Date: Mon, 5 Jul 99 16:21:24 EDT From: James Anderson Subject: MORE LIGHT UPDATE Jl-Ag 99 (184 K) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * MORE LIGHT UPDATE July-August 1999 Volume 19, Number 6 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * CONTENTS Welcoming New Evangelists Celebrating Long Time Leaders Marriage; Ordination; Web Resourses General Assembly Snapshot; Liaisons & Chapters 211TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY "We're here, We're Faithful, Deal With It": A Watershed General Assembly A letter from General Assembly, Fort Worth (Mitzi Henderson) More Light Presbyterians: We Were Everywhere! A Compilation of Thanksgiving for All the MLP Folk at G.A. (Jim Anderson) Perspectives from the Field: A note from our Field Organizer, Michael Adee Those Wonderful YADs: A note from MLP YAD Liaison Donna Riley A Word from Iowa, from Rick and Robin Chambers An Undertow of Inevitability? -- Commentary by Gene Huff Getting Ready for the New Round of Discussions (Michael Adee) OUR COVER: Presbyterian Evangelists Extraordinaire (photo by Moss). WE NEED YOUR PHOTOS REQUESTS Woman-to-Woman Sexual Violence / Sexual Assault / Sexual Coercion, or Is It Rape? (Dr. Lori B. Girshick of Warren Wilson College) EVENTS RESOURCES Presbyterian related websites, recommended by Gene Huff ther Lists and Sites Recommended by MLP Folk Newsletter for Straight Spouses Videos: Christians Discuss Gay Theology FEATURE STORIES Lesbian & Gay Evangelists: A Gift to the Church (Jim Anderson) Michael J. Adee (MLP Press Release) An Interview with Michael, by Jim Tiefenthal Michael's Message to More Light Presbyterians TAMFS Celebrate New Evangelists, by Jim Tiefenthal More Gay Evangelists Join Ranks of "That All May Freely Serve, "by Donna Jackel (Presbyterian News Service) Tom Hickok: TAMFS-Chicago Fills a Newly-Created "Evangelist" Post Don Stroud: TAMFS-Baltimore Creates New Staff Position Our Very Own Woman of Faith: The Rev. Janie Spahr Comments on Her Selection for the Women of Faith Award Janie Goes to Louisville, by Jim Tiefenthal My Life Began with Stonewall and PLGC: Celebrating Howard's Lifetime of Ministry, by the Rev. Howard Warren Presbyterian Lesbian & Gay Marriage The Hudson River Charges The Outcome: Hudson River Presbytery Affirms "Freedom" to Conduct Same-Sex Union Ceremonies, by Jerry L. Van Marter (Presbyterian News Service) Amendment B Fails, So FarJim Anderson Some commentary (Jim Anderson) Decision, PJC, Presbytery of Southern New England LGBT Seminarians Hold Conference, by Marilyn Nash On the Ecumenical Front: National Religious Leadership Roundtable meets for Second Time -- LGBT Religious Groups Gather in Washington (NOT IN PRINT VERSION), by Ken South and Jason Riggs On Exgay Fronts: Layman Discredits American Psychological Association, by Jim Uleman, Department of Psychology, New York University (NOT IN PRINT VERSION) MLP OFFICERS MLP Board of Directors MLP National Liaisons MLP Chapters Seminary and Campus Chapters Presbytery & Regional Chapters MLP State Liaisons PRESBYTERIAN ALLY ORGANIZATIONS (not recently updated, not included in print version) MASTHEAD (Publication Information) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *We limit not the truth of God To our poor reach of mind, By notions of our day and sect, Crude, partial and confined. No, let a new and better hope Within our hearts be stirred: for God hath yet more light and truth To break forth from the Word.* -- Pastor John Robinson, sending the Pilgrims to the New World, 1620; paraphrased by the hymnwriter George Rawson, 1807-1889. For all ministers, elders, deacons, members and friends of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) More Light Presbyterians PMB# 246 4737 County Road 101 Minnetonka, MN 55345-2634 (Presbyterians for Lesbian & Gay Concerns) James D. Anderson, Editor P.O. Box 38 New Brunswick, NJ 08903-0038 732-249-1016, 732-932-7501 (Rutgers University) FAX 732-932-6916 (Rutgers University) Internet: JDA@mariner.rutgers.edu (or JDA@scils.rutgers.edu) Email discussion list: mlp-list@scils.rutgers.edu (to join, send email to: Majordomo@scils.rutgers.edu; in body of message put: subscribe mlp-list; to leave list, put: unsubscribe mlp-list) MLP home page: http://www.mlp.org Masthead, with Publication Information at end of file. Note: * is used to indicate italicized or boldface text. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 211TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY "We're here, We're Faithful, Deal With It" A Watershed General Assembly Many of us at General Assembly felt a whole new atmosphere in dealing with issues of inclusiveness. This was not a particularly "liberal" assembly -- it voted to revise excellent sexuality curriculum for children and young people in order to emphasize "biblical themes" of "sexual purity" and abstinence, rather than responsible sexuality and contraception. But on inclusiveness issues, especially dealing with LGBT folks and "Amendment B," the whole tenor of the debate shifted from "whether" we should be fully included to "when." And the youth were solidly with us, leading the debate both in committee and on the floor, then voting by 70% to open up the church to LGBT Presbyterians on an equal basis. So we came away greatly encouraged, despite the fact that the general assembly voted to wait and study and dialogue and pray for at least another year or two. In these four pages, we will present an overview or snapshot of the assembly, through MLP eyes. We plan to save the details for our next *More Light Update*. We begin with a letter from our Co-Moderator Mitzi Henderson, written and sent out to supporters from the assembly itself. -- Jim Anderson. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * A letter from General Assembly, Fort Worth Dear More Light Presbyterians, We are writing from General Assembly in Fort Worth, where More Light Presbyterians have experienced a terrific week. Highlights include: - A sell-out dinner crowd of over 200 with keynote speaker Mel White; - Election of our friend Freda Gardner as Moderator; - A wonderful witness to thousands attending Sunday morning worship; - An historic moment for MLP -- Sunday evening worship for over 300; - The passage of an overture by committee to remove anti- gay amendment B; - Initiation of overtures for same-sex partner benefits and hate crimes; - Challenging the advance of inappropriate and injurious reparative therapy; - The MLP Booth providing education and outreach to the entire GA; The brilliant and moving Shower of Stoles surrounded the standing-room-only crowd at the MLP Dinner. We recognized Laurene Lafontaine, retiring co-moderator, for her outstanding leadership in our movement. The inclusive church award was given to Christ Church of Burlington Vermont, for their cogent and intrepid dissent from G-6.0106b. In accepting, Mike Brown, their co-pastor, said their watchword was, "We're Here, We're Faithful, Deal With It." The first David Sindt award for outstanding individual leadership went to Jane Loflin, founder of Presbyterian Parents of Gays and Lesbians. In an impassioned speech, keynoter Mel White urged us to use the "soul force" of our spiritual strength to disarm and connect with our opponents, so we could begin to know and be known as people. It was an empowering and inspiring evening. Our dinner was followed by the opening General Assembly session and the election of the moderator. Freda Gardner, the best candidate and our good friend, won convincingly on the second ballot. Sunday morning brought MLP members, supporters, and many local friends, to the convention center, where we made a witness with our signs and smiles to those thousands streaming into the convention center for the opening worship. Later in the day, over 300 people, including 60 commissioners and many members of the church, gathered for our Sunday evening MLP worship service and reception at St. Stephen Presbyterian Church. In a surprising and heartening reversal of expectations, an overture to remove Amendment B from our Book of Order was recommended out of the committee by a strong margin. While the assembly chose to adopt the minority report rather than this supportive overture, it did recommend that presbyteries hold Unity in Diversity conferences to study sexism, racism and the divisions over ordination of LGBT Presbyterians. This presents us with unprecedented opportunities to engage local congregations at the presbytery level. We initiated and advocated an overture to have same-sex domestic partner benefits for lay employees covered by our board of pensions. And we pressed for the adoption of the hate crimes overture. Citing professional medical and psychological associations, an MLP overture challenged the inroads into our denomination of inappropriate and harmful reparative therapies. We worked hard with commissioners, witnesses and YADs on these and many other issues. A remarkable undertone of this assembly, evident in the attitudes of anti-gay persons in attendance and on the floor, is that inclusion and ordination of LGBT people is an inevitable reality. We must capitalize upon this opportunity and momentum! Your financial support enabling us to hire Michael J. Adee as our full-time field organizer has made a critical difference. His workshops on grassroots organizing to transform the church at the recent MLP Conference and here at GA are just the first fruits. He has already begun his work in the field. Empowering our local chapters and churches is crucial as we strategize for and participate in the Unity and Diversity Conferences in presbyteries across the nation. Let's give Michael the support he needs and the travel allowance necessary for his work to help us transform the church. You can make a significant impact with a generous financial gift now! One of our members has issued a special challenge -- "Fly Michael" to local MLP Chapters and the Unity and Diversity Conferences in your presbytery and around the country. Gifts made before September 1, 1999 will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. Together we are making the difference. Your membership, participation, and financial support are needed and welcome. Thank you for joining us as we seek "more light." With trust in God's redeeming power and love, Mitzi Henderson, MLP Co-moderator. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * More Light Presbyterians: We Were Everywhere! A Compilation of Thanksgiving for All the MLP Folk at G.A. by Jim Anderson More Light Presbyterians were active in spreading the inclusive gospel at General Assembly in many ways in many places. Board member Tammy Lindahl led the team that planned our awe-inspiring worship at St. Stephen Church, with Patrick Evans and Robin White as MLP music leaders, Marco Grimaldo our preacher, and worship leaders Co-Moderator Mitzi Henderson, MLP Field Organizer Michael Adee, St. Stephen pastor William Galbraith, St. Stephen minister of music and organist extraordinaire Mark Scott, Todd Freeman (pastor of the More Light Church in Dallas, Bethany Presbyterian), and Erin Swenson, who was not only our first transgender worship leader, but also served us so well as pastoral counselor. Co-Moderator Scott Anderson led our witness to the entire assembly community, including thousands of visitors, just prior to the opening worship service. Jean and John Martin (part of the great MLP "local arrangements" team, along with Don Grainger and others from Bethany Presbyterian Church in Dallas) brought handsome MLP signs, and many others made signs proclaiming God's intention for a truly inclusive church. Martha Juillerat, director of the Shower of Stoles Project, spread the silent but oh so telling witness of the stoles at our Saturday evening banquet, our Sunday worship, and to the entire assembly from the Stoles booth in the exhibit hall. Board member Tricia Dykers Koenig guided a team of committee monitors who followed every twist and turn of overtures and resolutions. Many of them, and many other MLP folk presented moving testimony to G.A. committees, including Cleve Evans, Don Stroud and Mike Brown (overture advocates for the Milwaukee overture to eliminate Amendment B), Dick Lundy, Alan Kiste, Laurene Lafontaine, Janie Spahr, Tom Hanks, and many many more. Bill Moss led the planning team for our great dinner. Jim Anderson, who had overall responsibility for our booth, was blessed with great volunteers, such as Rick and Robin Chambers (our liaisons in Iowa), who also hosted our hospitality suite, Gail and Pat Rickey (leaders of the MLP chapter in Houston), Jeff Light, Jack Hartwein-Sanchez, Don Stroud, and David Tornblom (who also presented his own witness for inclusiveness at the doorways of the assembly). Patrick Evans and board member Donna Riley were our special liaisons to work with the wonderful YADs -- Youth Advisory Delegates. Michael Adee, our new national field organizer and board member Gene Huff lead a workshop on grassroots organizing. (There were so many MLP people actively involved, and my notes are incomplete, so I know I've left out lots of folks -- so sorry! -- JDA). More Light Presbyterians played prominent roles in other venues as well. Virginia Davidson, long-time leader of the More Light Churches Network and That All My Freely Serve (TAMFS) received a special award from the Voices of Sophia, and of course, Janie Spahr received the widely acclaimed (and widely contested) Woman of Faith Award. Johanna Bos was the provocative keynoter at the Voices of Sophia breakfast, and Tricia Dykers Koenig was honored by Native American Presbyterians for her work on the overture deploring the stereotyping of Native Americans and their culture. MLP folk were well represented at a host of other events, including the Woman of Faith breakfast, the Witherspoon pre- assembly event and luncheon, the Semper Reformanda pre-assembly event, the Voices of Sophia breakfast, the Covenant Network luncheon and open hearing on the impact of Amendment B, and events sponsored by Clergywomen, Black Presbyterians, Native Americans, and PHEWA (Presbyterian Health, Education, and Welfare Association). We even turned out in numbers at events sponsored by One by One, our friends who don't yet embrace the good news that same-gender love is a gift of God that some of us are blessed with. Behind the scenes, board member and secretary Rob Cummings made everything run smoothly, delivering all the exhibit booth materials from his home base in Pennsylvania, then setting up the MLP office and providing indispensable support for every MLP effort. Finally, a big "thank you" to our great photographers, whose pictures will grace this and following issues of the *More Light Update*: John Martin, Rob Cummings, Bill Moss, Rick Chambers, and Jack Hartwein-Sanchez. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Perspectives from the Field A note from our Field Organizer, Michael Adee Serving with More Light Presbyterians at General Assembly as your national field organizer was truly an inspiring, invigorating, whirlwind experience. It was a great privilege to work heart by heart, shoulder to shoulder, with so many people clearly dedicated to the full inclusion of LGBT people in the life and service of our church. As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "A person of conscience has no option but to fight for the rights of all people." MLP and other progressive organizations and individuals gathered in Ft. Worth to do just that. Many of us remarked that we felt, sensed, and knew that "the tide had turned" in favor of justice, love, and inclusion even in the midst of mixed legislative outcomes. There were many moments of grace as we reached out to our church with the goal of transformation and "more light" for all. Now my attention and dedication returns to the field and to collaborative work with presbyteries, MLP Chapters, seminaries, and churches. Special thanks to all of you who offer your prayers, financial gifts, and support to this life-giving, church-transforming, grace-expanding ministry that is creating God's table of hospitality in our church that welcomes and affirms all persons just as we are. