Posted on 08/27/2010 5:58:27 PM PDT by SmithL
Though clearly regretful, a local division of the Presbyterian Church USA decided Friday to rebuke a Bay Area minister who performed wedding ceremonies for at least 16 same-sex couples during the five months in 2008 in which it was legal to do so.
The Permanent Judicial Commission of the Napa-based Presbytery of the Redwoods said it thought its hands were tied by the denominational constitution's same-sex marriage ban. After a three-day trial that included testimony from 11 of the Bay Area couples the Rev. Jane Adams Spahr married, five of whom live in the East Bay, the commission profusely praised Spahr, 68, of San Francisco, even as it upheld three of the four charges against her.
The commission -- seven ordained ministers and laypeople -- found Spahr "violated her ordination vows," while also commending and thanking her "for her prophetic ministry that for 35 years has extended support to 'people who seek the dignity, freedom and respect that they have been denied' and has sought to redress 'wrongs against individuals, groups, and peoples in the church, in this nation, and in the world.' "
The commission urged the church to re-examine "our own fear and ignorance that continues to reject the inclusiveness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ," observing that "in the reality in which we live today, marriage can be between same-gender as well as opposite-gender persons, and we, as a church, need to be able to respond to this reality as Dr. Jane Spahr has done with faithfulness and compassion."
The panel didn't uphold a charge that Spahr failed to "further the peace, unity and purity" of the church. "We commend Dr. Spahr for helping us realize that peace without justice is no peace."
Spahr and her supporters said given that language, the verdict and rebuke send a mixed message.
"This ruling goes against the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s constitutional mandates of full inclusion, nondiscrimination, and Christ-like pastoral care," Scott Clark, a ministry candidate and recent San Francisco Theological Seminary graduate who helped defend Spahr, said in a news release. "It's a sad day for our church when it decides to turn its back on its own mandates, sanction a faithful minister who has dedicated her life to God, and tell committed and loving couples that God's welcome doesn't extend to them."
"I'm sad for my Church," Spahr said in the release. "Think about the mixed-messages they are sending the faithful lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender brothers and sisters in our community.
"Think about the mixed-messages they are sending to the next generation who overwhelmingly embrace God's amazing hospitality and welcome.
"A great injustice has been done today."
The charges against Spahr were brought by a layperson who chose to remain anonymous. Spahr and her legal defense team are deciding whether to appeal Friday's ruling to the church's Petaluma-based Synod of the Pacific.
The Presbyterian Church (USA) -- with about 2 million adherents across the nation -- has allowed the blessing of same-sex couples since 2000 and has endorsed civil unions for same-sex couples since 2004, but its constitution still defines marriage as between "a man and a woman."
A church legislative committee in early July voted 34-18 to change that definition to between "two people" -- a change supported by the Presbytery of the Redwoods -- but the church's General Assembly voted 439-208 a few days later to essentially table the matter for further study. It will be reconsidered in two years.
If the General Assembly were to pass such a proposal, it would still have to be ratified by a majority of the 173 local presbyteries.
Those arguing for the proposal said same-sex couples can show the same kind of love and commitment as opposite-sex couples and so deserve the same recognition by the church; those arguing against it say it's at odds with Scripture.
I just don’t know what to say..
One word:
ICHABOD.
One word:
ICHABOD.
I think they are getting ready to splinter. This denomination is ready to jump the shark.
No offense, but you should have specified PC-USA (to avoid confusion with PCA or OPC)
IIRC, PCUSA is also the group that had a problem with the traditional wording of the Trinity a few years ago. Apparently, it was too misogynistic.
“I think they are getting ready to splinter. This denomination is ready to jump the shark.”
They already have.
Presbyterian Church of American, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, and the Orthodox Presbyterian Church are all growing. PC-USA—the largest and oldest—is shrinking.
Funny that, eh?
From my experience, these are the only Protestant denominations I can attend and still have a high church service that is truly Biblically-based. Sad state of affairs...
There's the problem right there; unbiblical church leadership.
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