Yet another mainline Christian denomination appears headed towards allowing partnered same sex clergy. It's a triumph of modern knowledge and understanding of sexual orientation over ignorance, bigotry and mindless clinging to ancient writings that lacked such information and were aimed in part in maintaining the "otherness" of non-Jews. It will be interesting to see how many separate parishes within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will act like the white segregationists of old and seek to break from the national church body. I'm sure many of the professional Christians will lament the change in policy as they show about as much Christian love as George Wallace did when he said "segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever." I find it sad that increasingly Christianity's main attribute seems to be hate and bigotry towards others. I am pleased that LGBT Christians now have another potential church home. Here are highlights from denomination's website:*
While the Office of the General Assembly awaits official tallies, it appears that a majority of the 173 presbyteries of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) have approved a change in PC(USA) ordination standards.
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At its meeting on Tuesday, May 10, 2011, the Presbytery of Twin Cities Area became the 87th presbytery to approve an amendment that will remove the constitutional requirement that all ministers, elders, and deacons live in “fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or chastity in singleness”
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The effect of the new language also opens up the possibility that persons in same-gender relationships can be considered for ordination.
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The 219th General Assembly (2010) of the PC(USA) approved Amendment 10-A last summer, but required a majority of presbyteries to ratify the provision for it to become part of the church’s Constitution.
The change will take effect July 10, 2011, one year after the adjournment of last summer’s assembly.
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In response to the vote, denominational leaders issued a letter to all congregations of the PC(USA), calling the debate about ordination standards “a Presbyterian family struggle.” The letter goes on to say that Presbyterians have “sought to find that place where every congregation and every member, deacon, elder, and minister of the Word and Sacrament can share their gifts in ministry while, at the same time, the integrity of every congregation, member, deacon, elder, and minister is respected.”
While the Office of the General Assembly awaits official tallies, it appears that a majority of the 173 presbyteries of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) have approved a change in PC(USA) ordination standards.
*
At its meeting on Tuesday, May 10, 2011, the Presbytery of Twin Cities Area became the 87th presbytery to approve an amendment that will remove the constitutional requirement that all ministers, elders, and deacons live in “fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or chastity in singleness”
*
The effect of the new language also opens up the possibility that persons in same-gender relationships can be considered for ordination.
*
The 219th General Assembly (2010) of the PC(USA) approved Amendment 10-A last summer, but required a majority of presbyteries to ratify the provision for it to become part of the church’s Constitution.
The change will take effect July 10, 2011, one year after the adjournment of last summer’s assembly.
*
In response to the vote, denominational leaders issued a letter to all congregations of the PC(USA), calling the debate about ordination standards “a Presbyterian family struggle.” The letter goes on to say that Presbyterians have “sought to find that place where every congregation and every member, deacon, elder, and minister of the Word and Sacrament can share their gifts in ministry while, at the same time, the integrity of every congregation, member, deacon, elder, and minister is respected.”
1 comment:
Back in the 50's a scientist said that gays are crazy. He gave the explanation that this behavior does not lead to reproduction as his reason. He was told that many behaviors do not lead to reproduction like a priest would not have a daughter or a son.
He said that people who believe in an imaginary person in the sky are crazy. Well, he is old, but still with us. He was asked this year if he still believes that gays are crazy. He said "Look I am very busy right now - excuse me."
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