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Those Wonderful YADs A note from MLP YAD Liaison Donna Riley The most encouraging aspects of this year's General Assembly was the voice of the Youth Advisory Delegates. In the Committee on Church Orders and Ministry, the witness and leadership of the YADs changed minds and helped that committee return a 24-14 vote to remove G-6.0106b from the Book of Order. In the floor debate, one straight YAD gave a tearful articulate witness to the pain he felt for his LGBT brothers and sisters who aren't extended the loving welcome he felt at G.A. YADs voted 70% in favor of removing G-6.0106b and 57% in favor of the Board of Pensions studying the feasibility of domestic partner benefits. MLP was able to offer a support network for YADs who are coming out or who have friends and family members who are LGBT. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * A Word from Iowa from Rick and Robin Chambers We're just back from GA. We spent a lot of time in the More Light booth, talking to everyone who came by. We want to say this to our dear LGBT brothers and sisters who are feeling so disappointed, embattled and ill-served: Our fervent prayer is for every single member of the PC(USA) to come to know and love you. This is the answer, you know. The ordination question must become a personal issue for everyone. We heard it over and over again last week from the people we talked to: Their hearts and minds were changed by knowing and loving you. Please stay. (How easy that is for a couple of straight people to say.) But please stay, and continue to be the gentle, sensitive, caring Christians you are. Work for this and every cause of justice, and let the church know you by your fruitful, remarkable lives. Please stay. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * An Undertow of Inevitability? Commentary by Gene Huff It is evident that an increasing number of those opposing the ordaining of gays and lesbians in the Presbyterian Church (USA) now recognize that it is only a matter of time until the church changes its official mind on that subject. Evidence of that awareness is widespread. Growing discomfort with the constitutional restraint in G-6.0106b continues to show itself throughout the church. Even many who worked to place that provision in the Form of Government now join in calling for more dialogue, presumably among other things to consider the wisdom of keeping it in place. For many the plea is no longer for a permanent moratorium on considering further constitutional changes. Rather they request more time for discussion, again presumably on when and how rather than whether to begin allowing churches and presbyteries wishing to do so to ordain their leaders without regard to sexual orientation or responsible sexual practice. Stephen Moss, the pastor from North Carolina who led the opposition to such a change at the General Assembly in Fort Worth is quoted in the *Dallas Morning News* (June 25, 1999) as saying "The issue hasn't gone away. We know that." The debate on rescinding what Amendment B has done was far more civil and less vitriolic than in previous years. This may also be a sign of the waning of the intensity of opposition. To take the pleas for more time at face value is to recognize the sincerity of those who struggle to adjust their thinking as perhaps they re-examine the biblical passages that purport to deal with homosexuality, considering more thoughtfully the views of so many respected Biblical scholars. Again a Fort Worth Assembly commissioner, Harry Meissner of Eastminster Church in Dallas, was quoted in the same *Dallas Morning News* article: "I'm not sure the Holy Spirit has given me the last word. I have learned to tolerate what I can not embrace." He was said to hold a middle-of-the-road position on gay ordination and to believe most Presbyterians agree with him. Perhaps a basic question for the new discussions which are now to take place will be what a middle-of-the-road position on gay ordination would look like. Meissner's comment may hold the clue -- learning to tolerate what one may not fully embrace -- presumably in the interest of justice and fairness, yet also clearly desiring to end the tiresome controversy. Several responses come to mind regarding the plea for additional time. First no one can claim that this subject has been without extensive discussion already throughout the church. Indeed we have now endured over two decades during which various seasons of official dialogue and countless occasions of informal debate have taken place. Unfortunately the affect of both the long debate and any further dialogue period will have been to delay what so many now see as inevitable. Meanwhile the pain and struggle continue for congregations wishing to live out the inclusiveness they feel called to by God while the entire church remains caught in agonizing turmoil. Some obvious questions come to mind: If the continued wrangling is so uncomfortable and costly for the church, while the eventual outcome is increasingly evident, is it not time for the discussion to turn toward finding the way to allow those churches and presbyteries desiring to ordain their gay and lesbian members to do so? Are not the qualifications described elsewhere in the constitution sufficient guides to sessions and presbyteries? They were for a great many years. An observer at the Forth Worth gathering used an interesting image to describe what the church may now be facing. An undertow of inevitability was the phrase, suggesting that when 45% of a General Assembly was already prepared to rescind Amendment B, it is a forgone conclusion that this tragic and unjust impediment to God's call to service has a limited life-span. At Fort Worth many of those against the ordination of gays spoke longingly of a future unity in the church with this issue settled. There seemed to be a yearning for reconciliation and peace born out of recognizing that a spirit of openness is essential for a healthy church. Perhaps there has been some wisdom after all in the call for a sabbatical rather than a moratorium. As any pastor or professor who has been granted a sabbatical well knows, all sabbaticals have ending dates. What the Fort Worth General Assembly may well have done with its call for two more years of dialogue is to set the time for ending the sabbatical by finding an acceptable way to grant ordination privileges to those congregations and presbyteries who wish to accept and make use of all their otherwise fully qualified members and candidates for ministry. The pull in that direction found the encouragement it needed at Fort Worth. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Getting Ready for the New Round of Discussions Friends: We need to be ready and pro-active regarding these Unity and Diversity Conferences that presbyteries are urged to hold across the country related to human sexuality, homosexuality, and ordination. In Ft. Worth during General Assembly when the minority report replaced the Milwaukee overture (to overturn the restrictive "B"), we began to speak about the importance of facilitating these local conferences/dialogues across the country. It is critical that all of us work to ensure that such a conference or dialogue is held in as many presbyteries as possible. We know that when we tell our stories, share our lives, and declare our faith, that is when hearts and minds change. As your National Field Organizer for More Light Presbyterians, you can be assured that MLP will do everything possible to support this effort around the country. This will be a collaborative effort with That All May Freely Serve and Shower of Stoles, of course. And, it will require all of us working closely together to get these conference scheduled, prepared, and held. It will be several months for the process to unfold from this action of the General Assembly to reach presbyteries. In the meantime, we can begin our preparations so that we can be ready to create/facilitate/encourage/insist upon these conferences becoming a reality, not just a good idea. Please contact me with your interest, questions, and willingness to participate in this national effort. And, please include full contact information with your message. I have begun a file and process for this important action and witness. Peter Gomes, Harvard chaplain, told us at GA regarding the full participation and ordination of LGBT people, "Never give up, because God is on your side. What you are fighting for is far more important than just the internal politics and polity of the Presbyterian church, but it is a witness to the whole church of God and civilization from which they will take courage and example." May that be so with this wonderful opportunity that the GA has given to us. -- Michael J. Adee, M.Div., Ph.D., National Field Organizer. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * OUR COVER: Presbyterian Evangelists Extraordinaire (photo by Moss). Gay Evangelists Extraordinaire: Tom Hickok, Michael Adee, Don Stroud, and Cliff Frasier grace our cover. In this *Update*, we welcome Tom, Michael and Don, who are joining Cliff Frasier in new openly gay evangelistic positions. Bill Moss took this picture at the recent More Light Churches conference. THOSE DAMNED STAPLES We've received several complaints about all the staples we put in the printed version of the *More Light Update*. We don't like them either. It's lots of work putting them in! I call them "damned," because every staple we put in the *Update* represents the damnable condemnation by our church of its loving, faithful, talented, lesbian, gay, bi, and transgender members. It is for their sake that we must suffer those staples -- ministers, elders, deacons, and leaders called by God to service who are condemned on every side by our church merely because God has given them (us) the gift of our sexuality and gender identity. Yes for these gifts we are condemned, and to protect the most vulnerable, including many ministers, elders and deacons under threat, we must endure for the time being the staples that hold the *Update* closed. Have you ever noticed, that we never use the sacred words "lesbian," "gay," "bisexual," or even "transgender" on the outside of the *Update*'s covers? This is all part of our effort to protect the unjustly condemned. So every time you remove those damned staples, think of the damnable condemnation by our church of all its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender children. MLP's whole purpose is to remove these staples and this unjust condemnation for good, and to convert condemnation to celebration, but in the meantime, those staples represent the nails in the crosses on which lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Presbyterians are being crucified by our church every day. -- JDA * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * WE NEED YOUR PHOTOS Hey folks, we are running out of photos for the *Update*. We need your photos! Please send us all your MLP-related pictures. We can use colored pictures just fine, but we need actual physical photos. We're not yet ready for digital photos via the internet -- sorry! We especially would like photos of More Light Churches! The photos in this issue were provided by Bill Moss, Michael Adee, and Howard Warren. We regret that these wonderful pictures are NOT in the electronic version! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * REQUESTS Woman-to-Woman Sexual Violence / Sexual Assault / Sexual Coercion, or Is It Rape? *Dr. Lori B. Girshick of Warren Wilson College (a PCUSA-related institution) is conducting research on woman-to-woman violence. She writes:* Twenty years ago, date rape, marital rape, and incest were all events that supposedly "didn't happen." Help us break the silence around sexual violence in our own relationships. How did you define what happened to you, and how did you respond? This research will document your experiences, raise awareness, challenge existing laws, and help service providers reach out and meet the needs of future survivors. If you are a lesbian, bisexual woman, or transgendered/transsexual woman (living full-time), you are invited to participate in this groundbreaking study. Your participation is confidential. For a copy of the survey and a postage-paid return envelope, please contact Lori B. Girshick, Ph.D., by August 31, 1999: Warren Wilson College 6124, P.O. Box 9000, Asheville, NC 28815-9000, lgirshic@warren-wilson.edu, 828- 298-3325, ext. 376. Lori B. Girshick is a sociology/women's studies professor and has worked with battered women for nine years, including battered lesbians. She has written two books, her latest, *No Safe Haven: Stories of Women in Prison.* She is a rape survivor who is dedicated to social justice and works to stop interpersonal violence. Visit her website: http://www.warren- wilson.edu/~lgirshic/ * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * EVENTS July 8, 1999, Hate Crimes / Sexual Orientation policy briefing, Presbyterian Peacemaking Conference at Montreat, North Carolina. An information table providing hand-out papers will be available during the entire five days of the conference, July 6-10. We need volunteers to staff this table. If you or someone you know will be attending this conference and are willing to give time, please contact Eleanor Dendy Mockridge, co-ordinator of this briefing, 847-963-9865, 221 S. Benton St., Palatine, IL 60067, pmockri@cap.org July 11- 17, 1999. Cultivating the Inner Voice of Love: Discerning and Cultivating Our Spirituality, A Retreat for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered People and Our Families, Friends, and Advocates from a Christian Perspective. Led by Chris Glaser. Sorrento Centre is a conference and retreat centre located in the interior of British Columbia and is associated with the Anglican church of Canada. It is ecumenical in its programming, and inclusive in its welcome to all. Contact Wayne McNamara, Sorrento Centre, P.O. Box 99, Sorrento, B.C. V0E 2W0 Canada, 250- 675-2421, fax; 250-675-3032, email: sorrento@jetstream.net, web: www.sorrento-centre.bc.ca August 5-8, 1999. CLOUT (Christian Lesbians OUT) Summer Gathering, St. Benedict Center, Madison, WI. "Mary & Jesus with CLOUT: Re-Visiting the Holy Family." Registration, room, and board: $180 before June 1, then $195. Contact Kara Hooper, 5379 Shaw Court, Madison, WI 53705; Diana Vezmar-Bailey, 3502 Richard St., Madison, WI 53714, 608-246-8862, dvb1941@aol.com; Jan Griesinger, PO Box 5853, Athens, OH 45701, clout@seorf.ohiou.edu August 13-15, 1999. Behold We Do a New Thing: Rites of the Gay Male Spirit. Led by John Linscheid and Ken White. 7 p.m. Friday dinner through Sunday lunch. $235 ($135 registration deposit). Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center, 2495 Fox Gap Rd., Bangor, PA 18013-9359, 610-588-1793, fax 610-588-8510, www.kirkridge.org September 3-6, 1999. Labor Day Retreat for Gay & Bisexual Men: A Multicultural, Multigenerational Celebration. Led by psychotherapists Joe Fitzgerald, LCSW, and Ken Page, CSW. Rowe Conference Center (affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist Association), Kings Hwy. Rd. Box 273, Rowe, MA 01367, 413-339- 4954 or 4216, fax 413-339-5728, email: Retreat@RoweCenter.org September 17-19, 1999. Sisterly Conversations, the annual gathering with Virginia Ramey Mollenkott, focusing on current concerns among lesbians of faith. Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center, 2495 Fox Gap Rd., Bangor, PA 18013-9359, 610-588-1793, fax 610-588-8510, www.kirkridge.org October 7, 1999, Stop the Hate: Interfaith Vigils Against Hate Violence. Sponosred by Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR) and The Interfaith Alliance (TIA). A call for people of faith to: act nonviolently as agents of healing in their communities; stand up to hate violence directed at persons due to their race, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, or gender; join together on Oct. 7, 1999 as a united voice against hate violence. National organizations contact: Jonathan Zucker, National Field Organizer, TIA, 1012 14th St., NW Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005, 202-639-6370, jzucker@tialliance.org; Local organizers contact: Clair Cocco, Membership Outreach Coordinator, FOR, P.O. Box 271, Nyack, NY 10960, 914-358-4601, formembers@igc.org January 21-23, 2000. Learning to Tell Our Stories: Biography as Theology, led by Chris Glaser and Lisa Larges. Telling our stories is key to converting individuals and reforming the church. Friday 6 p.m. through Sunday 1 p.m. $90 registration, $110 room and board. Stony Point Center, a national conference center of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), 17 Crickettown Road, Stony Point, NY 10980, 914-786-5674, 800-253-4285, fax: 914-786- 5919. August 3-6, 2000, Witness Our Welcome 2000 (WOW 2000!), an International celebration and witness to God's inclusive Love, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL (just outside Chicago). Sponsored by Welcoming Church Organizations of: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) -- More Light Presbyterians, United Methodist Church, United Church of Christ, Evangelical Lutheran Church, Disciples of Christ, Church of the Brethren/Mennonite, American Baptist Church, and United Church of Canada. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * RESOURCES Presbyterian related websites recommended by Gene Huff Actually, by using just a few of of these sites, which themselves contain links to related sites, you can access pretty much everything available. If you are new to this sort of thing, be sure to enter the exact letters and numbers shown paying attention to dots and slashes and lower and upper cases; otherwise you will get a disappointing message saying you have failed (Oh my!). The < > used here are *not* part of the URLs (Universal Resource Locators), which are the website addresses. 1. Our own web site of course is at . (All of these officially have "www." in front of them but that does not seem to be needed any longer, except in a few cases I have noted.) Jim Tiefenthal does an excellent piece of work on our site and it includes a very useful links section. 2. The official PCUSA site is at . It is quite thorough and carries late-breaking PCUSA news regularly. 3. That All May Freely Serve (TAMFS) has a site at . 4. The Layman is at . Recently they featured our own Scott Anderson's recent Atlanta performance. Their versions of events and opinions often make your blood boil, but it is probably important to see what they are currently putting out. 5. Then there is a site by Jim Miller, a southern California pastor, called presbyworld at . It is billed as satire but also carries a serious section on conservative anti- gay views on the church and homosexuality. 6. You won't want to miss our own Donna Riley's Gayman site of humor and satire at . 7. The *other side* site to follow is the Presbyterian Review representing the Presbyterian Coalition at . 8. Covenant Network's site is at . You do seem to need the www here. 9. PresbyCall traces the judicial cases at . 10. Semper Reformanda's site is at ; again the www seems needed for this one. 11. is quite a useful web site with a long, thorough selection of links to about everything available in the Presbyterian arena. All our friends and allies who have web sites are shown on that master listing; so rather than my posting further URLs, I urge you to use presbyweb. 12. Finally there are two list serves (bulletin boards) worth following: mlp-list: to join send an email message to and include only this text in the message: subscribe mlp-list hesed: to join go to Happy browsing, Gene. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Other Lists and Sites Recommended by MLP Folk LGBT Seminarians: for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and straight ally seminary students and those who support them. http://www.onelist.com/subscribe/SeminaryGiBLeTS -- Jon Bassinger. Gay Clergy: My only complaint is that I get about 10-15 emails from this list every day, more than I really care to read. To subscribe, send a "subscribe" note to gayclergy- subscribe@onelist.com with "subscribe" in the subject line and also in the body of the message; or go to http://www.onelist.com/subscribe/GayClergy. -- Jon Bassinger. LGBT Christians and spiritual seekers: www.whosoever.org -- Lawrence A. Reh. Christian Life and Faith: http://student- www.uchicago.edu/users/mbaldwin/dirty.html. This is one of the best-written, most cogently-presented, well-constructed websites I've visited. May your visits to the "Dirty Hippy" website be enjoyable, enlightening, encouraging and empowering. Check out "Theology & Doctrine -- Sexuality & Marriage -- Homosexuality" (but don't be confused by blank space at the top of this screen. Just scroll down to the content! -- JDA). -- Lawrence A. Reh. Lawrence Reh also maintains a website and a discussion list for First Light Ministries. Both focus on integration of sexuality and spirituality, faith and lifestyle, coming out and healing the rejection and scriptural disinformation of institutional religion. The website is: www.home.earthlink.net/~reh1st; to join the discussion list, got to: www.onelist.com/subscribe/FirstLight. Presbyterians Out on the Internet: http://DRAGONLORDS.dragonfire.net/outpres.htm, now maintained by MLP Linda Malcor, Legend@malcor.com Gay Rights and Religion: http://DRAGONLORDS.dragonfire.net/gayrel.htm, also a project of Linda Malcor, Legend@malcor.com. And Linda also maintains a website for More Light Presbyterians in Los Ranchos Presbytery: http://DRAGONLORDS.dragonfire.net/mlpoc.htm Gay Christian mailing list: This list is for gay, bi, or lesbian Christians to talk about their faith and be a kind of "on-line support group." http://www.onelist.com/subscribe.cgi/gaychristian -- drbly@juno.com List Owner. LGBT Presby Club: A friend of mine has started a LGBT Presby club on yahoo at http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/glbtpresbyterians -- Donna M. Riley. Chi Rho Press. This gay/lesbian Christian publishing house has begun an "eNewsletter." Contact: JoinCRP@GaySpirituality.com -- Adam DeBaugh, Chi Rho Press. Welcoming Congregations. "1400 LG welcoming congregations," listed by states: http://www.geocities.com/WestHollywood/Heights/2685/index.html -- GLAD Alliance newsletter. Gay & Lesbian Couples: a mailing list for GL people "currently in partnerships or marriages," for support, information, sharing, discussion. People "considering forming a GL partnership/relationship are encouraged to participate or lurk. All subscribers are expected to post a personal introduction. Join at: http://www.onelist.com/subscribe.cgi/gay-lesbian- couples -- drbly@juno.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Newsletter for Straight Spouses The Straight Spouse Network (SSN) has published the first issue of its newsletter. SSN is an international support network of heterosexual spouses and partners whose "aim is to reach out, heal, and build bridges of understanding among all those who are involved when a gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender spouse comes out." The newsletter "is dedicated to bringing together, as a community, approximately 2 million husbands and wives in mixed- orientation situations." SSN is allied with PFLAG and Family Pride Coalition (formerly Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition International). Contact SSN at 8215 Terrace Dr., El Cerrito, CA 94530-3058, 510-525-0200, info@ssnetwk.org * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Videos: Christians Discuss Gay Theology Six 1-hour episodes: 1. Lesbianism, 2. The Bible and Homosexuality, 3. Same Sex Marriage, 4. God's Unconditional Love, 5. Is Homosexuality a Choice?, and 6. Inside the Metropolitan Community Church. Created by Everette Hatcher III for a public access TV channel in Little Rock, AR. Hatcher describes himself as a "member of the religious right," but he has gone out of his way to present "a very balanced film concerning the gay evangelical movement." I have seen the first two videos, and they are great. I even "enjoyed" the presentations by those who would enslave us! -- Jim Anderson. Contact Hatcher at Box 23416, Little Rock, AR 72221, 501-407- 0650. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * FEATURE STORIES Lesbian & Gay Evangelists A Gift to the Church The church has always been blessed with lesbian and gay evangelists, even as the church has scorned and excluded them, much like prophets of old. In more recent years Chris Glaser has labored in the vineyard for his whole career. The denial of "official" ordination in 1978 only meant his ministry become a little more unconventional and adventuresome, with much less ecclesiastical remuneration, but it put him in very good company. The pioneer and perfecter of our faith comes to mind! He was soon joined by the Rev. Dr. Jane Adams Spahr and Lisa Larges, whose ordination was barred the same year than Janie's call to the Downtown Church of Rochester was squashed. Howard Warren was such an evangelist throughout much of his career, led by the Holy Spirit to his true calling in more recent years. Lawrence Reh has met all the requirement for ordination, but mainstream calls to gay and lesbian evangelists are still rare. God got tired of waiting for the Presbyterian Church and took the soon- to-be Rev. Susan Leo into the arms of our companion communion, the United Church of Christ. She told her story in the May-June 1999 *Update*, page 9-10. There are many other lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender evangelists, in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and in every other branch of the church, too numerous to mention, or even to know completely. But this year, we have been blessed with a new crop of called and employed openly-gay evangelists, and we celebrate these new evangelists, along with some long-time prophets as well, in this *More Light Update.* The Rev. Don Stroud is the new out and proud minister of outreach in the Presbytery of Baltimore, called from a pastorate in Hudson River Presbytery by That All May Freely Serve (TAMFS) Baltimore. Thomas Hickok is the adventuresome new minister of outreach and justice in the Presbytery of Chicago, called by TAMFS Chicago. Don and Tom join the Rev. Cliff Frasier, coordinator for the TAMFS affiliate Presbyterian Welcome in New York City Presbytery. And More Light Presbyterians are celebrating their first full-time national field organizer, Michael Adee, M.Div., Ph.D. We introduce these new evangelists, as we celebrate the continuing evangelism of our 1999 Woman of Faith, the Rev. Dr. Jane Adams Spahr, and the retirement from full-time ministry of the Rev. Howard Warren. Join us, and them, in this continuing celebration as we anticipate God's truly inclusive realm. -- JDA * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Michael J. Adee More Light Presbyterians announces the hiring of Field Organizer Michael J. Adee. "We are immensely pleased to have someone of Michael's outstanding skill and experience join us as we seek to transform the church into a true community of Christian hospitality," said Scott Anderson, co-moderator of More Light Presbyterians. The addition of a full-time staff person marks the commitment of More Light Presbyterians to training and working with congregations, chapters and presbyteries. Adee is enthusiastic about the new position. "As we struggle for equality in our country, I heartily welcome the opportunity to focus my gifts and abilities in the struggle for equality within the Presbyterian Church. As National Field Organizer, I will coordinate the on-going effort to ensure the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the life and ministry of the church." A life-long Presbyterian, Adee's background includes parish and campus ministry, chaplaincy, hospice work, overseas missionary service, political organizing, diversity training, social change programs and university teaching. He holds an M.Div. from Southwestern Seminary and a Ph.D. in Communication from Louisiana State University. An ordained elder, he has served on the sessions of two Presbyterian churches. In non-profit work he served as Executive Director of the Stonewall Cincinnati Human Rights Organization. His most recent position was as Executive Director of The Experience, a national non-profit educational organization serving the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. More Light Presbyterians is the new national organization that grew out of the merger of Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns and the More Light Churches Network. With both individual and congregational membership, MLP's mission is to open the doors of the church to the full inclusion of all members of the body of Christ. "This is a critical time in the life of our beloved church," said co-moderator Mitzi Henderson. "We are committed to Christ, we are committed to the Bible, and we are committed to our gay brothers and sisters in Christ. We are convinced the church is making a mistake in excluding from leadership those whom God and the congregation have called." Michael Adee was introduced to More Light Presbyterians at our national conference in Oklahoma City, May 21-23. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * An Interview with Michael by Jim Tiefenthal "The More Light Presbyterians Field Organizer position brings together my life as a person of faith and as a gay activist," says Michael Adee, 44, of Santa Fe, NM. "I'm a life-long Presbyterian, baptized in a Presbyterian church in Billings, MT, where I was born, confirmed in membership at age 12, and son, grandson, and great-grandson of Presbyterian Elders. From my parents, people of steady, quiet faith, I learned a sense of justice and fairness." Adee (pronounced Ay-DEE) is an Elder himself, ordained as the first openly gay Elder at Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church, Cincinnati, and currently on the Session of First Presbyterian Church, Santa Fe. A precursor to Adee's activism was serving with the AIDS community in Louisiana. He helped create Friends for Life, the Baton Rouge AIDS Task Force, though a media communications plan, a subject related to his Ph.D. studies in communication at Louisiana State University. Activism was more personalized after Adee was fired from a teaching position at Northern Kentucky University (near Cincinnati) because he helped found and was faculty advisor to a counseling center for gay and lesbian students, Adee said. "I was warned that the area was conservative and that I wasn't tenured, but I felt the quality of my faculty work was recognized. I received a commendation for teaching excellence." A similar experience at Vitas Innovative Health Care (Cincinnati) reinforced this message. Adee said he was fired from his position in hospice chaplaincy after articles appeared concerning his homosexuality and ordination at Mt. Auburn. He'd received a national award for community service. Adee said he'd struggled for many years with his sexuality, as many young people do. He pushed it back and took in all those homophobic messages that come from some corners of the church and society, he said. Then there was a time of reckoning; he realized he could not lead a split life. "I'd taken a break from my M.Div. program to go camping and hiking in Yosemite National Park. I accomplished my goal of climbing Half Dome and, there on the mountain, gave myself a 'Boston Tea Party.' I declared by own independence to live my life on my own terms. I accepted that I was equally created in God's image and affirmed that fact with delight, relief, and satisfaction. It was a watershed moment in my life." Adee holds the following degrees: B.S. in Speech Communication, Louisiana State University (1977); M.Div., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Ft. Worth, TX (1981); Ph.D., Communication, Louisiana State University (1992). His most recent position was Executive Director, The Experience, an organization that provides education in the gay community and with allies. The national office is in Santa Fe, NM. Before that, Adee held a similar position with the Stonewall Cincinnati Human Rights Organization, which seeks full protection for LGBT people. In addition to the outdoors, Adee enjoys tennis in his spare time. He won faculty and student tournaments at Northern Kentucky University and has competed in the 1994 Gay Games in New York City and the 1998 Gay Games in Amsterdam. "Tennis is the perfect blend of the mental and the physical," Adee said. Adee officially began his new position as Field Organizer for More Light Presbyterians on May 15, 1999. He will work from a home office and can be reached via E-mail, telephone, and post: 369 Montezuma Ave., PMB #447, Santa Fe, NM 87501-2626, 505-820-7082, fax 505- 820-7540, mjadeemlp@aol.com. He said his first actions in the new position will include: Assessing where we are after the merger (of PLGC and MLCN); Getting to know MLP leaders and committees and how best to work with them; Defining a LGBT curriculum MLP can offer to pastors and congregation members. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Michael's Message to More Light Presbyterians It is with a deep sense of gratitude that I serve as the first National Field Organizer for More Light Presbyterians. There are so many talented, qualified women and men of faith in our church who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender and worthy of this opportunity. I have accepted this position with a sense of a sacred trust. I want our church to be the church God would have us be -- where everyone is acknowledged as created in the image of God, where everyone is welcome, and where anyone who hears the call of God to serve can respond. Marcel Proust said, "the voyage of discovery is not in seeing new landscapes, but in having new eyes." May all of us in the church have the courage to see one another, and God, with new eyes. By doing this, we will be the beloved community of faith. -- Michael Adee. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * TAMFS Celebrate New Evangelists by Jim Tiefenthal April 11, 1999. -- Oven sixty representatives from That All May Freely Serve (TAMFS) regional organizations concluded a four-day conference today at Downtown United Presbyterian Church (DUPC), Rochester, NY. Planned around the celebration of two new evangelists, the conference featured worship, strategy sessions, idea exchange, ecclesiastical legal issues, and planning for communications, recruiting, fund raising, and program development. The new evangelists, the Rev. Don Stroud and Mr. Tom Hickok, were hired by TAMFS-Baltimore and TAMFS-Chicago respectively. Mr. Hickok has already started in his newly created position and the Rev. Stroud will begin in about a week. The Rev. Cliff Frasier has served the TAMFS affiliate in New York City, Presbyterian Welcome, in a similar function for about two years. The evangelists attended the conference accompanied by representatives from the groups that hired them and by representatives from areas that are considering creating similar staff positions in other parts of the U.S. TAMFS was formed 6 years ago after a national Permanent Judicial Commission (PJC) ruling that the Rev. Janie Spahr could not be installed as Co-Pastor at Downtown United Presbyterian Church in Rochester, NY, because she is a lesbian. Our beloved Janie has served since then as the first TAMFS evangelist. The flurry of activity to add staff over a short period of time prompted at least one conference attendee to wonder aloud whether the PJC might have decided differently if it could have foreseen the national ministry, which has grown as a result of its decision. The conference began last Thursday with the four evangelists meeting with the national liaison committee, the Rev. Spahr, and the Rev. Judy Lee Hay, Pastor of Calvary St. Andrew's, a More Light church in Rochester. On Friday, following closed strategy sessions and a tour of a local museum, the evangelists greeted the larger group of attendees from across the U.S. The larger plenary and breakout sessions occurred on Saturday. In a spirit filled "Service of Celebration and Sending Forth" at Calvary St. Andrew's Church Saturday evening, the four evangelists were commissioned in their further ministry. Immediately after that, all those worshiping were invited to come forward for a ritual of anointing with oil. Preaching on the topic, "Personing The Good News," Janie Spahr encouraged those present to "Be the vision and justice that we seek." "God will not let go of us," she said. Music included songs by Wayne Osborne, the defendant in a church case in Stamford, CT, which challenged his right to serve as Elder because he is gay; the Rev. Jim Rigby of Austin, TX; and DUPC's UPS quartet, the Unrepentant Practicing Singers. This worship service was also attended by local parishioners; a representative of Rochester City Council, Lois Geis; the U.S. Congresswoman representing the area, Louise Slaughter; and the Rev. Kathy Madigan, Pastor of another More Light church in the area, Westminster Presbyterian Church. The Mayor of Rochester had earlier declared the four-day-period "That All May Freely Serve Days." The Sunday worship service at DUPC included messages from the three newest evangelists who said "God has been working through real people to build an inclusive church." "The great matter is to give the witness required." "We need to live and speak the truths in our lives." The Rev. Darryll Young, Co-Pastor, DUPC, admonished his listeners "to find a need and fill it, to find a hurt and heal it, and to find a chasm and bridge it." -- Reprinted, with thanks, from the TAMFS website, tamfs.org. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Gay Evangelists Join Ranks of TAMF *The Presbyterian News Service covered the gathering, too. Here's their story -- perhaps a little repetition, but it's nice to see what our denominational news folks have to say about our celebrations!* More Gay Evangelists Join Ranks of "That All May Freely Serve" by Donna Jackel Rochester, NY -- The Rev. Jane Spahr, a leader of the gay and lesbian rights movement in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), presided over the April 8-10 gathering of "That All May Freely Serve," an organization devoted to the ordination of gay and lesbian Presbyterians as church officers. About 70 members of the organization gathered at Downtown Presbyterian Church here to network, brainstorm strategies and attend workshops on legal issues, fundraising and media exposure for their cause. It was the first meeting of representatives from all six of the organization's regional groups: New York City, Chicago, Baltimore, Texas, Atlanta and Northern California. Spahr, a member of Redwoods Presbytery, was called as co-pastor of Downtown Church in 1991, but the call was invalidated by the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission. Downtown Church then hired her without a call as a "lesbian evangelist" and established "That All May Freely Serve" to support her ministry in 1993. Since then, Spahr, 56, has been traveling the country mustering support for the ordination of gay and lesbian Presbyterians, along the way building a network of regional groups to help in the effort. During the gathering, participants celebrated the hiring of three other evangelists who have recently begun work under "That All May Freely Serve" auspices -- two of whom have just assumed their posts. All are openly gay. They are Tom Hickok, a graduate of Princeton Seminary and son of the Rev. Gary Hickok, a retired Presbyterian minister, who will be based in Chicago; the Rev. Don Stroud, who left his pastorate near Albany, NY, to work for "That All May Freely Serve" in Baltimore; and Cliff Frasier, who has spent the last two years as part-time evangelist for "Presbyterian Welcome," a coalition of 10 New York City Presbyterian churches. Frasier said he was "extremely excited" about the addition of Stroud and Hickok. "These regions can inspire and support each other and begin to build a national action plan," he said. Spahr said the evangelists "share our faith stories, our lives ... about who we are. We talk about sexuality and spirituality and people start to share their own stories," she added. Spahr said she and "That All May Freely Serve" supporters are using a grassroots approach to convince moderate Presbyterians that the church -- by voting G-6.0106b ("fidelity and chastity") into "The Book of Order" -- "has given an exclusive interpretation to an inclusive gospel." Also present for the conference was Presbyterian Elder Wayne Osborne, a gay man whose installation to the session of First Presbyterian Church of Stamford, Conn., has been blocked by a judicial complaint filed by two members of the Stamford church. His election was okayed last month by the Permanent Judicial Commission of Southern New England Presbytery, but the decision has been appealed to the Permanent Judicial Commission of the Synod of the Northeast and most likely will reach the General Assembly commission before it is finally decided. "I'm a man without a church," Osborne said. Spahr said her long-time goal is to employ qualified gay and lesbian ministers as evangelists and to develop more chapters of "That All May Freely Serve." Asked whether she believes she will see another gay or lesbian minister ordained in her lifetime, Spahr replied, "I think God can do anything." * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Tom Hickok TAMFS-Chicago Fills a Newly-Created "Evangelist" Post Thomas M. Hickok in different ways returned home when he began his position as Minister of Outreach and Evangelism for That All May Freely Serve-Chicago. As a PK -- a Preacher's Kid, he wants to follow his father's footsteps into ministry. And since Tom's a 1980 graduate of high school in Oak Park IL, a Chicago suburb, Tom is coming home in a geographic sense as well. The Rev. Gary Hickok, Tom's father, is a retired minister who still maintains his membership in Twin Cities Presbytery. Tom is a candidate under care of the same Presbytery. "My personal tug toward ministry as a vocation came when I was leading a mission trip of young adults from my home church, Westminster Presbyterian in Minneapolis, to Culross, Scotland," Tom said. "I decided to spend the next summer at the same Scottish church and this deepened my sense of call." Tom graduated from Macalester College, St. Paul MN, with a degree in biology, then worked in jobs including laboratory technician, substitute teaching, and customer service. His call then took him to Princeton Theological Seminary, where he graduated with a Masters of Divinity degree. Tom got a scholarship to study at New College, University of Edinburgh (Scotland), where he earned a Master of Theology degree in 1995. While in Edinburgh, Tom wrote a thesis on "AIDS and the Church," based on his experiences at Milestone House, an AIDS hospice where he interned as student chaplain. From 1996-98, Tom served as Executive Director, Patrick Allison House, which provides long-term transitional housing for previously homeless men in Baltimore. "I was aware of my own sexuality at a young age. However, it wasn't until a gay friend at Seminary helped me come to a place of acceptance that I was able to declare publicly who I was," Tom said. "I received a great amount of support from family and friends and decided to keep pursuing ordination despite the church's position on gay ordination." Tom started his new position in mid-March and works from an office at Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church. He can be contacted at TAMFS-Chicago, 600 W. Fullerton Pkwy., Chicago, IL 60614, 773-755-9373, thickok@ameritech.net -- Thanks to the TAMFS website, tamfs.org, for this story! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Don Stroud TAMFS-Baltimore Creates New Staff Position The Rev. Donald E. Stroud joins That All May Freely Serve- Baltimore as Minister of Outreach and Reconciliation. He comes from Interim Pastor positions at First Presbyterian Church, Goshen, NY, and immediately before that at Stony Point Presbyterian Church north of New York City. Ordained since 1975, the Rev. Stroud struck an interviewer as a quiet, pensive person. When asked what attracted him to employment with TAMFS, he said "Amendment B triggered a stand in the church. I was looking for a position and venue in which I could be open. Ministry in TAMFS is where I'm called to be." "I began to recognize my gay identity at a young age, perhaps even 6 or 7 years old," Don said. "I want to help the church become more inclusive -- not just to gay and lesbian people, but to all. I don't want to lose sight of our common human linkage through over emphasis on LGBT issues. I want to encourage more congregations to become More Light and I want to network with similar inclusive organizations in other denominations. But I also want to work on the resistance I feel among many Black and Hispanic people toward LGBT people." "I believe in Kairos -- the propitious moment, the fullness of time," he said. "I am bound to the church through Christ's grace; I can allow no other litmus tests. I stand for the truth and the mandate of the Gospel." "I see justice as a seamless garment." The Rev. Stroud was: * Raised in the Presbyterian Church (US), the southern thread. * Grew up in Charlotte, NC. * Received a B.A. degree from St. Andrews Presbyterian College, Laurinburg, NC. * Graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary with Master of Divinity (M.Div) and Master of Theology (Th.M.) degrees. * Was ordained in Mecklenburg Presbytery (now Charlotte Presbytery). In addition to the Goshen and Stony Point congregations, he served Presbyterian churches in Marshville, NC, Wallington, NJ and Rensselear, NY, where he was also Protestant Chaplain at Rensselear Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. He was founder, board member, and president of the Board of Support Ministries for Persons with AIDS, Inc. in New York State. Hobbies include jogging, weight lifting, and travel. All of the churches supporting That All May Freely Serve- Baltimore are More Light congregations. They are: Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church, The First and Franklin Street Presbyterian Church, Govans Presbyterian Church, Light Street Presbyterian Church, and St. John United Methodist-Presbyterian Church. The new evangelist's office will be at Govans Presbyterian Church. He can be contacted at TAMFS-Baltimore, 5828 York Rd., Baltimore, MD 21212, 410-435-9188, The Rev. Stroud concluded the interview by saying: "My experiences are bound up in the truth of my life as a committed, baptized, Christian gay man bound eternally to the body of Christ by Christ's grace which is God's 'Yes' to me." -- Thanks to the TAMFS website, tamfs.org, for this story! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Our Very Own Woman of Faith The Rev. Janie Spahr Comments on Her Selection for the Women of Faith Award Atlanta, April 27, 1999 Dear Sisters and Brothers, It is an overwhelming feeling to even be nominated for the Women of Faith Award, let alone be chosen. My life continues to be richly blessed by the scholarship, faith, and lives of the other recipients, Dr. Jane Dempsey Douglass and Dr. Letty Russell, whom I admire and honor. To hear that I'd be joining these sisters of faith for this award was a moment of great surprise and humility. On learning who nominated me, and who selected me, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the work of the selection committee whose decision transcended our differences. I believe they saw me like them, as a sister on this journey of faith together. I felt my faith was taken seriously. As one who has been labeled "pariah" by so many, who loves God and the living word passionately, I cannot begin to express to you how it felt that those who nominated me, and those who selected me, saw me for myself -- saw me as Janie. When the "No" came, I was saddened once again that I was seen as a "symbol," as "less than," and "unworthy." How well I know that this kind of naming defames and scapegoats so many of us who are labeled "different." My father, who died a year ago, always taught me, "Whenever possible, go to the people who disagree with you and meet them face to face, so that you may hear first hand their perspectives and they may hear yours. A face to face meeting is always best." After praying, awaking from two powerful dreams, and re-hearing Dad's words, I knew I must travel to Louisville to meet with a few of the people who had been part of the decision-making process. At the Presbyterian Center I met and prayed with several members of the Women's Ministry Division as well as with Dr. John Detterick and Dr. Curtis Kearns. I am grateful for our time together as we shared our faith, our concerns, and for the opportunity to meet face to face. I then flew to Rochester, NY, for the 25th anniversary celebration of the merger of the city's three oldest Presbyterian churches -- First, Central, and Brick -- to become the Downtown United Presbyterian Church. Today I have learned that the Executive Committee of the General Assembly Council affirmed the original choice of the award committee. I am grateful to them, to the members of the selection committee, to those who nominated me, to the Women's Ministry Division, and to you who prayed for the work of the spirit, whatever the decision might be. I am also grateful to Curtis Kearns for his effort to reach me, to inform me of the committee's decision as we had agreed. As future decisions are made, I pray that procedures and policies will always allow for the in-breaking of the holy spirit. This particular award is given on "On Behalf of Women: Reforming Through the Word." As one who continues to be transformed and informed by the Living Word, I pray that we as a church will dare to see Christ in the midst of us, face to face, challenging any system, yes even the church, which attempts to exclude its very own children. To dare less is to become implicit in perpetrating violence against those defined as "Less Than," when our very faith invites us to "do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God." May we stop the scapegoating, and live into an embodied faith, knowing ultimately we are judged by how we treat the "the widow, the orphan, and the stranger." For those who do not believe my selection was an appropriate one, I do hope we might be able to pray together and share our faith journeys as Presbyterian brothers and sisters in the faith. I hope this communication has somehow expressed my gratitude to you who prayed, telephoned, sent cards, letters, and E-mail. I do read every one and wish I could respond personally to you. Forgive me please; our grassroots ministry continues to keep me very busy and I have little time to write or call. You are a blessing in my life! -- With love and gratitude, Janie (reprinted, with thanks, from the TAMFS website, tamfs.org). * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Janie Goes to Louisville by Jim Tiefenthal "We really listened and talked with one another. It wasn't an adversarial meeting," the Rev. Jane Spahr said about her meeting Thursday (April 22) with PCUSA staff in Louisville, KY. "We told our truths." The Rev. Spahr requested the meeting to discuss her selection for the Women of Faith award and events surrounding the subsequent rescinding of the award. She met for 1-1/2 hours with John Detterick, Executive Director of the General Assembly Council and Curtis A. Kearns Jr., Director, National Ministries Division of the denomination. "I feel so much sadness for the church," Spahr said. Detterick and Kearns are "doing what they feel the church says; it's their view of faith, but our lives." LGBT people who are truthful about who they are have no voice or vote in church decisions, Spahr said. When questioned whether she asked Messrs. Detterick or Kearns to take any particular action, Spahr said: "Yes. I asked them to do God's justice, to do the right thing, and to consider that God is on the side of the oppressed." Spahr said she was told the matter of her selection for the award would be on the agenda of the Executive Committee of the General Assembly Council when it met the following weekend in Vandalia, IL. [We now know that this body voted to restore the award! -- JDA] The Women of Faith Award is presented annually during General Assembly based on selection(s) by the National Ministries Division (NMD) of General Assembly Council. An elected committee chosen to represent the program areas in Women's Ministry, a part of NMD, does the selection. This year's award theme is "Reforming Through the Word." Spahr learned of her selection in a telephone conversation on March 31 with Eileene Johnson MacFalls of *Horizons Magazine*. Ms. MacFalls was apparently involved in the selection process, Spahr said. Two days later, on Good Friday, Spahr said Barbara Dua of Women's Ministry phoned to say Dua was not able to give the award. "Both of us felt very sad," the Rev. Spahr said. "I heard all the 'NOs' over the years rushing back to me. 'We love you, Janie,' people say, 'We love your work. BUT you're a lesbian.'" While in Louisville, Spahr also met informally with people in the Women's Ministry office of the denomination and prayed with them. -- Reprinted, with thanks, from the TAMFS website, tamfs.org. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Celebrating Howard's Lifetime of Ministry My Life Began with Stonewall and PLGC by the Rev. Howard Warren My life began with Stonewall and PLGC. How I thank God for placing me there with these people! While serving churches in Long Island and Detroit I joined all the groups, gave money, went to meetings and remained in the closet. When I discovered I was HIV-positive I was living in silence, but when a minister I trusted spread his interpretation of what I was and I heard the words I read in *Kerygma*, "The mighty hand of God will hold you up," I came out. I was rude, angry, hurt by the church that gave me life, so I didn't turn the other cheek. The Presbytery of Whitewater Valley heard the pain behind the anger and gave me love and support and a job as Director of Pastoral Care at The Damien Center. It has been the job of a lifetime. I started attending General Assembly. I testified to a committee about gay/lesbian rights. The next assembly dealt with that wonderful Human Sexuality Report, but I continued to hear the voices of two homo-haters: the elected moderator and one who would later become a moderator by using the G.A. press office as a means to crucify us with press reports requesting the church to "get out of the lower parts and into the heart of what the church really is." God called me to Act-up. It was in these years that I began a lifelong relationship with Dan Smith, Jim Anderson, Jane Spahr, Lisa Bove, Jim Hedges, Jim Beates, Bill Moss, Lisa Larges, Sandy Brawders, re-met Chris Glaser and so many more. I can remember when Dan Smith, our strategy person, read the statement I had written for a committee hearing and said with a sparkle in his eyes and voice, "Well, I see you never want to serve a local church again!" At that assembly I knew I must walk down the aisle with 2 signs: "SHAME" and "How Long O God, How Long O God." I had worked this out with the G.A. office. PLGC even published a notice saying this was not their protest but mine. Should I or shouldn't I? Both Jim Anderson and Dave Zuverink said I must follow my head and my heart in what God was saying to me. I wanted a woman to walk down the aisle with me, but at that time none was available. I was seated with Lisa Bove, Fred Jenkins (an Associate Stated Clerk of the G.A.) and Dave Zuverink. A young woman came and asked if I was the Rev. Warren. She said her minister had sent her to find me in the Baltimore arena and to do what I wanted. I told her, "I'd never tell a woman to do what I wanted, but this was what I was going to do." She only wanted to walk halfway down with me. Fine. The time came. As the moderator preached, we slowly, silently walked down the central aisle. I remember that holding the Shame and How Long signs and trying not to look up at people while the moderator spoke about the prodigal son or the good Samaritan was the longest time of my life. I didn't return to my seat but walked out, met some media and then an elder from Texas who said, "You destroyed my worship. If I had a gun I would have shot and killed you." I responded, "And may God bless you, too." I saw no one I knew and, still feeling new and lonely in doing this work, went to my room and slept alone as usual. This started a new G.A. world for me and others. More signs, more testimonies, including giving my AZT to a committee as I would not take it if they recommended a hate bill to G.A. I got my medicine back. Well, from that day forward I had many mentors, friends, advisors and I learned what it truly means to be a part of a committed community -- PLGC, More Light Churches, The Shower of Stoles, Presbyterian Parents of Gays and Lesbians, That all May Freely Serve, and now More Light Presbyterians. This community grows minute by minute and has made for me and others the difference between life and death. In these last few years I have learned so much about the power and importance of words. One of the most dangerous words that we face today is the word "issue." The "issue" of Gay and Lesbian marriages, hate crimes, etc. When I hear this I always say, "Wait a minute. Our marriages are not an issue, we are not an issue, we are a people. We can no longer allow ourselves to be looked at as "an issue" that others are not willing to fight to protect. Another example of this in our history is how our orientation was dismissed as only an act of sex and not, as it really is, a unique way of seeing and understanding ourselves and others. Our life was seen only as a sexual act, not a sexual orientation. Whenever I hear the word "issue" used to describe us, I remember the title of J.B. Phillips' book, *Your God is Too Small*, in which he describes how denominations have taken the wildly inclusive, extravagant love of God and built churches with fences around them and signs that they will only admit "their own kind." Being called an issue is simply another "Not Welcome" sign. When I was 18, my best friend Bill, who I believed was "that way" like me even though I never had the words to ask/tell him, came home from his first year at college. As I walked into his room, he said to me, "Howard, I know what we are! We are interior decorators, sailors, hair stylists, teachers. I think Mr. Smith is one of us. We meet people we don't know and won't see again in dark places like Swope Park and the back room of the Hotel Phillips to have sex." What a rotten definition of our total wonderful Gay, Lesbian, Bi or Transgender orientation/vision. At least I had a name for "it." How I wish I had been given a real definition. So, I added this to the shame and guilt I already had and throughout the 60's, 70's, mid 80's saw that act of sex as who I was. I felt so bad about myself I counted on strangers to fulfill this act. Why is this so important to communicate? Because I now realize and can say that my father had sexual intercourse with me sometime between the ages of 4-6. But part of this, of the early act, of the self-imposed shame and guilt and silence, was the uniqueness of my sexual orientation -- an orientation that carries so much richness and joy. Think of how we view ourselves, one another, and what the world offers us. Early on I covered myself with fat (up to 364 lbs.) and a phony smile as if to say, "I won't hurt you. Please don't hurt me." Needless to say the teasing innuendoes in the high school locker rooms were horrible. As horrible as my teen years were in many ways, in the midst of a Senior High Synod Youth Conference, God called me to move toward ministry when I heard these words from John, "You are my beloved disciple." A love touched me that I have continued to experience in many ways these past 44 years. My eyes and ears were opened to a world beyond the hurt and taunting of high school. It did not yet answer the questions posed by Bill's words, but it was a beginning of a light in my life that had not been there before. Seminary was really of little help except teaching me to dig in and listen to the Bible as The Word of God, not the words of God. I also learned as a seminarian working at 1st Presbyterian Church in Rockford, IL that I had a gift for youth work and pastoral care. A sadder lesson was learned in Seminary. There was a seminarian, a year older than me, who was so full of life, always organizing games for the faculty children. When he did not return after Easter, we were told he took his own life because he was gay. The next morning in class I asked "Why?" and was told he did it "for the good of the church." End of discussion. At that time I transferred to Union in New York City and along with school and wonderful field work, I became involved with racial justice, inclusive language and massage as nice body contact. Much of my church work was near New York City, and on Times Square I found my first friendships with a variety of gay males -- all of whom are gone now due to suicide, hate crimes and AIDS. In those years (1960-76) I discovered my orientation was more than just sexual activity with strangers. I saw Stonewall -- spent 20 hours watching the feelings of "enough is enough" explode finally into the anger to fight back and create a period of discovery for the gay community. I went to the first Gay Games at the Firehouse, joined the Gay Academic Union, the Task Force, Lambda Legal Defense Fund and other organizations. At last, I was seeing the proud, open people we would become! My gay name was Nellie Nicknack, and when asked what I did