Presbyteries act on Amendment 10-A for inclusive ordination
2010-'11

Late on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 10, the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area became the 87^th presbytery to approve of the constitutional amendment that drops from the church’s rule a ban on the possibility of ordination (as minister or elder) for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. The responsibility for discerning persons’ suitability for ordination is now placed where it was in the beginning of the Reformed churches: in the hands of the ordaining body – i.e. the presbytery for ministers, and the local church session for elders.

The vote was strongly supportive of the change: out of 264 ballots cast, 205 were for the amendment, and just 56 against it, with 3 abstentions.

The discussion of the action was set up in a way to minimize conflict and oppositional thinking about the subject. First one member of the Committee on Bills and Overtures (Gordon Dosher, who as a commissioner to the 2010 General Assembly was assigned to the committee that dealt with the ordination question) spoke for about ten minutes; he was followed by ten supporters of the amendment, each being give just one minute to make his or her point. Then a member for the Bills and Overtures Committee spoke for ten minutes explaining his reasons for opposing the change, after which ten others gave their reasons for opposing it.

I’ll try to summarize some of the points that were made, and post some of the speeches in their entirety, after I get a bit of sleep tonight.

And if you have news or thoughts to share, please send a note and enrich our discussion!

More on the ratification of Amendment 10-A by the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area – what people said in the floor discussion      [5-24-11]

We reported almost two weeks ago on the action of the Twin Cities Area presbytery in approving Amendment 10–A to the Book of Order of the PC(USA). The discussion before the vote had been planned by the presbytery leaders to allow for the expression of varying views, but in a format that would minimize back-and-forth “debate” that might sharpen differences of opinion.

Each side, for and against approval of LGBT ordination, was presented first by a member of the Bills and Overtures committee, and each of them was followed by ten minutes for statements by members of the presbytery. Presentations in favor of approval were varied, but seemed to articulate many of the most important reasons for support the change. And number of the speakers have shared the written version of their remarks, which we’re happy to share with you here. Just click on the name of any presenter that looks like a link, and you’ll see that full statement.

The first speaker in favor of the change was Elder Gordon Dosher, of Plymouth Presbyterian Church, Plymouth, MN, a member of the Bills and Overtures Committee, and one of the commissioners to the 219^th General Assembly in 2009 who served on the Committee that considered the numerous overtures dealing with ordination of LGBT Presbyterians, and finally recommended to the full Assembly what finally was approved at Amendment 10-A. He emphasized that “this amendment is not about allowing a group to be ordained,” but it’s a matter of getting back to God’s call as the basis of ordination. He acknowledged the strong differences of opinion, but concluded that “we need to trust in God to do the calling, work to discern God’s will ..., and then get out of the way and let God’s people do God’s work. For me, this amendment gives us the direction to do just that.”

Dosher was followed at the microphone by the Rev. Timothy Hart-Andersen, pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis, and one of the founders of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians. He responded specifically to the arguments advanced by opponents of the change that it would harm relationships with our sisters churches around the world. He told of three congregations – in Africa, Latin America and Cuba – with which Westminster has partnership connections. People from each of those congregations, where LGBT ordination is not officially sanctioned, have expressed to him appreciation for the leadership of the PC(USA) in working through a concern which they know they will be facing soon as well.

Next the Rev. John Sinclair, Honorably Retired, formerly a fraternal worker in Latin America and on national staff as liaison to our partner churches in that area, affirmed that in his 64 years ministry he has become convinced of the validity of “our founding principles,” including the idea that every judicatory her the right to judge the suitability of its own members for ordination.

The Rev. Joann Lee, Associate Pastor at House of Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Paul, then talked about growing up in a Korean Presbyterian setting where she was taught that “obeying certain riles was what made me a Christian.” But now, she said, in these times of change, she has come to appreciate the wide diversity she finds among her friends and communities – diversities in faith, in race and ethnicity, and “even in sexuality.” So, she said, “I have come to believe that it is not the specific rules that make me a Christian, but God’s boundless love and mercy. So why, when given the choice, would I choose exclusion and condemnation when I could choose grace and inclusion?”

Then came the Rev. Denise Dunbar-Perkins, who is currently a chaplain at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. She told of approaching the question of LGBT ordination as one who grew up as an African-American, and thus being suspicious of the proposed change. But, she said, her study and reflection on the issue have been shaped by Biblical sources such as Psalm 139, with its vivid affirmation that we are all created by God: “For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.” (Psalm 139:13-14) If we take this seriously, she asked, are we to think that God has sometimes “dropped a stitch”?

