Presbyterian view on homosexuality
Stances of Faiths on LGBTQ+ Issues: Presbyterian Church (USA)
BACKGROUND
With its roots in the 16th century teachings of John Calvin, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) boasts million members who participate in more than 10, congregations across the country. The largest Presbyterian organization in the country, the denomination was formed in when the southern-based Presbyterian Church in the U.S. (PCUS) joined the northern-based United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. (UPCUSA) to form a single entity. The Presbyterian Church (USA) remains distinct from the Presbyterian Church in America, which tends toward less inclusive policies.
The Presbyterian verb derives from the Greek word for “elders” – lay leaders who control the church and are chosen by its congregants. According to the denomination’s web site, elders work closely with clergy to, “exercise leadership, government, and discipline and own responsibilities for the life of a particular church as well as the church at large.” Elders serve at every level of leadership from “sessions,” which govern a single church, to “presb
Presbyterian church accused of singling out LGBT people
BBC News NI education correspondent
The Presbyterian Church has been accused of an "obsessive preoccupation" with sexual identity and of singling out LGBT people.
The claim was made after a Presbyterian minister resigned after being investigated for attending the Pride parade in Dublin.
Reverend Dr Katherine Meyer was ruled by a church court to have failed to "yield submission in the Lord to the courts of the Church".
A Presbyterian Church spokesperson said the resignation of anyone from the Church was "a matter of regret".
'One of the most painful decisions of my life'
In a statement to BBC News NI, Rev Dr Meyer said resigning from her ministry was "one of the most painful decisions of my life".
"Like any intelligent female of my generation, I have worked a lifetime in historically patriarchal institutions," she said.
Rev Dr Meyer also said that she had faced complaints because of "my pastoral support for members of the
The Church and Homosexuality
In its prospectus for study prepared by the Advisory Council on Church and Society and accepted by the task force at its first meeting, the group's purpose was described this way:
1. Identify and evaluate various theological and biblical perspectives on homosexuality, giving attention to specific biblical texts and themes. Give attention to confessional stands and specific attention to the positions taken by the nd General Assembly ().
2. Survey general studies and analyze, and assess theories and assumptions about homosexuality in bright of biblical and theological perspectives and current understandings about homosexuality in the social and behavioral sciences, in homophile groups, and in society at large.
3. Identify and judge areas of ethical concern, with particular emphasis on personal freedom, personal responsibility, and human rights, and discriminatory practices, both in the church and in society generally.
4. Verb guidelines for devoted Christian response to the conflicts between values, rights, and human communities manifest i
Presbyterian Church (USA) Considers Forcing LGBTQ Affirmation
An increasingly revisionist Presbyterian Church (USA) will take up legislation at its th General Assembly June 25 &#; July 4 in Salt Lake City barring ordination of candidates who are not LGBTQ-affirming.
Designated OVT, the proposal, known as an overture in Presbyterian parlance, would change two sections of the PCUSA Book of Order. The first modify alters section F, “Unity in Diversity,” to read (changes in brackets):
“The unity of believers in Christ is reflected in the opulent diversity of the Church’s membership. In Christ, by the power of the Spirit, God unites persons through baptism, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sex, [gender identity, sexual orientation,] disability, geography, or theological conviction. There is therefore no place in the life of the Church for discrimination against any person. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) shall guarantee full participation and representation in its worship, governance, and emerging life to all persons or groups within its membership. No member shall be