Charlotte Area Presbyterians Vote to End Gay Ban

In perhaps yet another sign that at least parts of North Carolina may be trending progressive is a vote by the Presbyterian church leaders representing the Charlotte area for ending their denomination's longstanding ban on gays and lesbians becoming pastors and elders. While there will be further votes before the denomination wide ban can be overturned, at least a slim majority in the Charlotte area is on record that it is accepting a progressive stance and one that is in line with modern mental health and medical knowledge on sexual orientation. Here are some highlights from the Charlotte Observer:

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In past years, the Charlotte Presbytery – the fourth largest in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) – had backed the prohibition [on gay clergy]. But after a spirited, civil debate in the chapel at Johnson C. Smith University, the presbytery voted 133-124, with one abstention, to reverse itself. That means that the seven-county Charlotte Presbytery is now on record as backing a proposed amendment to the denomination's constitution that would open the door to – though not automatically guarantee – ordination of homosexuals.

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For the amendment to go into effect, it will have to be endorsed by 87 of the denomination's 173 presbyteries by mid-May. Going into Saturday, the national tally was 32 presbyteries against the change and 18 for it. “It was the right thing for the presbytery to do,” said the Rev. Tom Tate of Charlotte's Plaza Presbyterian, one of four pastors – two on each side – who addressed the gathering. “While I am glad for those affected, I am sad that the close vote says the church may be so divided.”