The 51st General Assembly voted in favor of four amendments to the PCA’s “Book of Church Order.” Those changes then go back to the presbyteries where they must be approved by at least 58 of the denomination’s 87 presbyteries (two-thirds). 

To date, 26 presbyteries have voted on the changes. Here is how the votes currently stand:

Item 1 amends BCO 13-6 to clarify the process for ministers transferring into a presbytery. The presbytery vote thus far has been 26 for, 0 against.

Item 2 amends BCO 13-6 to add personal character and family management to the examination of transferring ministers.  Read the language here. The presbytery tally thus far is 26 for, 0 against.

Item 3 amends BCO 32-19 to expand the representation of accused persons before church courts. The presbyteries thus far have voted in favor of the measure 25-1. 

Item 4 amends BCO 43-1 to allow complaints against judicial processes but requiring them to be adjudicated only after the final disposition of the judicial process to which they pertain. To date the presbyteries have voted 25-1 in favor of the measure.

Items 1 and 2 need the approval of an additional 33 presbyteries, while items 3 and 4 need the approval of an additional 34 presbyteries. Any BCO amendment that receives approval from two-thirds of presbyteries will come before the 52nd General Assembly for final ratification.

The following is a list of the presbyteries who have voted so far: Calvary, Eastern Pennsylvania, Gulf Coast, Gulfstream, Heritage, Highlands, Hills and Plains, Houston Metro, Illiana, Iowa, Metropolitan New York, New River, North Florida, Northern California, Northern New England, Ohio Valley, Palmetto, Philadelphia Metro West, Pittsburgh, Providence, South Texas, Southwest Florida, Susquehanna Valley, Tennessee Valley, West Hudson, and Westminster.