That All May Freely Serve

For my entire lifetime (literally), the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has been fighting over our ordination standards to become more inclusive of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. This is a particularly important issue for the PC(USA) because, as Presbyterians, we not only ordain our clergy, but our lay leaders known as elders and deacons. As it stood, our requirements for ordination included, "fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or chastity in singleness." The proposed amendment changes the wording to "Standards for ordained service reflect the church's desire to submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life." This was approved at last summer's General Assembly, but on Tuesday night, it was ratified by the 87th presbytery needed for it to become part of the church's Constitution.

This is a good day for the Body of Christ!

Many will disagree. This will inevitably cause a greater divide and division within our denomination. I wish it didn't have to be this way. At the root of the amendment is not "anything goes." The root of this amendment allows us to have a more faithful conversation about how Christ is Lord over all aspects of life, including our sexuality. Can we now have a real conversation about sexuality in the church? We have wasted years of pastoral ministry to this debate. We have put people in two camps - heterosexual and homosexual. We have said yes to one and no to the other. We have missed the opportunity to ministry to the LGBT community because we have been so wrapped up in lumping them into one category. We have sent the message that its either all good or all bad. We have refused to see the difference between a healthy gay couple and a promiscuous gay lifestyle. This amendment allows us to have these faithful conversations - for homosexuals and heterosexuals. Instead of saying who is out and who is in with black and white lines, it allows discerning conversation, regardless of sexual orientation. It allows congregations to consider the calling and gifts of each individual without limitation of the Constitution.

We step into this new world with grace, remembering that it is not humans who call, but God. This isn't a liberal vs. conservative story. This is a story about thousands of faithful people trying to discern, interpret, and live out Scripture. All who voted and gave voice, did so faithfully, regardless of their vote. I pray we don't use Scripture as a weapon, on either side. I pray that through this amendment and other proposals we learn to unite through our differences. I pray we do not judge our neighbor's opinion without hearing and understanding it first. God's love and God's kingdom is big enough for both.

For those in our communities who have been victims of hate because of sexual orientation... for those who have been turned away from our churches... for those who have not experienced the love of Christ from those who claim to be Christians... for those who have felt outside of God's love and grace... for those whose family members have been turned away while you sit inside our buildings, torn inside... I am most deeply and sincerely sorry. I pray for God's reconciliation. I pray for God's gracious love. I pray for your forgiveness. I pray for this new day of Church.

 Photo by Scarycrow

Comments

[Ohjulie]

Jen, thanks for this thoughtful reflection. If the PC(USA) is anything like the ELCA (which is now almost two years out from a similar decision), the next few years will likely be painful for those on both sides of the issue, but as I am sure you well know, God abides and walks with us as we attempt to discern how to be faithful to the commandment to love one another. So again, thanks for addressing the heart of the issue, which is truly reconciliation.