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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 free entity. The Presbyterian Church (USA) remains distinct from the Presbyterian Church in America, which tends toward less inclusive policies.
The Presbyterian identify derives from the Greek word for “elders” – lay leaders who regulate 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
PCUSA approves amendment barring discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity
Presbyterian Church (USA) has approved an amendment to its constitution that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
The LGBT advocacy team Covenant Network of Presbyterians announced Wednesday the channel of Amendment A in a statement posted to the PC(USA) 's official website through the Presbyterian News Service.
Amendment A amended the PC(USA) Book of Order to include gender identity and sexual orientation to the antidiscrimination remark found in F, which read in part that "God unites persons through baptism regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sex, disability, geography, or theological conviction."
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Initially passed at the th PC(USA) General Assembly last year, the amendment needed to receive yes votes from at least 84 of the denomination's presbyteries.
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Carl Schlegel’s Proselytizing Makes Him the Earliest U.S. Gay Activist
November A Brooklyn Heights Presbyterian church holds a “two-hour worship service and symposium on the subject of homosexuality,” which includes a performance of part of the same-sex attracted themed off-Broadway play “The Boys in the Band.” The pastor of the church, Rev. William Glenesk, claims that the sermon is necessary because “we must look at one another with love and compassion….variations of sex are not sin.” [1]
Undated The General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church releases a statement entitled “Sexuality and the Human Community” which contains a brief section on homosexuality. While the status of homosexuality as a “sin” is maintained, the Assembly also approves a recommendation that calls for the “elimination of laws governing the private sexual deed of consenting adults.” [2]
Undated Rev. David Bailey Sindt begins the Presbyterian Gay Caucus, which later becomes Presbyterians for Female homosexual and Gay Concerns (PLGC), by holding a write at the General Assembly that asks “Is anyone else o
PCUSA to require clergy candidates to be asked their stance on LGBT issues
The Presbyterian Church (USA) will require ordination candidates to be asked about their views on LGBT issues, a move critics claim will discriminate against biblically-grounded theological conservatives.
A majority of PCUSA presbyteries, or regional bodies, contain approved Amendment C, which changes Gb of the Book of Order to require candidates to be asked about their views on issues including sexual orientation and gender identity.
The amendment passed the minimum threshold for channel last week, according to a webpage tracking the presbytery vote count that was overseen by the theologically progressive Covenant Network of Presbyterians.
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As of Monday morning, Amendment C has been approved by 86 presbyteries, two more than the presbytery minimum for passage. Also, as of Monday, 45 presbyteries have voted against it.