Last October, in Judicial Case 2020-12 (Speck v. Missouri Presbytery), the PCA’s Standing Judicial Commission (SJC) ruled that Missouri Presbytery did not err when it declined to process allegations against Teaching Elder Greg Johnson. A summary of the decision is here. 

In accordance with the provisions of BCO 15-5, this decision was final, as the number of members dissenting was insufficient to file a minority report. However, the SJC Manual (OMSJC), does allow any member to file a dissenting opinion within 14 days after the written decision was sent to SJC members (OMSJC 17.8.k). In this case one such opinion was joined by the seven dissenting members. Read it here. 

The Manual also allows four members of the SJC to request a called meeting to consider a motion to adopt an answer to the dissenting opinion (OMSJC 18.12.c). That option was exercised in this case; a called meeting took place on February 1, and an answer was adopted. The answer was endorsed by the 16 SJC members who concurred with the decision. It can be found here. 

In addition to the dissenting opinion answered by the commission, one commission member filed a separate dissenting opinion. OMSJC 17.8.k also allows those who concurred with the decision in the case to file concurring opinions, offering additional comments about their decision. Two concurring opinions were filed in this case: one written by two commission members and joined by six others and another written by one commission member and joined, in part, by one other. 

OMSJC 18.12.c prohibits additional dissenting or concurring opinions or amendments to existing opinion after an answer to a dissenting opinion is filed, though such opinions may be withdrawn. Barring any such withdrawals, action on Case 2020-12 is concluded.