity and consistency of language, and compatibility with the EPC Constitution. The PJC has prepared a Report on its findings, included herein.

RECOMMENDATION 46-61

On the recommendations of the National Leadership Team, proposing restatement of the Book of Discipline, the Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly APPROVE the amendments, having found that the proposal satisfies the requirements of clarity and consistency of language, and compatibility with the EPC Constitution. The PJC has prepared a Report on its findings, included herein.

RECOMMENDATION 46-68

Regarding The Session of New Albany Presbyterian Church vs. Presbytery of the Alleghenies, the Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly SUSTAIN (a) the PJC’s determination that the complaint stated grounds upon which relief may be granted and (b) the grant of relief set forth in the PJC’s Order dated January 15, 2026.

RECOMMENDATION 46-69

Regarding Robert McClelland, TE, vs. Presbytery of Central Carolinas, the Permanent Judicial Commission respectfully and prayerfully recommends that the 46th General Assembly SUSTAIN (a) the PJC’s determination that the complaint stated grounds upon which relief may be granted and (b) the grant of relief set forth in the PJC’s Order dated December 30, 2025. 

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COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Barton Kimbro
TE, Presbytery of the Central South

Ed McCallum
TE, Presbytery of the West

Gordon Miller
RE, Presbytery of the New River

Tom Werner
RE, Presbytery of Mid-America

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MEETING DATES

December 9, 2025: Video Conference
December 16, 2025: Video Conference
December 30, 2025: Video Conferenece
February 18, 2026: Video Conference
February 24, 2026: Video Conference
March 14, 2026: Video Conference
March 28, 2026: Video Conference 
April 6, 2026: Video Conference 
April 23, 2026: Video Conference
April 27, 2026: Video Conference 
May 4, 2026: Video Conference

Respectfully submitted,

Forrest Norman, Chairman
June 2026

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