Faith and Gay Rights

Having joined the Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church and other denominations that now allow partnered gay clergy in committed relationships, the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. is finding itself roiled with dissension in the ranks of its membership who are showing themselves to prefer a religion based on ignorance, hate and division as they threaten to leave the national church because of its acceptance of LGBT people. Why these dissenters don't outright say it, their reaction - in my view - is the result of their weak, house of cards faith system which cannot remain standing if a few passages of the Bible applied to demonize gays are found to be wrong. Never mind, of course, that these same people ignore on a wholesale basis other passages of the Bible that condemn their exclusionary mindset. Indeed, they are the Pharisees of the Bible reincarnated. A Presbyterian pastor from West Virginia of all places has an op-ed in the Los Angeles Times that makes the case as to why acceptance and inclusion are the truly Christian thing to embrace. Here are some highlights:
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Last week, a majority of the 173 presbyteries making up the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. voted to amend the church's constitution and allow openly gay and lesbian members to become ordained ministers, elders and deacons. The vote followed decades of debate and more than six months of voting.
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In taking this action, I believe our church moved a step forward and brought itself closer in line with Christ's all-embracing love. But it's not a step all Presbyterians welcome. I know this because for years, I was on the other side.
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I don't know what swayed every vote, but I know what made the difference for me. It was one crucial question: "Would Jesus ever call a 25-year, faithful relationship of love and care unholy?" For many of us, the answer was obvious.
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After the vote, my anxieties vanished, replaced by great joy. The reflections and conversations around Sally's ordination had vanquished our collective anxieties. We came out of it feeling that our decision was indeed a celebration of God's infinite love.
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The decision wasn't embraced by the whole church immediately. It would take time for my congregation and the larger church to see this as a divine opening.
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The decision triggered amazing things at our church. Yes, a few members left. But many estranged believers and formerly "un-churched" people have walked through the door. Our Sunday school is bursting at the seams. Our youth group keeps growing. The congregation is proud to be part of a church that is open and affirming. We have added staff and undertaken several building projects.
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So, to pastors and others who dread the consequences of openly gay and lesbian people serving as ministers, elders and deacons, I would simply say: This is a sacred moment, and a time for rejoicing. The church's action last week recognized an important teaching from the book of Galatians: "We are all one in Jesus Christ."
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Sadly, I suspect many will reject this view finding it preferable to look down on others as a means to feel better about their own sad, ignorance embracing lives. WWJD?