NEW YORK - After decades of debate, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) on Tuesday struck down a barrier to ordaining gays, ratifying a proposal that removes the celibacy requirement for unmarried clergy, in the latest mainline Protestant move toward accepting gay relationships. The change was endorsed last year by the Presbyterian national assembly, but required approval by a majority of the denomination's 173 presbyteries, or regional church bodies.
Until a few weeks ago, the Rev. Gail Sowell was pastor at two Lutheran churches in the small Wisconsin town of Edgar. That was before members of both congregations jumped headfirst into the simmering debate over gay clergy in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. It was pretty gruesome," Sowell said, recalling shouting matches inside the sanctuary; the mass resignation of one church's council, save one member; even whispers around town that she was a lesbian. "For the record, I'm not," she said.
By Rachel Zoll The Associated Press
West Virginia's Presbyterian leaders have endorsed a proposal that would allow the ordination of gay clergy. The change, which was approved by the presbytery of West Virginia, will be considered in June along with the votes of more than 170 U.S. presbyteries of the Presbyterian Church (USA). A majority is required for the change to become church policy.
Lord of Life Lutheran Church in East Memphis has voted to leave its denomination, primarily over the issue of gay clergy and same- sex unions. The 500-member congregation becomes the first in Tennessee to leave the 4.5-million member Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
NEW YORK - After decades of debate, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) on Tuesday struck down a barrier to ordaining gays, ratifying a proposal that removes the celibacy requirement for unmarried clergy, in the latest mainline Protestant move toward accepting gay relationships. The new policy would take effect on July 10, after all presbyteries complete their voting.
A Colorado congressman on the Air Force Academy's advisory board on Saturday urged the academy's superintendent to create a welcoming atmosphere for openly gay and lesbian cadets. S. Rep. Jared Polis, who is gay, said the academy should encourage "inclusion" in the wake of the Nov. 30 repeal of the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy that barred service by people who are openly gay.
Until a few weeks ago, the Rev. Gail Sowell was pastor at two Lutheran churches in the small Wisconsin town of Edgar. That was before members of both congregations jumped headfirst into the simmering debate over gay clergy in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It was pretty gruesome," Sowell said, recalling shouting matches inside the sanctuary; the mass resignation of one church's council, save one member; even whispers around town that she was a lesbian. "For the record, I'm not," she said.
An Evangelical Lutheran church in Monroeville will vote this month whether to remain in its denomination, the first Lutheran church in Southwestern Pennsylvania to take such a step. The Jan. 31 vote at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church comes largely in reaction to a national August vote that will allow noncelibate gay and lesbian pastors to serve as clergy in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
About 300 Presbyterians meeting Tuesday night at National Presbyterian Church on Nebraska Avenue will vote on an amendment to the constitution of their national church body that would allow practicing gay clergy. The new language only specifies clergy will "declare their fidelity to the standards of the church." It would replace language in the constitution that requires clergy to maintain "fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or chastity in singleness.
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