The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) voted Friday to pave the way toward the ordination of practicing homosexual persons to the offices of deacon, elder, or minister. The series of votes begin to reverse the denomination's position on sexual practices that it has held for its entire existence.
This highest governing body of the 2.2 million member denomination began a process to amend one of its historic catechisms and its constitution to remove sexual-practice standards for ordination. It also overturned an "authoritative interpretation" that had defined its policy for ordination matters.
Possible amendments to the Heidelberg Catechism and the constitution are not final with this vote of the General Assembly. To become effective, each amendment will require the approval of a majority of the 173 regional governing bodies, called presbyteries. Thus, the General Assembly votes on Friday begin a referendum process across the denomination.
Jim Berkley, Director of IRD's Presbyterian Action Committee, commented:
"With a handful of rushed votes this morning, this General Assembly has turned its back on God's gracious plan for our lives. It has abandoned scriptural morality. It has caused us to deviate from the belief and practice of the church throughout history and around the world to this day.
"Presbyterian Action will not stand silent amid these decisions that are blatantly contrary to the Bible and to biblical morality. We lament the damage to Presbyterian congregations across the country, who still believe God's Word and intend to continue to abide by it, apart from any action of the General Assembly."
Christian Web News - Jesus has a way of getting right to the point, doesn't He? There was certainly no mincing of words, He came right out and said, "why are you fearful?" and then went on to say, "O you of little faith." You don't have to read between the lines to see what He was saying, they had little faith.
Christian Web News - Galatians 3:13-14. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree''), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) voted Friday to pave the way toward the ordination of practicing homosexual persons to the offices of deacon, elder, or minister. The series of votes begin to reverse the denomination's position on sexual practices that it has held for its entire existence.
