Archive Sexual Justice

Sexual Justice:
Archive 2000-2002

Click here for items on sexual justice posted from mid-2008 through 2009.

Items on sexual justice from past years are archived:

	2008 >>
	2007 >>
	2006 >>
	2005 >>
	2003 and 2004 >>
	2000 through 2002 >>

Equal Partners in Faith applauds New York governor for signing non-discrimination bill into law [12-21-02]

"Be careful who you hate.
It may be someone you love."

Posted on a billboard along Interstate 77 in South Carolina by PFLAG.

Thanks to Barbara Kellam Scott

[10-30-02]

An update on Jensen's many complaints against gay ordination [10-19-02]

Paul Rolf Jensen has become a noteworthy figure in the campaign against the ordination of glbt people in the Presbyterian Church, primarily through the many complaints he has filed against people whose ordination he considers invalid, or who have acted in other ways that he views as violating one provision or another of the Book of Order. (He prefers to call them accusations.)

Jensen has provided to the Layman a helpful update on the status of his various complaints, so just in case you're interested, and having trouble keeping up with them all, he's provided you with some helpful information. Of course he views all these cases from his own perspective.

An invitation to worship and celebrate
the great gifts and diversity of all God's people

Reformation Sunday Worship;
Re-Affirmation of Ordination Vows by LGBT Persons
October 27, 2002 -- 3 PM

South Presbyterian Church
343 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
(914) 693-0473

October 14, 2002
[posted here 10-15-02]

Dear Friends:

Christian conscience calls us together to support our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) sisters and brothers. Churches and individuals from across the Tri-State Area of New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey will celebrate the gifts and diversity of all God's people on Reformation Sunday at South Presbyterian Church, Dobbs Ferry, New York.

Sponsored by Presbyterian Promise, Presbyterian Welcome, and the Dissenting Churches of Hudson River Presbytery, we invite you to join us for an historic gathering to clearly demonstrate the welcoming and affirming communities within many of the churches of the Presbyteries of New York City, Hudson River, and New England.

We encourage you to bring with you a "Statement of Reformation" that focuses on the violence or other issues associated with G-6.0106b and those whom it wishes to exclude from the full worship, work, and leadership of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

State your vision of a reforming church; nail your thesis to the door. We will provide the spikes and hammers; you bring the pounding of your hearts, and depths of your consciences. Statements of faith, vision, and mission; letters of dissent and defiance; quotes that capture your soul and need to speak to ours; blank sheet stained with the tears of this struggle, the names of those targeted, or both -- all will bear witness that in this church of ours the Reformation continues.

The day's worship and action will include preaching by the Rev. Hal Porter, Pastor Emeritus of Cincinnati's Mount Auburn Church; choral singing by the Gay Men's Ambassador Chorus; liturgical drumming; reaffirmation of ordination vows of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender leaders; Communion; and the charge of Martin Luther''s work and words.

We hope you will join us and share as family in the teachings of Jesus and the justice his words call us to practice, regardless of the risk involved.

Peace and Grace to You.

Bethlehem Road

Nancy Crowe, writing out of her own experience as a Presbyterian and a lesbian, tells the story of Ruth and Naomi in a contemporary setting of San Francisco and small-town Indiana.

Coretta Scott King speaks out in support of Miami-Dade County LGBT Civil Rights Ordinance [9-3-02]

Stated Clerk Clifton Kirkpatrick has pointed out in letters to synod and presbytery stated clerks that the denomination's constitution "provides no right of defiance." He says, however, that "the right of dissension" is assured in the Presbyterian Constitution. This comes in response to open letters, first from the Rev. Stephen Van Kuiken of Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, and then from two leaders of two congregations in the Presbytery of Hudson River. [8-26-02]

Stroud complaint dismissed

The complaint against the Rev. Donald Stroud of the Presbytery of Baltimore, a staff member of That All May freely Serve, has been dismissed by the investigating committee of the Presbytery, but both Stroud and the complainant, Paul Jensen, have taken steps to ensure that it won't go away. [7-30-02]

And another case dismissed .... regarding the ordination of Katie Morrison

GAPJC dismisses complaint against Synod PJC

[posted here 7-30-02]

The General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission (GAPJC) has dismissed a complaint from the Presbytery of San Joaquin against the Synod of the Pacific and its PJC. San Joaquin Presbytery called on the Synod to issue a stay of enforcement for the ordination of Katie Morrison, after the Presbytery of the Redwoods approved her for ordination, and a few members of that Presbytery called for a stay of enforcement.