The Rev. Dr. Richard Weis spoke next; he is the dean of United Theological Seminary (UCC), and professor of Old Testament theology, in the Twin Cities. He recalled being a member of the Presbytery of the Palisades when they asked the General Assembly for “definitive guidance” on the matter of ordination of gay and lesbian church members, thereby starting the long, long process that brought us G-6.0106b, and its ban on lgbt ordination. At last, he declared, Amendment 10-A gives the responsibility for ordination decisions “back to the presbytery, where it belongs.”

He was followed by the Rev. Margaret McCray, who is director of Westminster Counseling Center, in Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis. She spoke of how her husband and two sons were “proud and supportive” as she was ordained 30 years ago to a ministry of pastoral counseling. Then she told of how, nine years later, she struggled with her realization that “God had not created me a heterosexual woman.” She realized that denying her homosexuality was forcing her into an inauthentic and dishonest life. When she revealed her truth to her family and friends, they were accepting and supportive, but she still has lived with a shadow over her – that the church she serves might deny her pastoral identity if she enters an open relationship with a woman. So, she concluded: “I ask that you vote yes for Amendment 10-A so the Body of Christ may truly embody what scripture and our confessions proclaim: that love in all its manifestations is the heart and essence of what it means to glorify God and follow Jesus Christ.”

Elder Dave Cummer spoke next; he is an elder at Grace-Trinity Community Church in Minneapolis. He told movingly of how he stopped attending church at the age of 20, and at 25 he realized he was gay. Since then he has become active in a life of faith, and is now serving as a elder. Saying this was clearly hard for him, but after pausing to take a few breaths he simply said, “I just want to serve.” That was about all, but it was powerful.

The Rev. David Colby, pastor of Central Presbyterian Church in St. Paul, emphasized the way in which the current rule, G-6.0106b, demands obedience to certain “standards,” rather than to Jesus. Amendment 10-A, he said, “gets the priorities right,” with its emphasis on obedience to Christ rather than to certain rules.

Then Elder Manley Olson, from North Como Presbyterian Church in St. Paul, said that over 25 years he has worked for inclusion in the church – of women, people with disabilities, racial ethnic persons and those with addictions or mental illness. Now it is time to extend our inclusion to “my LGBT sisters and brothers. Further, this change would replace the negative language of the current ban, with “a positive, pastoral approach.”

The Rev. Bill Chadwick, pastor of Oak Grove Presbyterian Church, Bloomington, MN, acknowledged the reality that scriptural interpretation has been a major issue in the debates about G-6.0106b. He reminded the group the interpretation of scripture is always to be taken seriously, but all of us have differing interpretations, and that our views often change over time – “on subjects such as slavery, on the role of women, on how we understand the prhase, ‘This is my body ....’ ” Amendment A, he concluded, “brings us back onto agreement” with the historic principle that “God alone is lord of the conscience.”

The Rev. Dr. Robert Boehlke, HR, who for many years served in Indonesia as a fraternal worker, teaching Christian Education in the major Protestant seminary in Jakarta, spoke of his hope that fair and inclusive ordination would help more the PC(USA) out if its time of conflict, to a renewed openness to mission in a changing world.

And among those opposed, some offered these comments:

The Rev. Amy Kosari, of First Presbyterian Church in Ellsworth, WI, offered the interesting argument that a vote against Amendment 10-A would be a vote for justice, because we are justified by faith, and our faith affirms that marriage is between a man and a woman.

Elder Peter Hwang, of the Korean Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn Center, began by saying, “I don’t want to spend time speaking about homosexuals,” but warned that “this discussion is breaking our church.” He then reminded the group that Christ died for this church, and “by this debate we are breaking Christ’s body.”

Elder Louise Woodbury, from Presbyterian Church of the Master in Coon Rapids, spoke to those supporting the change: “You have worked many years to get hour way, and you have finally gotten your way.” But Amendment A, she said, “takes us away from our biblical standard.” She then told that she is participating in a group of “prayer warriors,” praying that God will act to save the Presbyterian Church. She urged anyone who is alarmed by the passage of this amendment to contact their group for support.

