Yesterday, the Presbyterian Church, USA (PCUSA), the largest Presbyterian denomination in the United States, removed barriers to full membership, leadership and service for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons! The Twin Cities Presbytery was the 87th presbytery to approve ratification of amendment 10-A, a constitutional amendment returning the qualifications for ordained leadership within PCUSA to those based on faith and character, not marital status or sexual orientation.
The Presbyterian Church, USA joins the United Church of Christ, the Episcopalian Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as denominations that have eliminated official barriers to gay and lesbian clergy. Through the work of the Holy Spirit and faithful United Methodists, one day the United Methodists church will join this list of denominations who bless and receive the gifts of all God's children.
In response to this historic moment, Rev. Troy Plummer, Executive Director of the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) celebrates, "God keeps breaking down the walls we erect to separate us. Alleluia! The Presbyterians did what 36 retired United Methodist Bishops and over 300 signers of the African-American scholar's letter called for earlier this year. Everyday Reconciling United Methodists join their voices in a cry for justice by working inside and outside the walls of our church and acting through a deep faith and assurance that all walls of discrimination within the United Methodist Church will come down."
Indeed the walls are coming down, and all of our hands are needed in the work of rebuilding our severed connection within the United Methodist Church. "While we lift up the bold witness of our Presbyterian sisters and brothers, the anti-homosexuality bill in Uganda, upcoming Rev. Amy DeLong trial in the Wisconsin Annual Conference, and the approaching 40th anniversary of the incompatibility clause call faithful United Methodists to believe out loud together. Now is both a time to rejoice and roll up our sleeves as we know our long walk to freedom is not over," said Deaconess Rachel Harvey, Associate Executive Director of RMN.
Join Your Voice and Help Break Down Walls!
Believe Out Loud Together - join RMN and MFSA as we connect with General Conference delegates through Called to Witness 5
Register for Sing a New Song
Sign onto the African-American Scholars Letter - everyone across the racial spectrum is encouraged to sign the petition in support of the statement
Support Rev. Amy DeLong
Sign the petition to stop the Anti-Homosexuality bill in Uganda - currently on the Ugandan Parliament's agenda Friday, May 13, 2011
Support the Reconciling Ministries Network
Volunteer at General Conference - be part of the team working for policy change in the United Methodist Church at General Conference in Tampa, Florida 2012
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