The Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area yesterday posted on their web site and blog the announcement that a remedial case has been filed with the Synod of Lakes and Prairies claiming that the vote of the Presbytery at a special meeting on January 26 was irregular.  That vote, in the affirmative, was to approve a non-essential departure in beliefs therefore restore the Rev. Paul Capetz to the exercise of ordained office.  According to the announcement the claim was filed by the Rev. David Bierschwale, the Rev. David Lenz, and Elder Carol Shanholtzer.  Here are the claimed irregularities from the Presbytery announcement:

“Complainants believe that the action was irregular in the following
particulars and/or the governing body exceeded its authority and failed
to act as constitutionally required in the following particulars:

The PTCA determined that compliance with the behavioral requirements of G-6.0106b is non-essential;

and,

The PTCA restored to the ministry of Word and Sacrament a person who
admits and declares that he will not lead his life in conformity to the
historic confessional standards of the church, specifically the
requirement contained in Section G-6.0106b.”

While I don’t think that this filing was unexpected in light of the Presbytery’s actions, at this point in time it also must be viewed through the lens of both the recent GAPJC decision and any possible action by the 218th General Assembly that begins three months from today.

The announcement was that a claim has been filed so we must now wait for the process to work as the Synod investigates and the Synod PJC prepares to do its work.  Stay tuned.