Presbyterians argue roles of gays, lesbians
by Matthai Kuruvila, Religion Writer
San Francisco Chronicle
Members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) have for decades been struggling to come to a consensus about the role of gays and lesbians in the church. And they just can't make up their mind.
The church allows the blessing of same-sex unions, but defines homosexual acts as sinful and won't ordain partnered lesbian or gay candidates for priesthood. They're steadfast in opposition to same-sex marriage - but vindicate priests who preside over them, saying church-approved marriages can't exist no matter what priests do or say.
"Sadly enough, I think within my own denomination, the state has been a much more powerful witness than the church has," said Rev. W. Rob Martin III, pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto, which has welcomed and blessed same-sex couples for nearly 20 years. "It's my fervent hope that with movement in civil society my denomination will catch up with that."
full article
San Francisco Chronicle
Members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) have for decades been struggling to come to a consensus about the role of gays and lesbians in the church. And they just can't make up their mind.
The church allows the blessing of same-sex unions, but defines homosexual acts as sinful and won't ordain partnered lesbian or gay candidates for priesthood. They're steadfast in opposition to same-sex marriage - but vindicate priests who preside over them, saying church-approved marriages can't exist no matter what priests do or say.
"Sadly enough, I think within my own denomination, the state has been a much more powerful witness than the church has," said Rev. W. Rob Martin III, pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto, which has welcomed and blessed same-sex couples for nearly 20 years. "It's my fervent hope that with movement in civil society my denomination will catch up with that."
full article
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