Presbyterian leaders approve gay clergy policy

[Wickerman]

Source: Yahoo News



MINNEAPOLIS – Presbyterian leaders voted Thursday to allow non-celibate gays in committed relationships to serve as clergy, approving the first of two policy changes that could make their church one of the most gay-friendly major Christian denominations in the U.S.

But the vote isn't a final stamp of approval for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) or its more than 2 million members.

Delegates voted during the church's general assembly in Minneapolis, with 53 percent approving the more liberal policy on gay clergy. A separate vote is expected later Thursday on whether to change the church's definition of marriage from between "a man and a woman" to between "two people."

Under current church policy, Presbyterians are only eligible to become clergy, deacons or elders if they are married or celibate. The new policy would strike references to sexuality altogether in favor of candidates committed to "joyful submission to worship of Christ."

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100708/ap_on_re_us/us_presbyterians_gays_7

---

Surprising, but happy news.

[supernova]

1. Wonderful news!

I left the Presby church several years ago in part due to their policy against openly gay people serving as elders and clergy. Not only that it was cloaked in the much hated "chastity in singleness" policy.

:puke:

All the different districts (Presbyteries) will have to vote on it now, but it's as good as done.

:thumbsup:

edit: I was an Elder in my church at the time. And it really rankled to not be treated with respect and dignity, especially that which they professed to be looking for in a leader.

[wryter2000]

2. One of the most gay-friendly churches

The Episcopalians are way ahead of them. Still, "one of..."

Good news.

[davidinalameda]

3. this should clear out the haters from the PCUSA

[closeupready]

8. I hope so. They have always been an extremely scary cult.

n/t

[MNBrewer]

4. Today's full of good news!

This.... DOMA ruled unconstitutional.... :beer:

[IndianaGreen]

5. Is this the only flavour of Presbyterians?

There are several kinds of Baptists, Lutherans, etc., that range from very conservative to liberal, and I am just wondering if there is only one Presbyterian denomination.

[xchrom]

6. well there's reformed presbyterians -- but they're not part of this.

kind of like lutherens -- there are two synods -- and they don't participate
in each others stuff.

on edit i'm not sure the reformed presbyterians were ever part of the presbyterian church.
a little looking around left me with a very strange impression.

[supernova]

7. This is PCUSA

which is the largest Presby denom in the US.

There are a couple of flavors of Presbies:

Presbyterian Church USA is the most "liberal" relatively speaking. They've been at or near the front of social justice campaigns historically. Though why they seem to be dragging their feet on gay clergy and marriage saddens me greatly.

Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) is conservative, similar to Southern Baptists.

Orthodox Presbyterian Church still believe in predestination, i.e. you're either "chosen" or you're not. They make PCA and Southern Baptists look like the "fun" people by comparison.

[JerseygirlCT]

12. Love that last paragraph of yours...

very funny!

[Omaha Steve]

9. I'm Baptised Presbyterian

I missed this or I would R this story.

[No Elephants]

10. And it took only 2000 years (give or take).

Matthew 22:36-40 (King James Version)



36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.



I guess Presbyterian Cburch leaders are finally welcoming all their neighbors. May hierarchies of all other churches finally welcome all their neighbors as well.

[JerseygirlCT]

11. Progress...

TEC is there, looks like the Presbyterians are on the way.

I do think this will all end with equality. The only question is how long it takes to get there.

[coffeenap]

13. Yay! I wonder if my repug in-laws will become Baptists now.

:rofl:

[activa8tr]

14. Atheists never waste time deciding who can do what with whom.

Christian religious groups twiddle their thumbs over the silliest of questions, IMO.