After several hours of debate, the Overtures Committee answered an amended version of Overture 7 in the affirmative. Overture 7 was originally submitted by Evangel Presbytery to “amend (BCO) 9-7 to specify that persons who assist deacons may not be ordained.”

By answering this overture in the affirmative, the Overtures Committee proposed adding the following language to the Book of Church Order (BCO) 9-7: “These assistants to the deacons are not officers of the church (BCO 7-2), and, as such, are not subjects for ordination (BCO 17).”

The vote passed by a margin of 60-36, with no abstentions. The Stated Clerk’s office has been notified that a minority report will be forthcoming. The overture now goes to the General Assembly.

The amended version of Overture 7 will be posted as soon as it is available.