LETTERS: PRESBYTERIANS AND GAYS

To the editor:

Recent media headlines informed the readers, "Presbyterians to ordain homosexuals." The news story, carried in the print media as well as on television and radio, gave the impression that Presbyterians approved gay and lesbian lifestyles for their church leadership. Well, that's not quite accurate.

The story, as reported, was full of errors, questionable conclusions and misleading statements, but technically correct enough that not one news agency felt a retraction was in order. CNN aired a clarification, but the story was out.

Now that information has been released by the official news agencies of the Presbyterian church, I hope to set some of this record straight, no pun intended.

First, this denomination is the Presbyterian Church (USA), or PC(USA). Recently, we had visitors in worship who belong to the Presbyterian Church in America, or PCA, a denomination more conservative theologically than the PC(USA). They wanted it known that they were of a different denomination and had nothing to do with this decision. Not all Presbyterians believe the same beliefs.

Second, the amendment had less to do with homosexual clergy and more to do with faithfulness to the teachings of Scripture and fidelity in the sexual aspects of our relationships for both gay and straight persons. The headlines could have read, "Presbyterians refuse ordination to adulterous heterosexuals" or "Presbyterians to withhold ordination for cohabiting couples." These headlines would have been more accurate. And, in truth, Presbyterians have problems with philandering heterosexual clergy, as do the Lutherans, Baptists and Methodists.

Third, nothing changed in the denomination's policy on ordination. The PC(USA) has ordained single, celibate, homosexual candidates since 1970. The recent decision opened no other doors nor changed any policy. It strengthens existing rules in Presbyterian government.

The amendment affirms a generally held interpretation of Scripture that sexual relations belong in the context of marriage and strengthens a commitment of fidelity in that relationship. If you are single, irrespective of sexual orientation, you are required to be celibate, as sexual relations rightly belong in the context of marriage.

The amendment does not specifically state any restrictions or license limited to homosexual clergy. If anyone is single, whether gay or straight, the amendment affirms celibacy as a qualification for ordination. Does the PC(USA) ordain homosexuals? Well, technically yes, but if your are single and celibate, sexual orientation is less of a concern. The church will not ordain openly sexually active, single heterosexuals.

Fourth, this amendment is not Presbyterian law, at least not yet. It must be approved by a majority of the regional judicatories called presbyteries. This amendment may be overturned and rejected. Even if it is approved, next year's annual gathering could reverse this year's decision.

Fifth, the exact text of the amendment is as follows: "Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to Scripture and in conformity to the historic confessional standards of the church. Among these standards is the requirement to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage of a man and a woman, or chastity in singleness. Persons refusing to repent of any self-acknowledged practice which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained and/or installed as deacons, elders or ministers of the word and sacrament."

THE REV. GRANT F.C. GILLARD, Pastor

First Presbyterian Church

Jackson