Presbyterians Drop Gay Clergy Ban

[ccharles000]

http://www.365gay.com/Newscon08/06/062808pres.htm

(Washington) The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), bitterly divided over sexuality and the Bible, set up another confrontation Friday over its ban on ordaining non-celibate gays and lesbians.

The denomination's General Assembly, meeting in San Jose, Calif., voted 54 percent to 46 percent Friday to drop the requirement that would-be ministers, deacons and elders live in "fidelity within the covenant of marriage between and a man and a woman, or chastity in singleness."

The proposed change to the church constitution requires approval from a majority the nation's 173 presbyteries, or regional church bodies - a yearlong process that has proven to be a barrier to similar efforts in the past.

Of equal importance to advocates on both side of the debate, the assembly also voted to allow gay and lesbian candidates for ordination to conscientiously object to the existing standard. Local presbyteries and church councils that approve ordinations would consider such requests on a case-by-case basis.

[supernova]

1. Yes!!! That just might get me back in church

I walked away from the Presby church because of that stupid ""fidelity within the covenant of marriage between and a man and a woman, or chastity in singleness."

I'm my case it's the 'fidelity in singleness' that personally rankled. And I certainly want my sisters and brothers in christ who happen to be gay to be able to be ministers if they feel the call. Really, I think all denoms need to grow the fuck up about fucking.

Man, this makes me happy. Thank you.

[calimary]

2. Hey, it's still WAY more progressive than what we Catholics have to contend with.

[supernova]

4. True, however

it gets to the very heart of "reformed" and "reforming" faith, the concept that the church has to change as our understanding and society changes. The notion that a bunch of regressive personalities want to hold the Presby church to their narrow, unchanging (roughly 1954 version) doctrine really pisses me off and is antithetical to our comission.

I'm sure the Catholic church will come around sometime. :hug:

[calimary]

6. Well, maybe in the next millennium. I really don't hold out much hope.

[annabanana]

3. I hope the move doesn't give you "splinters"

the way it did us Episcopalians

[supernova]

5. Well, it might

:hug:

Though, we are already divided between "confessing" (regressive) churches and "more light" (GLBT affirming), and noncomittal (my former church.) I might consider joining a more light church.

[hendo]

7. That's good news

Hopefully it gets pushed through.