We are inching ever closer to ending discrimination in the PC (U.S.A.). The General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission (GAPJC) ruled on two ordination cases this week. Lisa Larges and Scott Anderson are two candidates for ordination to ministry. Both are out, proud, and Presbyterian.
The GAPJC dismissed the case against Scott Anderson. He will be ordained in October. The court ruled the point is moot now that G-6.0106b has been changed.
The case against Lisa Larges was almost completely dismissed. What amounts to a technicality will send it back to the synod. Hopefully the way will be clear for Lisa's ordination at some point in the near future. She has been trying to be ordained in the church since Reagan was president.
Here is the story in the Presbyterian Outlook.
It is good news overall. You can read the decisions here (Larges) and here (Anderson).
More Light Presbyterians said, "Today we are through with judging and open to love!"
“It was a grace filled day when the Presbyterian Church USA dropped all barriers against the ordination of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people,” said Michael Adee. “Today is another important day as the high court moved Lisa and Scott toward the fulfillment of their ministries.”Don't you just love More Light Presbyterians? I do.
The LayMAN? As usual, they think it is a sign of the apocalypse.
Either through fear or recalcitrance, the commission made its choice between Sola Scriptura and Nolo Scriptura. It chose Nolo Scriptura, which does not bode well for our future together.Yeah, well, I think the court chose Nolo Homophoba on your Sola Scriptura.
At the end of the day, discrimination is just discrimination. It is not rational. It doesn't help people. It only makes society and the church dumb and mean. It doesn't matter how many obscure Bible verses that the "true believers" try to read through jaundiced eyes. People have been using the Bible to justify their ignorance since it was written. Discrimination is small-minded, obvious, ugly, and harmful.
Thanks to Scott and Lisa for acting on their consciences, for not giving up or giving in, and for answering their calls to ministry.
Next, gay marriage. Or just not officiating at weddings at all (which is what I think we ought to be doing).
ReplyDeleteI suppose the Romans were pretty good at pissing in corners in Latin, but I really think it's funny.
ReplyDeleteAs Doris Day sang long ago (I think it was Doris)
Weenie Weenie Weechy as they used to say in Gaul
I'm learnin' my Latin
And I'm havin' a ball.
@Joan I think marriage equality is on a roll. What about all those liberal PCUSA ministers in New York State just waiting to be asked to officiate at a big gay wedding? There are more preachers available than weddings!
ReplyDelete@Sea Raven You may be the first to have quoted Doris Day on Shuck and Jive! Que sera sera.
Actually, I think it was Patty Page - but still a S&J first, I'll wager!
ReplyDeleteThanks, John! We like Nolo Homophoba, and the Jesus we know and love does too. Keep preaching the gospel.
ReplyDelete@TAMFS Thank you! Credit to Michael_SC for the Latin!
ReplyDelete