More Light Presbyterians
issues statement on van Kuiken decision
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.
Media contact: Bill Moss, MLP Co-Moderator,
(415) 864-0477