In the editorial for the Outlook’s annual Theological Education Issue, the editor raised questions about changes that were recently made in the Open Book Bible Exegesis ordination examinations. Similar questions have been raised by others in recent weeks. These concerns point to the important role the examinations play in the larger preparation for ministry process. The Presbyteries’ Cooperative Committee on Examinations for Candidates (PCCEC) appreciates the opportunity to respond to concerns and to clarify steps that are being taken to make the examinations effective tools in helping discern a candidate’s readiness for ministry.We have posted to our Web site (www.pcusa.org/exams) information explaining the history, rationale, and purposes of these changes. Here we would like to emphasize two points. First, all candidates continue to be required to answer questions dealing with the assigned texts in the original Greek or Hebrew languages, and those answers will factor into the overall evaluation of the examination. Second, in evaluating whether a candidate presents “a faithful interpretation,” readers will be assessing whether it is consistent with the facts about the text’s wording, the realities concerning the text’s historical, social, canonical, and theological contexts, and so forth. We appreciate the questions being raised. The preparation of candidates for ministry of Word and Sacrament is a vital process undertaken by the whole church. It is the aim of PCCEC to be a valued contributor to that process. DAVID RATCLIFF, moderator Presbyteries’ Cooperative Committee on Examinations for Candidates
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