for a living I said, "I work with retarded children" -- an unconscious description of the church perhaps? Yet, it was discovering I was HIV+ and still trapped in my silence that finally freed me. I attended two More Light Churches where I felt for the first time that I was part of a church and so much more. I was part of a Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender sexual orientation, a whole new, free family of light. I went back to Indianapolis and over a few months of meeting other folks with HIV, sharing with the church staff and congregation my status, I was finally out of the closet for good. I was also out of a job, but the Presbytery created and funded fully the position Director of Pastoral Care at The Damien Center, and in helping others find life, life finally found me. I came out so quickly, kind of like jumping right into the water even though you know it's going to be cold. And it was cold, but there were pockets of warmth in those early years and I must name them. Janie Spahr, Lisa Bove, Dan Smith, Jim Anderson, Chris Glaser, Bill Moss, Jim Hedges, Jim Beates, Sandy Brawders and so many others all became my friends and mentors. The anger I showed at sit-ins, the often rude responses, were gradually replaced by a more moderate tone as I learned to accept the love of my new family, and the love and concern of heterosexual acquaintances who became friends and loved me just as I am. In writing this I came up with over 150 names of people who have given me love and support. I am so grateful for the joy they have brought into my life. So much of my family is The Damien Center and the approximately 800 families I have traveled with who are infected/affected with HIV/AIDS. I stayed in local churches 2-5 years but have stayed at The Damien Center for 10 years and I know this has been the reason God gave me life. One story out of the hundreds I could tell will show just what I mean. I visited John, an African American man, his mate and their 10-year-old son. One afternoon John was on the phone as I was preparing to leave and he said to the caller, "Hold on, the minister is leaving and even though I have been a member of the same church for 31 years, my own minister doesn't come to visit me. This is the only minister who stops by to bless me." This sums up the life and work at The Damien Center: we are put on the earth to bless one another and ourselves. I am so grateful for More Light Presbyterians, Presbyterian AIDS Network, AIDS National Interfaith Network (ANIN), and The Presbytery of Whitewater Valley for helping me discover the wildly inclusive extravagant love of God who is partial to all creation and holds in the everlasting arms each one of us now and forever. My mind is starting to leave me, but thanks to pastoral care teams and wonderful friends I joyfully proclaim that God doesn't do ethnic cleansing nor does God show any partiality to any certain race, gender, orientation or ethnic group, so let's take these church fences down and let all creation inside. I think/feel back to one sign that said it all, "God, damn the Presbyterian Church and all denominations that use the Bible to keep Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgender people out." I can remember those few years of protesting the National Council of Churches for their heresy in not giving membership or observer status to the M.C.C. churches and praying, "Oh, God, throw down your wrath of love and change these church people." As I write this I hear about the possible denial of the Woman of Faith award to Jane Spahr because of her Lesbian being. I go back to those two signs I first carried in protest. "Shame" and "How long O God." It is time to break down the fences or find a new greener pasture for we More Light Presbyterians are not going away, but the church is leaving us. The Shower of Stoles shouts the hurt of the past and the time is here for a new denominational creation with no fences, just open arms that welcome all with God's love. National Missions, you are having conferences around the country expressing concern that 20% of Presbyterian Churches might be closed by 2010 or 2020, yet you crucify Janie Spahr and refuse to acknowledge the inclusive heterosexuals, Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgender people from our own and so many other denominations who would gladly fill the pews if we were welcomed. Yes, we do indeed have a long way to go. I say to the Presbyterian Church, "Get a life! Be a Light!" I remember in junior high school that along with movies I started going to plays and musicals. The first drama I saw was "A Streetcar Named Desire" with Jessica Tandy. I stayed in that theater not moving as I felt I had seen all of the good and bad that happen in a single life. The next day my speech teacher asked what I remembered about the play. It was Blanch DuBois saying, "I have always depended on the kindness of strangers." Five years ago I saw the Broadway revival of the play and again felt compelled to remain after the lights came up to take out my little child and say, "Bev, now we depend on the kindness of friends." Well, my retirement party will be November 19, 1999, so if you are around, let's party! I will remain a full time volunteer at The Damien Center and AIDS/SERVE and working with A.A.R.P. to use their video "It can Happen to Me" to educate senior citizens about the danger they face as one of the fastest growing populations of HIV/AIDS infected people. So, keep in touch. I shall continue to do what I love -- teaching and preaching as long as I can. You all have given me the love and life that, in spite of the growing health losses, keep me alive now and forever and my gratitude know no bounds. Shalom. Alelulia. Amen. (Send your love and greetings to Howard at 2807 Somerset Bay, Indianapolis, IN 46240, 317-632-0123 Damien Center, 317-253-2377 home.) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Presbyterian Lesbian & Gay Marriage Just when we thought the lesbian and gay marriage "issue" was settled, for the time being, in the PCUSA, it flared up in Hudson River Presbytery. We last focused on lesbian and gay marriage in the Presbyterian Church in our March-April 1997 *Update.* For historical details, please see that issue. Here are the two standing statements of the General Assembly: General Assembly Statements There is no mention in the *Book of Order* of same sex unions (ceremonies). If a same sex ceremony were considered to be the equivalent of a marriage ceremony between two persons of the same sex, it would not be sanctioned under the *Book of Order*. In section W-4.9001, Christian marriage is specifically defined as: [A] covenant through which *a man and a woman* are called to live out together before God their lives of discipleship. In a service of Christian marriage[,] a lifelong commitment is made by *a woman and a man* to each other, publicly witnessed and acknowledged by the community of faith. (emphasis added [by the committee!]) Inasmuch as the session is responsible and accountable for determination of the appropriate use of the church buildings and facilities (G-10.0102n), it should not allow the use of the church facilities for a same sex union ceremony that the session determines to be the same as a marriage ceremony. Likewise, since a Christian marriage performed in accordance with the Directory for Worship can only involve a covenant between a woman and a man, it would not be proper for a minister of the Word and Sacrament to perform a same sex union ceremony that the minister determines to be the same as a marriage ceremony. -- *Affirmed by the General Assembly in 1991 and 1992.* [I have always enjoyed this classic "decently and in order" statement. First it defines "Christian marriage" in such a way that the marriage of two men or two women can in no way be considered "the same" as its definition of "Christian" marriage, which "can only involve a covenant between a woman and a man"; then it says if they are *not* determined to be equivalent or the same, then the *Book of Order* has nothing to say, and ministers and congregation may do as they will! I've always thought one solution is to consider lesbian and gay marriages to be *superior* to so-called "Christian" marriages because they are purely religious ceremonies celebrating covenants of faithfulness before God and our faith communities, as opposed to the "civil contract" which lies at the heart of Presbyterian definition of so-called "Christian" marriage (see the next G.A. statement!) -- JDA] Next, in 1994-1995, came an attempt to amend the church's constitution to "prohibit the blessing of same-sex unions by Presbyterian ministers," but this proposed amendment was defeated by the presbyteries. Finally in 1996, the G.A. affirmed full civil rights for lesbian and gay marriages (but don't call them that!): "Affirming the Presbyterian church's historic definition of marriage as a civil contract between a man and a woman, yet recognizing that committed same-sex partners seek equal civil liberties in a contractual relationship with all the civil rights of married couples, we urge the Office of the Stated Clerk to explore the feasibility of entering friend- of-the-court briefs and supporting legislation in favor of giving civil rights to same-sex partners. So the official position of the General Assembly calls for all the civil rights of marriage, just don't call it "marriage"! -- JDA. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The Hudson River Charges September 28, 1998 From: Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, of New Windsor, NY To: Elder Harriet Sandmeier, Stated Clerk, Presbytery of Hudson River We enclose a Copy of an article that ran in the *Rockland Journal News* on August 9th of this year. The information reflected in the article is a matter of grave concern to the Pastor of this Church, its entire session and to other pastors and sessions in this presbytery. We believe that G-8.0300, entitled "Property used contrary to Constitution," applies to the use of the property of a church of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as a site for same-sex wedding ceremonies, by whatever name they may be called. As the newspaper article demonstrates, such ceremonies are perceived by the secular public and by the participants as equivalent to marriages. The Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, in PCUSA Polity Reflections Note 18, after quoting the definition of marriage found in W-4.9001 (as a contract or covenant between a woman and a man) rendered the following opinion: "The plain language excludes covenanting ceremonies or holy unions which are not consistent with this definition. Under G-11.0103s, presbytery is authorized to assume jurisdiction in any case in which it determines that a Session cannot exercise its authority. That section further provides that, following a thorough investigation, with opportunity for persons to be heard, if the presbytery determines that the session of a particular church is unable or unwilling to manage wisely the affairs of its church the presbytery may appoint an administrative Commission (G-9.0503) with the full power of the session. We believe that the repeated use of the South Presbyterian Church property for the site of same sex ceremonies indicates that the session of the church is "unable or unwilling to manage wisely the affairs of its church." We believe this is very serious because the use of the church for same sex ceremonies violates the Constitution of the PCUSA. That such ceremonies are in violation of W-4.9001 is silent [sic ???]. This is underscored by the Stated Clerk's opinion quoted above. The consequences of holding such ceremonies on church property are far-reaching in light of G-8.0300. We believe that the session has failed in its fiduciary duty to assure that church property, which is held in trust for the PCUSA (G-8.0200), not be used for purposes contrary to the Constitution of the PCUSA. We likewise believe that if the presbytery does not take corrective action, it too will have failed both as to its fiduciary duty under civil law and in its responsibilities under the Book of Order We believe that ministers of the Word and Sacrament of the PCUSA, who, whether in a PCUSA church or otherwise, officiate at same-sex ceremonies are in violation of their ordination vows, specifically G-14.0405b(5): "Will you be governed by our church's polity, and will you abide by its discipline?" and (7): "Do you promise to further the peace, unity and purity of the church?" We believe that such action is in violation of G-60108(b): "It Is to be recognized, however, that in becoming a candidate or officer of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) one chooses to exercise freedom of conscience within certain bounds. His or her conscience is captive to the Word of God as interpreted in the standards of the church as long as he or she continues to seek or hold office in that body" We also believe that such action violates G-11.0403a, which requires that "The ministry of continuing members (of Presbytery) shall be in demonstrable conformity with the mission of God's people in the world as set forth in Holy Scripture, the Book of Confessions, and the Book of Order of this church." The Book of Order is part of the Constitution of the PCUSA. Its requirements constitute the highest "orders" of the church. Under G-11.0301t(2), the presbytery is charged with responsibility for seeing that orders of higher governing bodies are "observed and carried out." This is not a personal attempt to hurt any individual or church but we believe that unless the Constitution is adhered to, we will find ourselves facing chaos. Therefore, we hereby specifically request that presbytery take the following actions: (1) Counsel and, as necessary discipline, the pastors and session of South Presbyterian Church in Dobbs Ferry, with respect to their obligations under the provisions of the Book of Order referred to above, toward the end that the Pastors refrain from officiating at same-sex ceremonies as long as they continue to be members of this presbytery or ministers of the Word and Sacrament in the PCUSA, and that the session not permit such ceremonies on the church site. (2) In the discharge of the fiduciary duties of the presbytery, to take all necessary steps to preclude any further use of the property of South Presbyterian Church as a site of same-sex ceremonies. (3) To conduct an investigation, pursuant to G-11.0103s, and, if necessary, assume original jurisdiction under that section to ensure that the property of South Presbyterian Church not be used as a site of same-sex ceremonies. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The Outcome Hudson River Presbytery Affirms "Freedom" to Conduct Same-Sex Union Ceremonies by Jerry L. Van Marter White Plains, NY -- By a vote of 107-35, Hudson River Presbytery affirmed on Feb. 6 "the freedom of any session to allow its ministers to perform ceremonies of holy union between persons of the same gender." The Rev. C. Fred Jenkins, associate stated clerk of the General Assembly, told the Presbyterian News Service: "Such a position is nothing new. What is new is a governing body taking formal action on such a position." The Hudson River Presbytery stipulated that its action "reflects our understanding at this time that these ceremonies do not constitute marriage as defined by 'The Book of Order.'" Indeed, Jenkins pointed out in a letter to an unnamed person dated Dec. 1, 1998: "The Directory for Worship, at W-4.9001, defines marriage as 'a civil contract between a woman and a man.' Technically, therefore, a same-sex union ceremony could not be a marriage ceremony." In 1991, National Capital Presbytery sought guidance as to whether same-sex ceremonies were in violation of W-4.9001. The 1991 General Assembly issued an "authoritative guidance" that "the session should not allow the use of the church facilities, and a minister of Word and Sacrament should not officiate at a ceremony determined to be the same as a marriage ceremony." A proposed amendment to "The Book of Order" flatly prohibiting ministers from participating in same-sex union ceremonies was rejected by the presbyteries in 1995. "I think that God's tears are a lot less every time we affirm monogamy over promiscuity," the Rev. Steve Geckeler, the pastor of the Presbyterian Church in White Plains (the host church for the meeting), told the Associated Press after the Hudson River vote. Geckeler is married with children, and has not performed any same-sex unions. Hudson River Presbytery became embroiled in the issue three months ago, when Bethlehem Presbyterian Church in New Windsor, NY, filed a complaint with the presbytery against South Presbyterian Church in nearby Dobbs Ferry. South Church openly hosts same-sex union ceremonies. The resolution adopted by the presbytery grew out of the investigation of the complaint against South Church. Jenkins said "it is the position of the Office of Constitutional Services that all Presbyterians and governing bodies abide by 'The Book of Order.'" Any adjudication of the matter in Hudson River Presbytery, he added, will have to await the filing of a complaint -- either against the presbytery for taking the action, or against a session or minister for conducting a same-sex union ceremony. Action against the presbytery would be heard first by the Synod of the Northeast's Permanent Judicial Commission. Action against a session or minister would be heard by the presbytery's commission. Jenkins speculated that the Hudson River Presbytery's action will probably spark more overtures to the General Assembly proposing an explicit prohibition of same-sex union ceremonies in Presbyterian churches and by Presbyterian ministers. -- Presbyterian News Service. Also in Florida A similar case erupted in the Presbytery of Tampa Bay, when the session of Northeast Presbyterian Church of St. Petersburg went after Good Samaritan Church, a More Light congregation in Pinellas Park. Good Samaritan pastor Dr. Harold Brockus reported that his congregation has been able withstand this attack -- the Presbytery investigating committee voted unanimously not to proceed against them. Unlike the Hudson River case, which got early coverage in the *New York Times*, the Tampa Bay case has not attracted national attention. Good Samaritan Church considers the celebration of holy unions to be an essential part of its ministry for all persons. In its response to the complaint, it noted that "Jesus was harassed by those who wanted to limit and control his ministry. Paul was brought to trial in Jerusalem by those who wanted to limit his ministry. Complainant's request to limit respondent's ministry is foreign to our sense of calling." * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Amendment B Fails, So Far First, some commentary by your editor -- *his* views, *not* the views of More Light Presbyterians (necessarily)! Come on, folks. Everyone knows that Amendment B was designed to keep faggots out of pulpits, off sessions, and away from deaconal service. (You don't like the 'F' word? Amendment B folks never use it in public, but because of their constant efforts to exclude LGBT folks, I can't help but think it is the appropriate word when describing their intent and their actions. They demean us at every turn by their actions, so they might as well go ahead and call us faggots!) The framers of Amendment B didn't have the guts to call a spade a spade. If they want to keep us out of ordained positions, why don't they just say so: No faggots allowed. They didn't even use the famous Presbyterian phrase, "self-avowed practicing homosexual person." No, instead they used vague and undefined language. You know the words, but here they are, yet again: "Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to Scripture and in conformity to the historic confessional standards of the church. Among these standards is the requirement to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (W-4.9001), or chastity in singleness. Persons refusing to repent of any self-acknowledged practice which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained and/or installed as deacons, elders, or ministers of the Word and Sacraments." At first, the amendment used the phrase "between one man and one woman," but oops, the framers wanted to continue to have as many wives and husbands as they felt like having, just one at a time (forget what scripture, and Jesus, had to say about divorce!), so they changed "one" to "a." Got it? Also, we all know that the Confessions identify hundreds, if not thousands, of so-called sins, most of which our church leaders ignore routinely, but homosexuality is not mentioned even once, except in one totally discredited translation. Well, so far, in the first court test of Amendment B, it has failed to keep an openly gay elder in a committed relationship with another gay man off the Session. Here is the very first court decision. I have deleted only the very few sections that I felt were redundant. Most of it is here, and I believe it is important that we all read and study it, and consider its import. Those who want the full decision can find it on the website of the Presbytery of Southern New England: http://www.psne.org/98-1dec.htm -- Thanks for listening! JDA Permanent Judicial Commission of The Presbytery of Southern New England Remedial Case No. R-1998-1 MAIRI HAIR and JAMES McCALLUM, Complainants v. THE SESSION OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF STAMFORD, Respondent DECISION March 5, 1999 INTRODUCTION AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND This is a remedial case initiated against the Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Stamford, Connecticut (hereafter "Respondent" or "Session"), by two members of the First Presbyterian Church ("FPC"), Mairi Hair and James McCallum ("Complainants"). Session is charged with five irregularities in its examination and approval of Wayne Osborne ("Osborne") for installation as an elder. Osborne's installation was originally scheduled to be held on June 14, 1998. On June 3, 1998, the Complainants obtained a Stay of Enforcement of the Installation signed by three of the members of the Presbytery Judicial Commission of Southern New England ("PJC"). On June 9, 1998, a complaint was filed with the PJC. Pursuant to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Book of Order (hereafter, "Book of Order") Section D-6.0308, on August 11, 1998 the PJC found that: (1) it had jurisdiction to hear the case; (2) the Complainants had standing; (3) the Complainants had stated claims upon which relief could be granted; and (4) the complaint was timely filed. The complaint contains three counts requesting the PJC: (1) to determine that Session's examination of Osborne was irregular (Count One); (2) to determine the approval of an elder who is living in a same sex relationship, contrary to Section G-6.0106B of the Book of Order (hereafter "Amendment B"), is irregular (Count Two); and (3) to conduct all other investigations and process that is appropriate (Count Three). After trial and deliberation on February 26-27, 1999, the PJC determines that Count One of the complaint is denied, and that Counts Two and Three are not adjudicated. HISTORY Osborne is a member of FPC and an ordained elder. He previously served one term on the FPC Session. At the time of his ordination as an elder, Osborne had made no public disclosure of his sexual orientation. Between the time of that service, and the events underlying this complaint, Osborne publicly declared his homosexual orientation at a regular meeting of the Presbytery of Southern New England. In the spring 1997, the FPC Session declared a "scruple" taking exception to Book of Order Section G-6.0106b, commonly known as "Amendment B." In the early months of 1998, the FPC Nominating Committee began its work of nominating a new slate of elders and deacons. In February 1998, it received Osborne's name in nomination as an elder. The Nominating Committee subsequently placed Osborne's name on its list of nominees for elders to begin service in the Spring of 1998. Between the May 1997 "Declaration of a Scruple" and the final Session meeting in Spring 1998 in which Osborne was examined and approved, the congregation of FPC conducted a variety of educational events regarding homosexuality. The entire slate of nominees was elected by the congregation in April, 1998. The Session next examined the elders and deacons on May 27, 1998. The details of this examination are discussed in the Decision portion of this opinion. The Session approved all the nominees, and the ordination/installation service was scheduled. A Stay of Enforcement and the complaint followed. Although any judicial decision in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) must consider the entire Constitution of our church, the PJC believes that this case turns mainly on our interpretation of Amendment B and its application to the facts of this case. ... FACTS FOUND BY THE COMMISSION A. Osborne has not made any public acknowledgment of personal homosexual practice(s) or any sexual practice(s) indicating non- celibacy. B. Osborne has not "self-affirmed" or "self-acknowledged" any practice which the confessions call sin. C. Osborne has not refused to repent of any self-acknowledged practice which the confessions call sin. D. At the time of the events underlying the complaint, Osborne was in a same-sex relationship. E. The fact of Osborne's same-sex relationship does not, by itself, establish a fact of engaging in a practice which the confessions call sin, or that Osborne is not celibate, or that Osborne is not chaste. F. An attempt was made to portray the FPC as defiant. The record does not support this portrayal. Although it is beyond dispute that FPC, as a congregation, has taken issue with the wisdom of Amendment B, it is equally clear that the congregation and its leaders have been committed to working within the prescription of our Constitution. The nomination, election and examination of Osborne was the result of an open, thorough and deliberate process. In a letter to the congregation, the Nominating Committee explained its decision to recommend Osborne as an elder by assuring "the membership of FPC that we do not act in defiance of Amendment B, but rather feel we would be doing a great disservice to this congregation to not respond to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in placing [Osborne] in nomination." FPC's position was ably summarized by its counsel in his closing argument as follows: The Session is not arguing that [Osborne] is called regardless of what our Constitution says. We have respected and honored the Constitution throughout our process of discernment of call and stand ready to be corrected if we failed to abide. Thus, the PJC finds that the FPC has not proceeded in defiance in a manner contrary to our Constitution. DECISION Our analysis begins from the uncontested point that homosexual orientation alone is not a bar to ordination or installation in our church. The second polestar in our analysis is G-6.0106b commonly known as Amendment B added to the Book of Order in 1996. It states: Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to Scripture and in conformity to the historic confessional standards of the church. Among these standards is the requirement to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (W-49001), or chastity in singleness. Persons refusing to repent of any *self-acknowledged practice* which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained and/or installed as deacons, elders, or ministers of the Word and Sacrament. (emphasis added). Thus, our Constitution includes among "the historic confessional standards of the church" the requirement of living in "chastity in singleness." Further, Amendment B bars from office those failing to conform to this standard and "refusing to repent of any self-acknowledged practice." By its terms, this prescription applies equally to persons seeking to be ordained or installed and is applicable to deacons, elders and ministers of the Word and Sacrament. By way of further guidance, the 210th General Assembly (1998) recently approved the following authoritative interpretation of Amendment B: Standing in the tradition of breaking down the barriers erected to exclude people based on their condition such as age, race, class, gender and sexual orientation, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) commits itself not to exclude anyone categorically in considering those called to ordained service in the church but to consider the lives and behaviors of candidates as individuals. While the statement of these governing principles is straight forward, their application to FPC's approval of Osborne presents something of a challenge. In order to determine whether there were any irregularities in Osborne's approval as an elder, it is helpful to review this process in detail. Over a four-month period, first its Nominating Committee, then its entire Congregation and finally its Session and Pastors prayed, studied, discussed and deliberated in an effort to discern the Holy Spirit. At the conclusion of this process, Session embarked on a two-step examination process of its officers-elect. Pursuant to this process, Session and the candidates were divided into seven groups and each candidate was given an opportunity to offer a statement of faith and then required to answer the following three questions: * Why are you a Presbyterian? * Having read what our Constitution requires of those who are ordained and installed in offices of the church, do you acknowledge any unrepentant practice which you believe violates these provisions? * Do you understand and accept the duties of elder or deacon? Approximately two-thirds of the officers-elect stated that they did not acknowledge any unrepentant practice. Osborne was among this group. Not only did Osborne deny any unrepentant practice, but he also stated, among other things, "I believe I live in conformity to the historic confessional standards which are essential to our faith." With the exception of Osborne, Session's examination of these officers-elect concluded at this point. In the second step of the process, all candidates who acknowledged any unrepentant practice that they believed violated the Constitution were interviewed separately by the entire Session. In the case of these six candidates, each was asked an open-ended question by Co-Pastor Moffett concerning what additional information he or she wished to share with Session. The "unrepentant practices the confessions call sin" discussed by the others (not including Osborne) included, for example, gambling, having graven images or pictures of Jesus, and being idle on the Sabbath. Although Osborne did not acknowledge any unrepentant practices, he was also called before the full Session because, as Respondent explained, he had declared his homosexual orientation and was known to be living in a same-sex relationship. In contrast to the general inquiry to which the other six candidates had been subjected before the full Session, Osborne was directed to respond to seven, specific questions. These questions had been disseminated earlier to all nominees. Osborne responded to the questions by reading answers that he had considered and written in advance. In his response, Osborne acknowledged he was in a gay relationship, and described this relationship and his commitment to this relationship. While his description of the relationship was the longest of his answers, it makes no reference to any sexual practice. However, among the seven questions was one that afforded Osborne an unequivocal opportunity to "self-acknowledge" a homosexual practice. To this question: "Is this a sexually active partnership?", Osborne responded by declining to answer and thereby explicitly refrained from self-acknowledging any homosexual practice. At the conclusion of Osborne's examination, all elders were invited by the Pastors to ask additional questions, but no Session member elected to do so. Members of Session who had previously and subsequently disapproved of Osborne's nomination were among those who elected to inquire no further. A discussion then ensued concerning whether to vote on the candidates individually or as a group, and it was agreed to cast a single vote for the entire slate of candidates. Osborne was then approved for installation as an elder by the vote of Session, with two dissenting votes. Central to the PJC's deliberations concerning the propriety of Osborne's examination was Session's acceptance of Osborne's response to the question of whether he was engaged in a sexually active partnership. Respondents and Complainants agreed that this inquiry was mandated by LeTourneau vs. Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area (Remedial Case 205-4, 1993) [a.k.a. The Lisa Larges case! -- JDA] and the Definitive Guidance of 1978, both of which preceded the adoption of Amendment B. The unprecedented issue raised by Osborne's examination and approval concerns whether Session had fulfilled its duty of inquiry by pointedly asking Osborne whether he was sexually active and whether Osborne's response, in combination with any other actual knowledge of his sexual practices, would invoke the prohibition contained in Amendment B against his service as an elder. For the reasons set forth below, the PJC concludes that Session fulfilled its duty of inquiry and that Amendment B is not a bar to Osborne's service. Session fulfilled its duty of inquiry. Beginning in late January of 1998, FPC's Nominating Committee embarked on a process that was not only open to the congregation, but in which information pertaining to Osborne's candidacy was actively solicited. The fact that Osborne was a candidate for the office of elder and had acknowledged a homosexual orientation was widely disseminated and openly discussed. In April of 1998, the Nominating Committee sent a letter to the entire congregation in which it explained its intention to call "a gay person living in a committed loving relationship" and in which it invited a response. On May 17, 1998, at a Congregational Meeting, after open discussion, Osborne was elected by FPC members. Throughout this entire process, no one stepped forward to assert that Osborne had self-acknowledged a homosexual practice. Nevertheless, FPC's Session determined that it could not rely on the absence of such a disclosure. On May 27, 1998, it affirmatively provided Osborne with an opportunity to self- acknowledge a homosexual practice. As noted earlier, first Osborne was asked to describe his gay relationship and then was specifically asked whether he was engaged in a sexually active partnership. In response to this inquiry, Osborne implicitly, then explicitly, declined to self-acknowledge an existing sexual practice. At this point the Session had discharged its duty to inquire. Central to the PJC's conclusion that Osborne was properly approved for installation is its factual determination that there is neither evidence of homosexual practice, nor evidence of a self-acknowledged homosexual practice. Moreover, the record is devoid of any evidence that Osborne has refused to repent of any acknowledged practice "which the confessions call sin." While Osborne has acknowledged his homosexual orientation, this disclosure falls far short of the self-acknowledgment of an unrepentant homosexual practice established by Amendment B as a bar to church office. Indeed, it may have been irregular under the circumstances if Session had pressed on and attempted to compel additional disclosure from Osborne. Session's duty to inquire must be understood against the countervailing right of Osborne to keep his own counsel. The Definitive Guidance of 1978 is instructive. It states that: "Great love and care must be exercised toward homosexual persons ... who have affirmed their sexual identity and practice, and those who have in conscience chosen not to do so." This Guidance then goes on to urge examining bodies to conduct their examinations of candidates for office "with discretion and sensitivity, recognizing that it would be a hindrance to God's grace to make specific inquiry into sexual orientation or practice of candidates ... where the person involved has not taken the initiative in declaring his or her sexual orientation." Although this admonition sanctions a specific inquiry into a candidate's sexual practice once there has been a declaration of sexual orientation, such a declaration does not absolve a session from its responsibility to accord itself "with discretion and sensitivity" consistent with the furtherance of God's grace. Moreover, implicit in the language of Amendment B, a "self- acknowledged practice" requires a voluntary, self-disclosure. To interpret Amendment B otherwise is to begin down a slippery slope that ends in inquisition. [SIDEBAR: To interpret Amendment B otherwise is to begin down a slippery slope that ends in inquisition.] The PJC appreciates that self-acknowledgment may have occurred independent from Session's direct inquiry. However, based on the preponderance of credible evidence, Osborne has not acknowledged an unrepentant homosexual practice. Co-Pastor Moffett and two of the three elders who testified stated without qualification that they had no actual knowledge that Osborne was engaged in homosexual practice or that he had acknowledged such conduct to them or to anyone with whom they had spoken. The third elder to testify, although credible, was clearly flustered by the PJC's questions and gave contradictory and inconsistent testimony. In view of her demeanor and apparent confusion over whether she was being asked about her own knowledge or about a statement contained in a document with which she was confronted, the majority of the PJC accepted her final answer to the questions posed to her in which she too denied any knowledge of homosexual practice or Osborne's acknowledgment thereof. Moreover, Complainants adduced no contrary testimony. Finally, during the four months in which Osborne's nomination was subject to open and extensive discussion among the entire congregation, no one came forward with evidence of homosexual practice or an acknowledgment of such practice by Osborne. Complainants have asked the PJC to infer the existence of homosexual practice from a series of documents generated during the discernment process. These documents allude to Osborne's nomination as being in contravention of Amendment B. While these documents, taken together, might provide a bases for such an inference, there is ample evidence to rebut any such inference. The direct, unequivocal testimony of Co-Pastor Moffett concerning these documents was persuasive: the objective of these documents was simply to alert FPC members to a potential conflict between Osborne's nomination and Amendment B and was not intended as a definitive statement of the application of Amendment B. The majority of the PJC also found persuasive the admission in Respondent's brief that some FPC members presumed that Osborne was engaged in homosexual practice. Although these members had no such knowledge, they apparently presumed the existence of a homosexual practice from the fact that Osborne admitted living in a same sex relationship. This is also a presumption that Complainants have encouraged the PJC to make. However, the PJC feels strongly that the perpetuation of this presumption, based solely on inference, is unwarranted. Further support for the PJC's determination that Osborne's installation was proper derives from our long-standing tradition of deference to representative bodies within the Presbyterian Church who are charged in the first instance with decision- making. This principle has recently been affirmed in "Polity Reflections" Note 19 issued on July 22, 1998. Here, Session had original jurisdiction over the selection of its officers. Book Of Order, G-6.0107 and G-6.0108b; Hope Presbyterian Church v. Central, (Remedial Case 206-3, 1992) (concurring opinion). While Session's decision is subject to review, the PJC is mindful that Session had extensive direct knowledge and experience with Osborne. The examination by Session of Osborne on May 27, 1998, albeit crucial, was but the final step in a lengthy and thoughtful process of discernment. According to Co-Pastor Moffett and elder Janna Bellwin, there were multiple requests to nominate Osborne from those with the greatest knowledge of Osborne's faith and talents; members of the congregation among whom he lived, worshipped and had previously served as an elder. Under these circumstances, it would be inappropriate to substitute the PJC's judgment for the collective judgment of Session "except in the most extraordinary situations and for the most extraordinary reasons." Central Presbyterian Church of Huntington v. Presbytery of Long Island (1981); Rankin v. National Capital Union Presbytery (Remedial Case 193-10, 1981); Report of the Special Commission of 1925. Language from the Rankin decision is most apt here: While answers to some questions may appear to be weak, or less than wholly adequate, we affirm the principle that we are not to substitute our own judgment for that of the lower judicatory, which is best able to judge .... The Commission is satisfied that when all answers are considered in the context of the complete transcript of the examination, the record shows that Presbytery acted reasonably, responsibly, and deliberately within the Constitution of the Church. The process of discernment followed by FPC up to and including Osborne's examination and election by Session was conducted "reasonably, responsibly, and deliberately within the Constitution of the Church." CONCLUSIONS Based on all of the evidence and the above analysis of the applicable provisions of our Constitution, the PJC has reached the following conclusions on the irregularities alleged in the complaint. Irregularity I. Session's examination of Osborne in connection with his candidacy for the office of elder was irregular. This alleged irregularity is not sustained. Session's examination of Osborne, although arguably imperfect, satisfactorily discharged its duty to inquire. Irregularity II. Session acted irregularly by approving Osborne for installation as an Elder in violation of Amendment B. This alleged irregularity is not sustained. While Osborne has acknowledged his homosexual orientation, this disclosure falls far short of the self-acknowledgment of an unrepentant homosexual practice established by Amendment B as a bar to church office. Irregularity III. Session's vote to install Osborne as an elder was irregular in that it was an unauthorized act performed in knowing violation of Amendment B. This alleged irregularity is not sustained. Osborne's approval for installation did not contravene Amendment B, therefore, Session's action was within the scope of its authority. Further, Complainants' assertion that Session behaved defiantly was not established by a preponderance of the evidence and was unpersuasive. Irregularity IV. The majority of Session members failed to be governed by the church's polity contrary to their ordination vows by approving Osborne for installation knowing that such installation violated Amendment B. This alleged irregularity is not sustained. Not only was Osborne's installation consonant with Amendment B, but the process leading to his installation was open, thorough and deliberate. FPC and its Session took pains to act within the prescription of our Constitution. The process of discernment followed by FPC up to and including Osborne's examination and election by Session was conducted "reasonably, responsibly, and deliberately within the Constitution of the Church." Irregularity V. Session acted irregularly by contending in this proceeding that Osborne's installation does not violate Amendment B when it had previously indicated in documents during the discerning process that Osborne's installation would be contrary to Amendment B. This alleged irregularity is not sustained. Not only is this claim necessarily outside the scope of the complaint in that it concerns the conduct of Session after the complaint was filed, but the PJC accepts as credible FPC's explanation of these documents. Beyond doubt, with the advantage of hindsight, these documents could have been more carefully worded. Nevertheless, when these documents are viewed in the context of FPC's careful and earnest efforts at discernment, they provide a wholly inadequate basis for a finding of bad faith. ORDER IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the Respondent's examination of Osborne is affirmed; and IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Stay of Enforcement of the Installation of Osborne be continued for 30 days after receipt of this Decision by Complainants' and Respondent's respective counsel, until the Appeal period has run; and [Now, stay tuned for further developments. This decision has been appealed to the PJC of the Synod of the Northeast -- the same PJC that long ago declared the so-called "definitive guidance" to be unconstitutional! But there is a whole new cast of characters now. Whatever its decision, it is likely to be appealed to the "supreme court" of our church, the Permanent Judicial Commission of the General Assembly. In the meantime, please hold Wayne Osborne and First Presbyterian Church of Stamford in your hearts and prayers as they represent many of us in this struggle for justice. -- JDA] * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * LGBT Seminarians Hold Conference by Marilyn Nash Presbyterian seminarians gathered on March 19-21,1999, at Chicago Theological Seminary under the theme: "Common Pain, Common Hope" for the 8th Annual National Conference for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Allied Seminarians. Presbyterian students and friends joined nearly 100 persons for the conference from all over the United States and from many denominations. Attendees represented members of the United Church of Christ, American Baptist, Lutheran, Metropolitan Community Church, Society of Friends, Southern Baptist, Unitarian Universalists, and United Methodist traditions. The conference drew people from such places as California, Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas. The keynote speaker for the conference was the Rev. Jimmy Creech, a United Methodist minister who was given an ecclesiastical trial a few years ago for performing a holy union ceremony. Acquitted at his trial [but removed from his pulpit by his bishop -- JDA], he has taken a leave of absence and is currently speaking and writing about his faith journey to welcome and affirm lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons into the church. During his presentation, Creech encouraged those prese