Relief of conscience

Relief of conscience (ROC) can be granted to a congregation or employer that pays dues. It does not affect the Benefits Plan coverage available to their ministers and employees.

For those with ROC status, the Board of Pensions sets aside from their dues the same amount that paid for abortion procedures in the prior year among those they cover; this money helps to fund Adoption Assistance grants.

ROC process

A session or an employer's governing body (e.g., Board of Directors) must pass a resolution declaring that it objects, as a matter of conscience, to Medical Plan coverage of abortion procedures. A congregation's resolution goes to the presbytery of jurisdiction, which will grant or deny ROC status. Those seeking ROC are advised to discuss their presbytery's procedure with the executive/general presbyter, stated clerk, or Committee on Ministry.

ROC roll

A presbytery notifies the Board when it grants ROC status. The Board notifies congregations and employers of their ROC status and places them on the ROC roll.

List of those granted ROC status

The 221st General Assembly (2014) urged the Board of Pensions to publish a list of those who have been granted ROC status. 

View congregations and employers that have been granted Relief of Conscience status.