The GAPJC dismissed the complaint primarily on the grounds that San Joaquin Presbytery lacked standing to appeal to the Synod PLC.

The full text of the decision is available on the PCUSA web site, in PDF format.

The Presbytery of Yellowstone has refused to name an administrative commission to persuade Anaconda Presbyterian Church to modify its Statement of Conscience. [5-25-02]

More on "the Katie Morrison case"

The case recently heard by the Permanent Judicial Commission of the Synod of the Pacific, growing out of complaints about the ordination of the Rev. Katie Morrison, is clearly one of some importance in the ongoing "judicial wars" over sexuality and ordination.

We have already posted the report published by the Presbyterian News Service, and now are happy to add two important contributions:

First is the full text of the PJC decision.

And we are happy post also a letter from Lynne Reade, attorney for the Presbytery in this case. She offers her comments on the case itself, and what she sees as possible future judicial issues, and wider concerns facing the church. [5-22-02]

Synod court dismisses complaints against ordination of Katie Morrison

Allegations were not specific enough to meet new, higher standard, it rules [5-21-02]

Citing a month old decision in a similar case by a higher church court, the Synod of the Pacific's Permanent Judicial Commission dismissed two complaints that Redwoods Presbytery failed to adequately examine a lesbian candidate for ministry before ordaining her last fall.

Mt. Auburn church in Cincinnati to be studied by a presbytery commission. [5-16-02]

The Presbytery of Cincinnati on May 15 responded to two overtures, one aimed at forcing Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church to submit to the strictures of G-6.0106b, and the other (from Mt. Auburn) asking for the appointment of a study committee.

The United Methodist Church is also struggling with issues of sexuality and ordination. Recently the Council of Bishops of that church gathered with the aim of modeling for their congregations" [5-8-02]

Witherspoon supports those accused of "renouncing jurisdiction" because of issues of ordination and sexuality [4-29-02]

As the Executive Committee of the Witherspoon Society met on April 21-23, we were keenly aware of the accusations that have been leveled against a number of our friends and colleagues in ministry. We have adopted a statement expressing support for the people who have been accused, and pledged to do what we can to assist them.

Here's a helpful site for parents of glbt children - and for others who want to get beyond the diatribes to the humanity

[4-15-02]

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports on a Methodist couple in Georgia who struggled with what they felt was a terrible event in their family, when their son came out to them. Finding little help among friends or from their church, they have created a web site of their own - with their son's blessing - to provide support for others. They trace the growth of their own understanding and faith through their son's homosexuality.

They are not concerned with the ecclesiastical struggles as much as with the human struggles of parents and glbt children. This site won't provide cutting edge thinking, but might be helpful to friends and parishioners in similar situations.

Check here for other resources suggested by Witherspooners and friends. [4-25-02]

That All May Freely Serve holds fourth annual leadership conference [4-15-02]

That All May Freely Serve held a gathering of more than 150 people - staff, volunteers, supporters and allies - on April 4 - 7, 2002, at Stony Point Conference Center in Stony Point, NY. In a Saturday morning sermon, Chris Glaser spoke of the defeat of Amendment A as "another crucifixion," but saw the TAMFS gathering as a new resurrection.

We've received some nice new photos from the Shower of Stoles Project. Scroll down the story to see them. [4-8-02]

Two inclusive churches charged [3-19-02]

Two churches that welcome glbt members into leadership -- Mt. Auburn in Cincinnati and First Presbyterian Church of Baldwin Park, California -- have both been charged with various offenses.

