Religious Left

By Michael Conlon, Religion Writer Reuters CHICAGO (Reuters) - The highest court of the U.S. Presbyterian Church has lifted a censure placed on a retired minister for presiding over two same-sex unions, the church announced on Tuesday. The ruling said the Rev. Jane Adams Spahr, an activist for gay and lesbian causes who lives in San Rafael, California, performed "ceremonies" and not actual marriages in two instances in 2004 and 2005. Both cases involved lesbian couples. full article

On Aug. 23, the Synod of the Pacific Permanent Judicial Commission, a regional body of the Presbyterian Church ( USA ) , reversed the Presbytery of the Redwood’s previous acquittal of any wrongdoing by the Rev. Jane Spahr in her decision to officiate at marriage ceremonies for two lesbian couples. The Synod stated, “Although the Rev. Dr. Spahr had acted with conscience and conviction, her actions were contrary to the [ Presbyterian Church ( USA ) ] Constitution as it is authoritatively interpreted.” In a 6-2 vote, the Synod directed that a finding of guilty be entered, and Spahr receive the censure of rebuke, which was the lightest punishment possible for the offense. “For me to say that one is better than the other…I don’t even think like that. It’s got to be equal. … I’m not only for equal rights, I’m for equal rites,” explained Sparh. http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=15946 .