We are thankful for and celebrate the recent vote to remove a barrier to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people who seek ordination in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
The following announcement was published May 10, 2011 on the PCUSA website:
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) approves
change in ordination standard
"submission to the lordship of jesus christ" replaces "fidelity and chastity"
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' (G-6.0106b in the church's Book of Order).
The new language reads, "Standards for ordained service reflect the church's desire to submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life (G-1.0000). The governing body responsible for ordination and/or installation (G.14.0240; G-14.0450) shall examine each candidate's calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability for the responsibilities of office. The examination shall include, but not be limited to, a determination of the candidate's ability and commitment to fulfill all requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W-4.4003). Governing bodies shall be guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual candidates."
The new provision reaffirms the long-held right and responsibility of ordaining bodies (local church sessions for deacons and elders or presbyteries for ministers) to determine the suitability of each candidate for ordination. The effect of the new language also opens up the possibility that persons in same-gender relationships can be considered for ordination.
From St. Andrew's May 15th Service:
"From Moralism to Sacramental Community"
Jim: "As long as you have one scapegoat in your theology, I would suggest you've not begun to understand Jesus Christ. This is a love that doesn't need to be defined by fear or hatred. It's a love that can shape an entire worldview on compassion. And it's not a weakness. It's a strength. It's a power. And it guides us. But here's the thing: to do it, you have to stop judging other people.
What we're being called to is a different understanding of humankind and of theology. And it's got to be radical, which means it's not defined by the culture in which you were born, and it's got to be universal, which means it doesn't stop with the people you like."
Audio file (Mp3) Streaming Video Transcript (pdf)
and Share Thoughts On the Vote
Streaming Video