Martha Juillerat reports on the latest developments in the Shower of Stoles Project, including the production of a video telling the story of the project -- and "premier parties" in Minneapolis and Atlanta to celebrate its arrival! [3-8-02]

Baby doctors affirm gay/lesbian rights to adopt children [2-4-02]

After reviewing two decades' worth of studies of the children of gay or lesbian parents, the American Academy of Pediatrics has announced its support of the rights of lesbians and gay men to adopt their partners' children. The survey found that children in same-sex families were as well adjusted socially and psychologically as the children of heterosexual parents.

Such adoptions are now banned in three states, while seven states and Washington, D.C., permit them by law or court ruling. Elsewhere there is great variation in law and in practice, but clearly such adoptions are not easy. Many observers have noted that the Academy is widely respected, and their support for adoptions will probably be taken seriously by many courts and legislatures.

Thanks to onReligion.com

Details have been announced for the More Light National Conference, scheduled for May 24-26, 2002, in Raleigh, NC. [12-12-01]

Lisa Larges becomes fifth Minister Evangelist for That All May Freely Serve [12-12-01]

The General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission has finally ruled that the case against the ordination of a gay elder in Stamford, CT, is moot, because the term for which he was elected has expired. [12-14-01]

The Salvation Army, discrimination, and the big red kettles

The Salvation Army, the nation's largest charity, has rescinded its decision allowing regional divisions to extend health insurance benefits to the domestic partners of its employees. So what do we do with those Salvation Army kettles, collecting money to help the needy during the holiday season? Equal Partners in Faith suggests putting coupons in the kettles, promising a contribution as soon as the Army changes its discriminatory policy. [12-10-01]

MLP activist ordained
For the first time since the 1978 ban on the ordination of "practicing, self-affirming homosexuals," an openly lesbian candidate, Katie Morrison, has been ordained as Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA). [10-22-01]

Presbyterian News Service reports on a challenge to Morrison's ordination, which was not sustained by the Presbytery. [10-23-01]

The Rev. Don Stroud, an evangelist for That All May Freely Serve, who served as a commissioner from Baltimore Presbytery to the 213^th General Assembly, has been officially accused of heresy and acting in willful violation of his ordination vows because he is openly gay. [10-3-01]

A constitutional amendment defining marriage??

A coalition of conservative religious groups plans to propose an amendment to the US Constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman. An interfaith group in the Philadelphia area has issued a statement critical of the idea, calling it "a desperate and completely pointless attempt to settle questions of religious debate and local governance through the US Constitution." [7-13-01]

More Light Presbyterians announces second National Field Organizer [6-8-01]

CMD affirms relationship with Scouters group, criticizes Presbyterian Layman

[6-8-01]

The Congregational Ministries Division Committee (CMDC), reacting to what it angrily called "misconceptions perpetrated by The Presbyterian Layman," has adopted a statement affirming its covenant with the National Association of Presbyterian Scouters.

Sexuality: a long view of God's working in creation [6-4-01]

Dr. Aurelia Fule shares her reflections on our growing understanding of the varieties of sexual orientation. She asks whether the increasing awareness and affirmation of same-sex relationships may well be a part of the Creator's will for the world.

PC(USA) will review links with Presbyterian Boy Scout organization [5-31-01]

Presbyterian News Service reports that the Congregational Ministries Division Committee will review the covenant between the PC(USA) and the National Association of Presbyterian Scouters, in response to a question about the Boy Scouts' refusal to allow gay men to serve as Scout leaders. It has been questioned whether such policies are inconsistent with the church's policy of welcoming all persons, especially in youth activities.

The review will take place during the meeting in Louisville of the General Assembly Council, just prior to the opening of the 213th General Assembly.

While the Presbyterian Layman has reported that the PCUSA staff "has begun dissociating the denomination from the Boy Scouts of America," Gina Yeager, coordinator of the PCUSA's youth ministry program, said that no such action has even been discussed in youth ministries office.

NOTE: An addition to this report, dated June 1, confirms that the Boy Scouts of America policy of banning gay men as troop leaders -- recently upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court -- extends to membership in the Boy Scouts by openly gay boys.

