On Wednesday evening, February 8 at a called Congregational Meeting, ZPC's membership voted 112 to 15 to adopt the following amendment to the church's bylaws as presented to them by session:

"It is the policy of Zionsville Presbyterian Church that each teaching elder, ruling elder, and deacon serving in pastoral relationships or as officers of the church shall adhere to biblical standards of personal sexual behavior, including sexual fidelity within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman, and chastity in singleness."

The language is similar to what had been a part of the PC(USA) Book of Order until last May when it was replaced by an amendment which allows for local governing bodies to decide on each person's "calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability for the responsibilities of office." In addition, the PC(USA) Book of Order amendment replaced a section which called for the leader to "lead a life in obedience to Scripture" with "governing bodies shall be guided by Scripture." While these changes seem subtle at first glance, the session felt that they clearly lowered the ordination standards which historically we have followed.

In humility, realizing that all of us are sinners and in need of God's gracious forgiveness, by this action, ZPC is attempting to be obedient to the Bible as we understand it. Following the example of Jesus, we are called to continue to reach out in love and compassion to all people who, like us, are less than perfect. We continue to be "Called together by God to make disciples and release them for service in our broken world."