WASHINGTON — The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today applauded the decision of the Presbyterian Church (USA) to remove all barriers to the ordination of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people as ministers and lay leaders. Today, the Twin Cities Presbytery in Minneapolis, Minn. became the 87th presbytery (regional governing bodies) in the 2.4 million member denomination to vote to allow LGBT clergy and lay people the right to serve openly as ministers.
"History was made today," said Dr. Sharon Groves, director of HRC's Religion and Faith Program. "Presbyteries all around the country — from Alabama to Utah — voted to say no to prejudice and yes to those who are called to serve the church. Through this action, the Presbyterian Church (USA) removes one more road block in the way of justice. Because of today's decision, a young person is freer to claim his or her sexual orientation, gender identity and religion. This decision will have profound ramifications for people of all faiths everywhere.
Today's decision is the result of a long process. Three other times, a vote was taken in the Presbyterian General Assembly to open the doors to LGBT clergy, but did not reach the 51% ratification by regional presbyteries. Because of the hard and faithful work by organizations such as More Light Presbyterians, Covenant Network of Presbyterians, That All May Freely Serve, Presbyterian Welcome, and Presbyterian Voices for Justice, the Presbyterian Church (USA) can hold its head high today. The Human Rights Campaign is deeply grateful to the decades of tremendous dedication these faithful organizations have devoted to making our religious traditions more loving places for all of us. We are all the beneficiaries of their labor and we at HRC are deeply grateful.
"This is not only good for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people but it is good for the soul of the church," added Groves. "LGBT Presbyterians have been some of the most prophetic and faithful leaders within the Presbyterian church and now they can bring their faith and their humanity fully into the work of building loving, God-affirming communities."
The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
Rev. Dr. Janet Edwards, a Presbyterian minister in Pittsburgh, PA, and Co-Moderator of More Light Presbyterians, issued the following statement today upon the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) reaching the voting milestone that opens ordination to lesbian and gay candidates:
"I am both overjoyed and humbled by today's vote in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Presbyterians across the country opened up their hearts to see that Christ's love embraces us all.
"I see this as an opportunity to build a stronger church. Faithful and qualified lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Presbyterians will be able to openly serve the church with energy, intelligence, imagination and love.
"This is our chance to build a more unified church. After such a momentous decision, it is our tradition to lift each other up in prayer and a generous spirit, regardless of how we voted. No community will be forced to ordain a candidate. But those communities that recognize the gifts, faith, and call of a lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender candidate are no longer barred from ordaining that candidate.
"We have participated in thousands of conversations leading up to this moment. Those conversations will continue as we reach out to those who voted against this amendment. My hope is that with God's blessed guidance, we can go forward and do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God, stronger together than we could ever imagine.
"Two years ago, I was put on trial -- and eventually unanimously acquitted -- by my church for marrying a same-gender couple. Ever since, I've felt called by God to open up a heartfelt dialogue with those conflicted about, or opposed to, the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in faith. Today is an important first step on the journey to full inclusion."
Rev. Dr. Janet Edwards is one of the nearly 10,000 (out of 17,000 votes) Presbyterian ministers and elders that have voted "Yes" to allow for more inclusive ordination. As co-moderator of the group More Light Presbyterians, Rev. Edwards has been instrumental in helping to get this amendment passed.
You can also read her piece on what this means for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) here: timetoembrace.com/what-todays-vote-means-for-the-church/
