Celebrating the opening of the Presbyterian ordination process to openly LGBT people
This atheist is celebrating today with her Presbyterian family and friends! I want equality everywhere, even places I wouldn’t go like the military and church. LGBT-positive changes that religious people bring about in their institutions result in members of that institution re-thinking how they treat lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people everywhere, not just in church. There is a positive ripple effect that benefits us all, whether in their personal interactions with us or how they vote.
A warm congratulations to all those who worked so hard to make this positive change happen. Today is a day for all of us to celebrate.
On Sunday, July 10, changes to the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s constitution go into effect, allowing the ordination of openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender ministers, elders and deacons. Ratification of these constitutional changes was assured in May of 2011, when a majority of the 173 presbyteries voted to change the policy through a nationwide ratification process. Voting on the amendment continued through July. Ninety-seven presbyteries approved the amendment which will become official policy for the entire denomination on Sunday, July 10. More Light Presbyterian congregations across the country marked the moment with prayer and rejoicing in their worship services. (List: http://www.mlp.org/index.php?topic=churches).
“This historic moment reminds me of when Presbyterians affirmed women as ordained leaders in the church a generation ago,” said Michael Adee, executive director of More Light Presbyterians. “Across this country members of welcoming and affirming congregations and ministries are telling the stories of faithful candidates who can now be considered for ordination. Years of sharing our lives, Bible study and prayer helped Presbyterians from all walks of life to affirm ordination based on gifts and graces for ministry and God’s love for all people.”
Related:
* Guest Post by Rev. Dr. Janet Edwards: What Today’s Vote Means for the Church
* Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) lifts ban on noncelibate gay clergy but dodges the marriage question
Celebrating the opening of the Presbyterian ordination process to openly LGBT people
This atheist is celebrating today with her Presbyterian family and friends! I want equality everywhere, even places I wouldn’t go like the military and church. LGBT-positive changes that religious people bring about in their institutions result in members of that institution re-thinking how they treat lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people everywhere, not just in church. There is a positive ripple effect that benefits us all, whether in their personal interactions with us or how they vote.
A warm congratulations to all those who worked so hard to make this positive change happen. Today is a day for all of us to celebrate.
On Sunday, July 10, changes to the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s constitution go into effect, allowing the ordination of openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender ministers, elders and deacons. Ratification of these constitutional changes was assured in May of 2011, when a majority of the 173 presbyteries voted to change the policy through a nationwide ratification process. Voting on the amendment continued through July. Ninety-seven presbyteries approved the amendment which will become official policy for the entire denomination on Sunday, July 10. More Light Presbyterian congregations across the country marked the moment with prayer and rejoicing in their worship services. (List: http://www.mlp.org/index.php?topic=churches).
“This historic moment reminds me of when Presbyterians affirmed women as ordained leaders in the church a generation ago,” said Michael Adee, executive director of More Light Presbyterians. “Across this country members of welcoming and affirming congregations and ministries are telling the stories of faithful candidates who can now be considered for ordination. Years of sharing our lives, Bible study and prayer helped Presbyterians from all walks of life to affirm ordination based on gifts and graces for ministry and God’s love for all people.”
Related:
* Guest Post by Rev. Dr. Janet Edwards: What Today’s Vote Means for the Church
* Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) lifts ban on noncelibate gay clergy but dodges the marriage question
* Conversation with a straight Presbyterian ally (more…)
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