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According to an Associated Press report, the effect of Tuesday's dismissal on future cases within the church is not immediately clear.

Laurie Griffith, Manager for Judicial Process and Social Witness in the Office of the General Assembly, said the PJC dismissed the case on the grounds that Van Kuiken, has left the denomination, and thus the case is moot. This, she said, leaves the ruling with no effect beyond the parties involved in the Van Kuiken case.

Following the decision by the Permanent Judicial Commission of the Synod of the Covenant, essentially vindicating his assertion the he rightly officiated at gay marriages, the Rev. Steve Van Kuiken has sent word that he has now been granted "privilege of call" status by the Southwest Ohio Northern Kentucky Association of the United Church of Christ.

Reverses presbytery in Van Kuiken case

[5-7-04]

For a history and analysis of this very important case, take a look at a careful examination by Paul Peterson, Minister of Outreach and Education for That All May Freely Serve - Michigan
 

On April 30, 2004, the Permanent Judicial Commission of the Synod of the Covenant (Ohio and Michigan) of the Presbyterian Church (USA) ruled that the Constitution does not prohibit same-sex marriages and that "the decision of the Permanent Judicial Commission of the Presbytery of Cincinnati is reversed and the rebuke of Rev. Van Kuiken is removed."

On May 3, Van Kuiken issued a press statement expressing his gratitude for the vindication of his stand, while asserting that he still believes he must resign his ordination in the PC(USA) in order to continue to serve the new congregation, The Gathering, that formed in the wake of presbytery actions against him.

PRESS STATEMENT
Steve Van Kuiken
May 3, 2004

On Friday, April 30, 2004, the Permanent Judicial Commission of the Synod of the Covenant (Ohio and Michigan) of the Presbyterian Church (USA) ruled that the Constitution does not prohibit same-sex marriages and that "the decision of the Permanent Judicial Commission of the Presbytery of Cincinnati is reversed and the rebuke of Rev. Van Kuiken is removed." (The text of the decision is on the Synod website.) I am very grateful to the members of the commission for the courage they have shown in reaching this landmark decision.

A new era has dawned in the Presbyterian Church, a day for which we have waited and hoped. We are making room at the table of Christ both for our gay brothers and lesbian sisters as well as for those with progressive Christian convictions. This is truly good news for the church.

However, it is with great sadness that I have decided to resign as a minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). The Cincinnati Presbytery has left me little choice.

When I was unfairly removed from office and terminated from my position of Pastor at Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church, a group formed a new congregation called The Gathering. This group includes former members of the Mount Auburn Church that, with love and support, have stood by my family and me.

Members of The Gathering have, themselves, been greatly traumatized. They have been suddenly uprooted from their church home by the Presbytery's actions. And now, instead of responding with compassion, this same Presbytery has ordered me not to serve them in leadership. The Presbytery of Cincinnati has forced me to choose between being a Presbyterian minister and serving The Gathering. I choose to stand by The Gathering, as they have stood by me.

Some have asked why I am leaving the PC (USA) if I won the appeal. The truth is I was hanging on as long as possible to stay in the denomination to see this appeal to a conclusion. The Presbytery of Cincinnati's ultimatum to me (see below) is a threat that is independent from the appeal. This has never been about me. This appeal was for the cause and for my successors. It is satisfying to go out with a stunning victory, however.

The following motion was adopted at the Presbytery Meeting of January 10, 2004. I was officially notified of this by registered mail in March and consulted in April.

(The Presbytery of Cincinnati, Minutes of January 10, 2004) "DISAPPROVED the relationship and work in any form of the Rev. A. Stephen Van Kuiken with the Gathering, a group composed primarily of current and former members of Mt. Auburn Presbyterian that refers to itself as a congregation and meets weekly for fellowship and worship at Old St. George's on Calhoun Street in Cincinnati. Changes in the group's name, its membership, its self-description, its frequency or purpose for meeting, its meeting location, or any other variable will not affect the presbytery's disapproval of the Rev. Van Kuiken's relationship or work with it. Further, direct the Committee on Ministry or its designated representatives to notify and consult with the Rev. Van Kuiken about this matter. If, after notification and consultation the Rev. Van Kuiken persists, the presbytery will presume that he has renounced jurisdiction of the church."

Steve Van Kuiken

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