Next Saturday, October 8, Scott Anderson will be ordained to the Ministry of Teaching Elder at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Madison, WI, the first openly gay Presbyterian candidate after the Church opened ordination to LGBT members in July.
The historic shift represents decades of internal debate among Presbyterians—and has led some individual churches to break off. Anderson’s ordination was originally approved in early 2010 but was stalled until the church convention voted to lift the 2.1 million-member denomination’s ban on gay clergy. “It’s hard to believe it’s finally happening,” he says.
Despite the controversy lifting the ban has caused, Covenant seems happy to have Anderson, 54, who’s been with his partner for 20 years. “Scott’s grace under pressure, and his kindness and humility, were not just evident during his work with the [Committee on Preparation for Ministry ] but in every aspect of his involvement in the life of our congregation and the greater community of Madison.” says Covenant’s Rev. Nancy Enderle. “…This moment marks the Presbyterian Church living out God’s welcome to all.”
Little Kiwi
well, that’s a nice step.
the simple reality is that if one *actually* knows the judeo-christian bible then it’s impossible to say that it’s anti-gay with a straight face (no pun inteded).
so, good on ya Presbies!
the more religious organizations take a stance against bigotry and discrimination the less excuses there are for intelligent people with consciences staying and continuing to (financially and socially) support the discriminatory denominations.
As I like to say “The United Church of Canada – Not Fucking Your Children Since 1925”
remember that organized religion is a business – it operates to keep itself financially successful. give it a “reason” to question to change its policies and stances by letting your church know that you won’t support it if it doesn’t support Equality for all.
DB
Hallelujah! How glorious to see the official Church becoming more aligned with the teachings of Christ and the core values of Christianity. While the Presbyterians have lagged behind the United Church of Christ, the Lutheran, the Episcopalians, and other Christian denominations, they have finally arrived and arrived at more God-focused policies. I am praying for the Methodists to finally make this step towards accepting Christ’s teachings of love for all of God’s children soon.