There were three or four others who spoke against the change to inclusive ordination, but a number of them seemed to assume it would pass, and were simply taking one more opportunity to make know their concern at a change they view as a disaster for the church. As one of them put it, The PC(USA), like Sodom and Gomorrah, will be facing utter destruction. (Soon after the vote count was announced after dinner, a fairly strong hail storm, accompanied by tornado warnings, moved through the area, so the assembly had to move to the church basement for the remainder of its business. There were a few friends who saw some significance in that, and recalled the severe windstorm that disrupted the national assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America a couple years ago in Minneapolis, soon after they had approved of ordination of LGBT persons.)

Our thanks to these friends for their willingness to share what they had written out for their statements, and our apologies to those we haven't caught up with yet to ask for theirs.    [5-24-11]

Gordon Dosher, elder, Plymouth Presbyterian Church, Plymouth, MN, a member of the Bills and Overtures Committee and commissioner to the 219^th General Assembly

After I was elected by this body to be a commissioner to General Assembly, I prayed hard that I would not be placed on the committee dealing with ordination standards. The issue has been too contentious for too long and I did not want to be part of another cycle of divisiveness in the church I love. I was even willing to be on the committee dealing with the Israel/Palestinian conflict. But when I got my committee assignment, it was indeed on ordination standards. At that point, I prayed that God would give me the direction to know what I was to do on that committee. And God did give me that direction.

My point here is that God calls us to do things that we may feel unwilling or even unqualified to do. But, if we are living in God’s Spirit, we will follow that call. And, no matter what roadblocks are thrown up, we are compelled by the Spirit to do God’s work.

For me, this amendment is not about allowing a group to be ordained. For me, this is getting us back to our Reformed roots—to be people who are ordained by God and to live faithfully to fulfill that ordination.

The wording of this amendment calls for us as presbyteries and sessions to be discerning bodies. We are to listen for whether a person is motivated by the call of the Holy Spirit or motivated by something else, like guilt or sense of duty. We are to be open to God’s working through a wide variety of people. On the other hand, we must discern that otherwise qualified people may not be truly called for a particular office.

I am aware of churches that, even though a majority of the members were opposed to ordination of GLBT persons, still ordained a gay or lesbian because they felt so strongly that it was the right thing in that circumstance. I am also aware of churches that, even though a majority of members embraced such ordination, still rejected ordination of someone because the church didn’t feel the person was truly called. To me, this is listening for God’s will.

I realize the deep feelings that run on the various sides of the subject of sexual orientation.

I don’t think that this amendment is going to erase the contention among those sides.

I don’t think that this is going to eliminate the fear or hurt that is often associated with this subject. Whatever the outcome is of this vote, I urge all of us to be respectful and sensitive to the people who have strong feelings on this and to show Christ’s love to one another, no matter what our beliefs.

Finally, I believe that we need to trust in God to do the calling, work to discern God’s will in our church, and then get out of the way and let God’s people do God’s work. For me, this amendment gives us the direction to do just that. I urge passage of this amendment. Thank you.

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The Rev. John Sinclair, Honorably Retired, formerly a fraternal worker in Latin America

I will vote in favor of amendment 10- A. I celebrate later this month 64 years in ordained ministry.

I have been a member of six presbyteries, including one of the largest and oldest, the Presbytery of Philadelphia, and one of the smallest, the Presbytery of Chile.

In these years in ministry I have become convinced that one of the most important and lasting principles of presbyterian polity found in chapter one of the book of order is:

“Every judicatory has the right to judge the qualifications of its own members.” That principle is not ‘local option’ as some would call it, but a firm belief that the holy spirit will guide us to select the right persons to serve with us in a church body.

This principle therefore rules out any attempt to set specific limitations to membership in a governing body beyond the present constitutional questions.

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The Rev. Joann Lee, Associate Pastor at House of Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Paul

I once believed that it was the adherence to certain rules that made me a Christian, and because of that, not too long ago, I would’ve voted differently. But today, I speak in favor of passing Amendment 10-A.  

As I’ve moved through young adulthood in this 21st century world, I have encountered great diversity among my friends and communities, diversity in faith traditions, in race and ethnicity, and even in sexuality.  

This diversity is becoming more and more a norm for any young person in our church, and we can either choose to fear this difference or celebrate it, recognizing that God delights in it and has even created it.  

I have come to believe that it is not the specific rules that make me a Christian, but God’s boundless grace and mercy. So, why, when given the choice, would I choose exclusion and condemnation when I could choose grace and inclusion?

G-60106b as it reads today is an injustice that cannot be reconciled with the person of Jesus Christ, and it silences the diversity of voices among us that is meant to be celebrated. 

