Testing the PC(USA) waters ... again

[andrewlittle]

I got this email just today. Can I ask for continued prayers for Lisa Larges.

Dear Friends,

I attach below an article from The Advocate which explains the action taken last night by the San Francisco Presbytery accepting Lisa Larges' "scruple" and allowing her to move forward in her process of ordination after over 20 years of waiting. Lisa is an incredible support to Presbyterian Welcome and we are tremendously proud of her and San Francisco Presbytery. We ask you to continue praying for her, the deliberations that are to follow, and the whole church.

Blessings,

Mieke Vandersall, Minister Director, Presbyterian Welcome

The Advocate
January 16, 2008
Lesbian to Make Third Bid for Presbyterian Ministry

A Presbyterian deacon in San Francisco who has twice been denied ordination because of her sexual orientation can move forward with a third bid to join the clergy. The regional body of the Presbyterian Church (USA) voted 167–151 Tuesday night in support of Lisa Larges's application, despite the denomination's long-standing ban on openly gay ministers. Larges, 44, still must submit to an interview with the regional body as soon as April, church officials said. Larges said after the vote that she was proud of the church members' decision, despite the heavy opposition.

''The church is a beautiful, messy thing,'' she said. ''It's about loving the church in spite of the church. It's about being part of a movement to call the church back to its best self.''

While the meeting represented a third try for Larges, it was thought to be the first test of a policy adopted by the Presbyterian national assembly giving local presbyteries the right to ordain candidates who declare conscientious objections to specific church teachings, said Jerry Van Marter, news director for the Presbyterian Church (USA).

The constitution of the church says only members in traditional man-woman marriages or who are sexually abstinent may serve as clergy, elders, and deacons. Larges has submitted a statement to the Presbytery of San Francisco declaring her disagreement with that policy, calling it a ''mar upon the church and a stumbling block to its mission.''

The presbytery represents 77 churches and about 29,000 parishioners in the San Francisco Bay area.

Those who oppose Larges's application said they would appeal Tuesday's decision through the church court.

''The presbytery's action constitutes a willful disengagement from the denomination's requirements, breaking trust with every other presbytery by not requiring compliance with church mandates,'' said the Reverend Mary Holder Naegeli, who presented the minority report at the meeting.

The church has other openly gay ministers, Van Marter said. The current policy banning the ordination of sexually active gays and lesbians to the ministry was enacted in 1978, and a number of ministers who were ordained before then have since come out to their congregations. (Lisa Leff, AP)

[RedneckDyke]

I used to be a Presbyterian. We got married by all 3 of the pastors at our church. The program called it "A liturgy for the blessing of a couple."
We had to have it at a park though. Still, they were pretty brave for officiating in the first place. I admire REv. LArges's tenacity. ONe of our friends is a minister and had to jump ship to the UCC to be able to have a parish.

[Kris Johnson]

I'm looking forward to hearing more of her story and also to the day when she becomes a fellow pastor. It wasn't that long ago when I would have been denied simply because I am female. I pray for the falling of the orientation barrier from EVERY denomination, so that all of us can fully use the gifts we've been given. please keep us posted. I will keep her in my prayers.
Kris