Some 900 pastoral counselors have signed a call for recognition of sexual orientation as a gift from God [5-12-01]

Anti-gay demonstrator Fred Phelps comes to Woodbury, Minnesota (from whence cometh this web page) - and raises funds for diversity programs [5-9-01]

School demonstration draws little attention, but GLBT support group uses it to raise money to support diversity programs.

Jeremy Marks, who founded an evangelical charity to "heal" homosexuals in Britain, has announced that its mission was mistaken and that same-sex love is "God-given." [4-11-01]

Santa Fe churches celebrated Palm Sunday with a powerful act of support for a welcoming Episcopal church that has been vandalized five times in recent weeks. [4-10-01]

Ann Arbor gays make creative response to a Fred Phelps anti-gay demonstration
This report was shared with us by Doug Nave, who commented that this may not be "quite up there with all the theological and polity debates, but certainly a good lesson in creative engagement! [4-7-01]

Facing the pain of loss -- a hard meditation for Lent
On Sunday, March 25, Martha Juillerat preached a sermon for the Fourth Sunday in Lent. Reflecting on the death of a dear friend - a member of a "family" composed of six friends, three of whom were estranged from their birth families because of their sexual orientation - she led the congregation into a profound encounter with the dark side of the season of Lent, and the hard - beautiful - realities of living and dying. [4-7-01]

Web site created on Auburn Affirmation

The recently established Silicon Valley chapter of the Witherspoon Society has been busy, among other things discussing the Auburn Affirmation of 1923 as a possible framework for dealing responsibly with present tensions in the Presbyterian Church. [3-6-01]

David Bos responds to criticism by the Rev. Ron Scates, on PresbyWeb, that in urging a new "Auburn Affirmation," he has neglected the document itself.
For the full correspondence, check PresbyWeb. [2-24-01]

Lynne Reade shares a gentle suggestion that "homosexuality" is people, who love and are loved, and are part of our family.

Eleven congregations in Hudson River Presbytery have sent letters of dissent to their presbytery, affirming their intention to be truly inclusive even if that means violating G-6.0106b, the "purity and chastity" amendment. [2-15-01]

PJC hears case against an allegedly gay Albany NY elder

Chicago Methodist church stays involved in denomination, but also in same-sex holy unions. [1-16-01]

Synod judicial decision upholds installation of gay elder in Connecticut

An appeal to the top ecclesiastical court is under way

The Rev. Charles Coppinger, Chaplain to the Arizona State Legislature, recently "came out" as a gay man. Here is his statement, beautifully written and deeply expressive of a profound awareness of the grace of God and the pain and the joy of human existence. [10/17/00]

Walter Wink book offers helpful perspectives on homosexuality and Christian faith

Jim Tiefenthal, webmaster for That All May Freely Serve, suggests the Walter Wink book entitled Homosexuality and Christian Faith: Questions of Conscience for the Churches.

Click here for his brief review, and a link to order the book.

David Bos at Downtown Church, Rochester, calls for church progressives to issue another 'Auburn Affirmation'

Lesbian activist Martha Juillerat preaches on why she is not giving up on the PC(USA), in a sermon on I Cor. 12 entitled "Next Year's T-shirt"

Here's the moving reality of what a genuinely welcoming congregation can be ... and can mean.

Much attention has been given to the actions of the Episcopal General Convention in mid-July, which included a rejection of what Presbyterians have been calling holy union ceremonies. However, the Episcopal Church took significant steps toward affirming the variety of committed relationships that are a part of life in our society today, and this story offers some perspective on the positive side of their actions.

A minister gives up his ordination because he is gay -- and explains why.

And one church session explains why they think it's a good thing.

EQUAL PARTNERS IN FAITH (EPF) have recently applauded the courageous action of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) in sanctioning same-gender unions. Click here for the report.

1,000 Scholars, Clergy Call for Full Acceptance of Homosexuals in Churches

For a theological discussion of the legitimacy of same-sex holy unions,
click here.

