Applicants who have a living former spouse require what voting threshold by the International Executive Council before being set forth by the local church?

• A. Two-Thirds Majority
• B. Unanimous
• C. Simple Majority
• D. No Vote Required

Answer: (A)

Voting thresholds in church governance show how much consensus is needed for serious decisions. When an applicant has a living former spouse, the policy requires a two-thirds majority in the International Executive Council before that candidate is set forth to the local church. This higher standard ensures broad, careful discernment across the international body, reflecting the seriousness of ordination and the potential impact on ministry standards and congregational unity. It guards against hasty approval and reinforces accountability within the wider church community.

Unanimous approval would be far too strict and difficult to achieve, while a simple majority could allow decisions with substantial dissent to pass. No vote would bypass essential oversight.