The young adults that I know and serve are looking for a church that doesn’t fight over legalistic hypocrisies like what happens in the bedroom, but for a church that chooses to side with the radical love and full-inclusion of the gospel message.

Amendment 10-A continues to provide biblical and confessional standards without discriminating against one group of people. As a woman of color, I know how dangerous it is when an institution chooses to single out one group, for whatever reason, as “unworthy” to serve God, and I would encourage this body to vote in favor of this amendment.

Thank you.

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The Rev. Margaret McCray, director of Westminster Counseling Center, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis

I am Margaret McCray, minister member of this Presbytery for 17 years, and director of Westminster Counseling Center, Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Thirty years ago my husband and 2 sons were proud and supportive as I was ordained to a ministry of pastoral counseling. Nine years later I was faced with the most wrenching decision of my life – to end my 21 year marriage. I had become aware that God had not created me a heterosexual woman. I tried to deny my homosexuality; I told myself I could suppress it, find a way to be happy so that my life and the life of those I loved would not be disrupted. This proved to be a solution that left me feeling dishonest and unable to be an authentic human being. It negatively affected all areas of my life: emotionally, intellectually and spiritually.

Since then, I have come to know the love and acceptance of my former husband, my children, and many friends and colleagues. But there is always a shadow over me – the threat that the church I joyfully serve can simply negate my pastoral identity if I make an emotional, sexual, and spiritual commitment to a woman I love deeply.

This amendment is the means to erase the quiet shame I have felt about the exclusive policies of the Presbyterian Church. I ask that you vote yes for Amendment 10-A so the Body of Christ may truly embody what scripture and our confessions proclaim: that love in all its manifestations is the heart and essence of what it means to glorify God and follow Jesus Christ.

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Manley Olson, Elder, North Como Presbyterian Church

For 25 years I have worked for inclusion in the Presbyterian Church. Not just the opportunity to sit in the pew and contribute financially but the right to fully participate and have one’s gifts accepted and valued. That ministry has involved inclusion of women, persons with disabilities, racial ethnic persons and those with addictions or mental illness.

Today I stand to speak in support of full inclusion for my LGBT sister and brothers. I speak in favor not only for what it does but also because of the pastoral way it is worded. It rejects the negative language we have been living with in favor of a positive, pastoral approach that puts all of us seeking ordination under the same standards. I strongly support the inclusive language of 10-A.

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The Rev. Bill Chadwick, pastor of Oak Grove Presbyterian Church, Bloomington, MN

Dear Friends, at the heart of this conversation is that there are many different ways of interpreting scripture. As a preacher that’s what I do each week. And certainly I don’t interpret scripture the same way the preacher down the street does.

I don’t even interpret scripture the same way I used to, on this and many subjects. Several times a year I will preface my sermon by saying, “Friends, this is how I see this issue today. It’s not how I understood it ten years ago and it may not be how I see it ten years in the future.”

Presbyterian tradition allows for and expects latitude in scriptural interpretation. Even our Bible faculties in our seminaries don’t agree on what certain texts might mean.

And the history of the church gives us many examples of varying interpretations, on subjects such as slavery, on the role of women, on how we understand the phrase, “This is my body….” and so on.

At the beginning of the Book of Order the very first Historic Principle of Church Order reads, “God alone is lord of the conscience…”

Amendment A brings us back into agreement with that Historic Principle.

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"There was a confidence in the air tonight. It was tangible and good."

Susan Robertson wrote this observation for the MLP website, after attending the Twin Cities presbytery meeting on Tuesday.  Susan has been the bookkeeper for PVJ for the past few years, and does the same invaluable job for MLP.

I was asked to write about my experience tonight as the Twin Cities Presbytery became the 87th presbytery to vote in favor of 10-A. I am not clergy, I am no longer a deacon in a church. In fact, I haven't even walked into a church for many years, with the exception of a Christmas Eve service.

I wanted to attend this presbytery meeting so that I could witness history and be a part of the wave of change in the Presbyterian Church and in society. I was struck by something that the Vice Moderator of the presbytery said during her address to the group. She talked about fear; the fear of not being able to be who you are, the fear of not being treated the way you would like to be treated, and the fear of someone else changing a world that doesn't really need to be changed.

The Vice Moderator went on to talk about how love casts out that fear. She reminded us that we should attempt to displace the fear with acts of love. She challenged us to see what we can do to show our love to those who are fearful.

I would believe that by this time, she had captured all of our attention.