NEW YORK - A thousand liberal religious scholars and clergy in the United States have endorsed a statement affirming sexuality as God's gift and calling for the full participation of women and gays and lesbians in the life of religious institutions.

"We feel there is a need to develop a clear and articulate basis for the living out of sexuality as a life-affirming gift," John Thomas, president of the United Church of Christ (UCC), told ENI.

The declaration, known as the "Religious Declaration on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing," was publicly released on Jan. 18. The text of the declaration and a list of supporters were published this week as a full-page advertisement in the New York Times. Conservative critics of the document accused the signatories of trying to overthrow Bible-based morality.

Liberal Protestants dominate the list of signatories, though a smaller group of Roman Catholics and Jews also endorsed the resolution. John A. Buehrens, head of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, endorsed the declaration, along with 14 bishops from various denominations, 15 seminary presidents and academic deans, and theologians from more than 32 U.S. seminaries.

Originally 850 people signed the resolution, but since its release to the public, a further 150 have added their support.

Among prominent clergy endorsing the document were Edmond Browning, retired presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, and Paul Sherry, former president of the United Church of Christ, who has been honored for his work in ministry to gays and lesbians.

The document's signatories declared they were speaking out "against the pain, brokenness, oppression, and loss of meaning that many experience about their sexuality."

"Our culture needs a sexual ethic focused on personal relationships and social justice rather than particular sexual acts," the document said. "All persons have the right and responsibility to lead sexual lives that express love, justice, mutuality, commitment, consent, and pleasure.

"Grounded in respect for the body and for the vulnerability that intimacy brings, this ethic fosters physical, emotional, and spiritual health. It accepts no double standards and applies to all persons, without regard to sex, gender, color, age, bodily condition, marital status, or sexual orientation."

The document goes on to support, among other things, the "full inclusion of women and sexual minorities in congregational life, including their ordination and the blessing of same-sex unions," and calls for religious leaders to participate "in movements to end sexual and social injustice."

The resolution's supporters said the document was significant because for the first time a group of U.S. religious leaders had collectively called for a re-examination of sexual ethics and sexual morality. It was also, they said, the first time that so many religious leaders had, as a group, signed a formal declaration countering traditional theological positions on sexual issues.

Immediate reaction to the resolution - including criticism by several well-known religious conservatives - focused on the resolution's call for the blessing of same-sex unions, one of the most contentious issues facing a number of Protestant denominations.

But Thomas, of the UCC, told ENI that the document's lasting significance stemmed from its overall emphasis on a new sexual ethic linking spirituality and sexuality.

"This is a starting point for a much wider discussion," Thomas said, adding that liberal religious leaders "have not, in an effective and positive way, presented our view on human sexuality. Often we've been silenced in moral debates. We want to make the public aware that there is another perspective."

Larry Greenfield, the president of the Midwest chapter of the American Theological Society, told ENI that the appearance, in the past 30 to 40 years, of women's and gay rights movements had fundamentally changed American society. Church teachings had begun to reflect those changes, he said. "Of course that is going to cause some stir."

What was needed now, he told ENI, was a broader examination of how religious institutions viewed sexuality and how, ultimately, they would recognize and foster the talents of women and sexual minorities. "How many lives, for example, have we wasted in not recognizing the talents of women in ministry?"

But R. Albert Mohler Jr, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, told Baptist Press, the Southern Baptist news agency: "The arrogance of this `Declaration' is breathtaking.

"These self-appointed moral revolutionaries will reject the clear teachings of Scripture in order to justify sexual perversions and destructive behaviors," Mohler said. "In utter arrogance they claim a `religious' mandate for their declaration. In a cloak of distortions they seek to overthrow biblical morality and put a humanistic ethic of sexual liberation in its place."

The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS), a sexual education organization, sponsored the drafting of the statement.

Click here to go to the full text of the statement and the list of signers.

Click here for items on sexual justice posted from mid-2008 through 2009.

Items on sexual justice from past years are archived:

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	2007 >>
	2006 >>
	2005 >>
	2003 and 2004 >>
	2000 through 2002 >>