PCUSA GA III



1) The General Assembly just voted to lift the ban on LGBT ordination in the Presbyterian Church (USA). That isn't the end of the matter though, as this action must be approved by a majority of the presbyteries for it to take effect. (Just like a constitutional amendment in the US.)

We've been here before. The GA has voted to repeal the ban three times before, and three times it's been sustained by the presbyteries. So, there's plenty of work to do over the next several months. But, it is a hopeful sign, nonetheless.

2) In other GA news, the GA voted to approve an authoritative interpretation of our Book of Order that allows candidates to declare a scruple (ie disagreement) with the ban on LGBT ordination. So, even if the ban isn't lifted by a vote of the presbyteries, there may be an opportunity for classical presbyterian polity to shine through anyway.

3) A more authentic translation of the Heidelberg Catechism was approved. Someone back in the 1960s decided it would be fun just to insert the phrase "homosexual perversion" into the 16th century text. The restored Heidelberg Catechism will have to be studied and then approved by the presbyteries. It's hilarious to see so-called "conservatives" argue against this clearly better interpretation simply because of their personal biases. If there is any clearer evidence that their arguments are baseless and born of bias, I can't think of any. They have, I believe, shown their true colors once again.

Posted: Fri - June 27, 2008 at 03:15 PM        

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