Having never been to a presbytery meeting before, everything was new and different. The people that were in favor of 10-A spoke first. One person mentioned that 10-A is not about a group of people to be ordained, but rather about God's call to a group of people to be ordained. There was much talk about "latitude" in scriptural interpretation. Only one "youth" was represented and spoke about God's radical and inclusive love.

Those against 10-A, who were far fewer in number, rose and voiced their opinions against 10-A.

Other reports on the action by the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area:

[Posted on May 10 2011]

Jerry Van Marter, writing for Presbyterian News Service, opens with the headline:

“PC(USA) relaxes constitutional prohibition of gay and lesbian ordination

CHANGE REAFFIRMS HISTORICAL PRACTICE OF ORDAINING BODIES DETERMINING FITNESS FOR OFFICE”

Click here for his full report >>

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More Light Presbyterians begins its announcement of the news thus:

BREAKING GOOD NEWS! AMENDMENT 10-A IS RATIFIED

Dear friends,

Grace and peace. We give thanks to God that the 219th General Assembly's Ordination Amendment 10-A was ratified tonight as Twin Cities was the 87th presbytery to approve it by a vote of 205 to 56 with 3 abstentions.

Tonight Presbyterians join the United Church of Christ, the Episcopalian Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as denominations who have eliminated official barriers to full membership, leadership and service for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. This is indeed a historic moment in the life of the Presbyterian Church (USA), but also in the worldwide Christian communion. More >>

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The Covenant Network board has issued a statement expressing gratitude for the passage of the amendment >>

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Blogger John Shuck, in his happily opinionated way, offer a brief roeport and concludes with the line, “Today, finally, I can say that I am proud of my denomination.”

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Heather Reichgott, another very thoughtful blogger, provides a sensitive and insightful comment, beginning with the thought: “We have been to the mountain top! And... there are still more mountains. What joy, tonight, to learn that Amendment 10-A has been ratified!”

Click here for her blog >>

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The New York Times report, by Laurie Goodstein, begins:

After 33 years of debate, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has voted to change its constitution and allow openly gay people in same-sex relationships to be ordained as ministers, elders and deacons.

The outcome is a reversal from only two years ago, when a majority of the church’s regions, known as presbyteries, voted against ordaining openly gay candidates.

This time, 19 of the church’s 173 presbyteries switched their votes from no to yes in recent months. The Twin Cities presbytery, which covers Minneapolis and St. Paul, cast the deciding vote at its meeting on Tuesday. The vote was 205 to 56, with 3 abstentions.

Cynthia Bolbach, moderator of the church’s General Assembly, its highest legislative body, said in a phone interview from Minneapolis after the vote: “Everyone was civil. There was no applause, no cheering. It was just reflective of the fact that we are moving forward one other step.”

Although by the time the vote was taken in Minneapolis the outcome was expected, Presbyterian church officials said that even a few months ago they would not have predicted that the church was ready to change its policy.

“All of us are surprised,” said the Rev. Gradye Parsons, the church’s stated clerk, its highest elected official. He attributed the turnabout in the votes to both the growing acceptance of homosexuality in the larger culture, and to church members simply wearying of the conflict.

The full story >>

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Also in voting on Tuesday:

In voting today, dubbed "May 10-A" in eager anticipation:

•          New Harmony increased its support for ordination equality, 28-72 (20-99-1 on 08-B).

•          Western Kentucky also improved, 26-37-1 (compared to 17-42).

•          Prospect Hill followed suit, 22-44-1 (on 08-B, 12-63).

•          And the Presbytery of the Pacific became the 88th, increasing its support to 102-60-2 (100-90-3 on 08-B)!

•          San Gabriel capped off an amazing day by increasing its support to a tie, 92-92 (on 08-B, 79-136)! While a tie (since it is not an affirmative vote) counts as a 'no,' this is a great achievement.

Thanks to Tricia Dykers Koenig, Covenant Network National Organizer, for this late report.

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I’ll be back tomorrow with more details and commentary on this great step forward for the PC(USA).

And if you have news or thoughts to share, please send a note and enrich our discussion!

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PVJ's Facebook page

Mitch Trigger, PVJ's Secretary/Communicator, has created a Facebook page where Witherspoon members and others can gather to exchange news and views. Mitch and a few others have posted bits of news, both personal and organizational. But there’s room for more!

Voices of Sophia blog

Heather Reichgott, who has created this new blog for Voices of Sophia, introduces it:

John Harris’ Summit to Shore blogspot

John Shuck’s Shuck and Jive

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