Ministerial/Laity Group: PCUSA May Allow Homosexual Clergy
by AFA Journal
April 20, 2006
(AgapePress) - - The Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) may be on the verge of allowing the ordination of homosexual clergy, despite the wishes of the majority of its members. That's the disturbing claim being made by Presbyterians for Faith, Family and Ministry (PFFM), a group of Presbyterian clergy and laity who hope to work within the denomination to restore biblical and confessional fidelity.
The group says that in June, the General Assembly -- the denomination's highest court -- will consider the recommendations of the "Peace, Unity and Purity Report," which deals with the issue of homosexuality in the PCUSA. A PFFM letter concerning the report states that, "if approved, [it] will permit the ordination of practicing, unrepentant homosexuals in our denomination."
When the question has been put to local presbyteries in the past, nearly three-quarters have rejected the ordination of homosexuals to ministry. However, PFFM says the procedures being applied in this instance would circumvent the presbyteries, which serve a function similar to a local congressional district.
That means that should PCUSA convention delegates approve the report, "it will permit governing bodies to ordain whomever they wish regardless of the clear constitutional standards approved by 73% of the presbyteries," says PFFM. "The changes proposed by the report will not return to the presbyteries for a vote."
In order to forestall what it calls "a serious biblical and constitutional crisis" in the denomination, PFFM recommends that presbyteries carefully consider who they elect as representatives to the General Assembly.
The crisis comes at a time when the PCUSA is already facing a serious financial crunch. According to Associated Press, the denomination of approximately 2.4 million members reported that it must cut its budget over the next couple of years -- starting with a $2.7 million cut this year. In addition, AP reports the denomination will cut jobs at its headquarters for the third time in four years. Church officials say they need to cut enough jobs to save more than $14 million over the next two years. In 2002 and 2003, some 85 jobs were cut through layoffs and attrition.
AFA Journal is a monthly publication of the American Family Association. This article is reprinted with permission.
