Upholding Our Ordination Vows as We Seek an Inclusive Church

News release from That All May Freely Serve - Michigan

March 17, 2003 [posted here 3-18-03]

The board of directors of That All May Freely Serve - Michigan has endorsed and commended for consideration by all Presbyterians an affirmation called: Upholding Our Ordination Vows as We Seek an Inclusive Church. The national organization That All May Freely Serve and its regional partners are working toward the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered persons (LGBT) in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

The TAMFS - Michigan board asks the affirmation be read with a prayerful heart, and signed with a spirit of faith and action. In explaining the purpose behind the affirmation, the board wrote,

It is our intent to empower the voices of the many faithful elders, deacons, and ministers who believe in an inclusive church. It is our intent to help give power to the voice of the long disenfranchised lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. It is our intent to raise our voices in support of those facing disciplinary charges because of statements and actions of conscience.

The board noted that certain individuals and congregations have adopted statements of conscience that challenge the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) policy of discrimination against LGBT people. In response to these statements of conscience, more than twenty disciplinary actions against the conscientious objectors have been filed across the country. The board writes,

In some cases, investigating committees have declined to file formal charges. In other cases, the matter is still pending. In one case thus far, charges have been filed against a minister (Steve Van Kuiken - Mt. Auburn Church) for participating in the ordination and installation of LGBT elders and deacons, and for presiding over same-sex marriage ceremonies. His actions were based on the official policy of the church's session. As a result of following the session's non-discriminatory policy, the pastor now faces a trial and possible censure and removal from ordained office.

Rev. Van Kuiken's trial is scheduled for April 8, 2003.

The TAMFS - Michigan board believes the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) stands at a crossroads. They believe it is necessary for a multitude of individuals to stand up in support of those facing disciplinary action for statements of conscience. In issuing this call, they refer to the wisdom of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, who wrote,

We must come to see that human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability. It comes through the tireless efforts and persistent work of men and women willing to be co-workers with God, and without this hard work time itself becomes an ally of the forces of social stagnation. We must use time creatively, and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.

The board letter and affirmation are posted on the TAMFS - Michigan web site. Individuals can sign the affirmation through email. www.tamfs-michigan.org

That All May Freely Serve - Michigan
21575 W. Ten Mile Rd.
Southfield, MI 48075
248-303-1211
tamfs-michigan@tamfs-michigan.org
Contact: Paul Peterson

A comment of support from More Light Presbyterians

The Rev. Bear Ride, a member of the board of More Light Presbyterians, offered this comment:

The MLP Strategy Committee strongly supports the statement and appreciates it (along with the many other statements of conscience) in keeping with our own statement.

The MLP Board is committed to having a "delete B" overture brought before the General Assembly every year "until B is dead and gone."