July 9, 2010 | Sex & Society

Presbyterian's going gay

Presbyterian Church takes step to allow for gay clergyThe Presbyterian Church may soon allow non-celibate gays in committed relationships to serve as clergy.

Church leaders voted yesterday on the change during the church's general assembly in Minneapolis. 53 percent of the delegates approved the move. A second vote is still pending to change the Church's definition of marriage to the more inclusive phrase of being between "two people" instead of between "a man and a woman."

Any proposed changes must then be approved by a majority of the church's 173 U.S. presbyteries before they can take effect. Two years ago an attempt was made to allow gay clergy, but 94 of the presbyteries refused to support the move.

Some church members are afraid that the decision will destroy efforts to reach out to new memberss in other parts of the world, where views on sexuality are much more conservative. "I fear for the partnerships we have built around the globe," said the Rev. D. Matthew Stith.

"What this is about is making sure we uphold what Christ taught us, to not judge one another," countered Dan Roth, a church elder. "We will no longer have to tell our brothers and sisters in Christ to lie about who they are."

Putting Jesus back in Christianity? How bold!

Presbyterian leaders approves gay clergy policy [Yahoo! News]

Presbyterian Church committee: Allow same-sex marriage [USA Today]

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