Presbyterians Down to the Wire

Timothy Kincaid

April 23rd, 2009

The various presbyteries of the Presbyterian Church (USA) are voting on whether to ratify a change in position that would allow gays and lesbians to become pastors and elders.

The church has a total of 173 presbyteries and of them 154 have now voted. The tally now stands at 68 yes to 86 no. If even one of the remaining 19 bodies votes to oppose the change, it will fail.

While it is likely that the PCUSA will not accept gay pastors with this vote, this is a significant improvement over the last time the change was presented, and the very close outcome holds promises for the future.

David C.

April 23rd, 2009

A watched pot?

We seem to always be standing in front of some gauge trying to see if the reading indicates progress for gay rights. I suppose it’s heartening to have even the smallest shred of positive feedback along the road to freedom and acceptance. A little joy to be had by each decreasingly profound defeat, the margins narrowed as we converge on the elusive threshold.

Mark F.

April 23rd, 2009

Well, I have a feeling it has been predetermined by God that Presbyterians will eventually accept gay pastors. ;-)

SharonB

April 24th, 2009

We already have gay Pastors and Elders, and probably Deacons, too! DADT. This is rank hypocrisy!

Ephilei

April 27th, 2009

Tim

By “gays and lesbians” I presume you mean “pro-gay gays and lesbians” and not including ex-gay or celibate gays and lesbians.

Are pro-gay heterosexuals ordained?

Timothy Kincaid

April 27th, 2009

Ephilei,

The PCUSA has many pro-gay ministers and it does currently allow celibate gay ministers.

Mark F.

April 28th, 2009

“This is rank hypocrisy!”

Yes, but according to your religion, this was predetermined by God already.

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