June 16, 2003 [6-17-03]

MLP STATEMENT ON VAN KUIKEN

Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church, long recognized for its work for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in the life of the Presbyterian Church from a context of peace and justice for all of God's children, has experienced yet another challenge to its work in a presbytery vote that removed its pastor, Steve van Kuiken. The Presbytery of Cincinnati found van Kuiken to have renounced the jurisdiction of the Presbyterian Church (USA) because he dared to name same-sex covenantal ceremonies marriages, treating them the same as opposite-sex ceremonies. This is a very difficult, challenging and sad time for Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church and for all persons and congregations working for justice and change in our Church.

More Light Presbyterians extends its love and care for the Session, Church Staff, Congregation, and friends of Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church, for its pastor, Steve along with his spouse, Debbie and their children, Hannah and Aaron; and for its pastor emeritus, Hal Porter and his spouse, Betty and their family.

More Light Presbyterians is further shocked and dismayed by the apparent precedent set by this decision, which effectively declares the semantic distinction between same-sex unions and marriages to be an essential tenet of the Reformed faith. This should alarm every Presbyterian, for it suggests that any minister who deviates from any jot or tittle in the Form of Government, or Directory of Worship, or any PJC decision is at the same risk as van Kuiken. The Presbytery neglected its duty to extend mutual forbearance on matters about which people of good characters and principles may differ. Now, those who use their good judgment based on their understanding of the Gospel and Reformed tradition should beware; the issue of conscience in nonessential matters of faith has been elevated to a high stakes game with ordination on the line, whether one calls a holy union a marriage or administers communion to an individual who proves not to be baptized (W-2.4011).

There is no consensus in either church or society on the issue of same-sex marriage. The Presbytery of Cincinnati has acted precipitously, as the denomination did with Amendment B. The Presbytery's rush to judgment has set a troubling precedent for restricting freedom of conscience for every Presbyterian.

More Light Presbyterians continues to live into the hope that the PCUSA will one day repent of their efforts to treat as inferior the faithful, loving, covenantal relationships of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Presbyterians, and come to celebrate with us the abundant blessings God continues to bring into our lives, homes, and hearts.