Anderson ordination
approved in executive session
By Edward Terry, The Layman, February 22, 2010
MADISON,Wis. – Behind closed doors, John Knox Presbytery voted 81-25 to ordain Scott Anderson, a gay man who 20 years ago gave up his Presbyterian Church (USA) ordination after two members of the church he was serving in California “outed” him.
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On Feb. 20, at Christ Presbyterian Church in Madison, Wis., Anderson sought ordination and validation of his ministry as executive director of the Wisconsin Council of Churches, declaring a scruple to G-6.0106(b), which requires PCUSA officers be faithful in marriage between a man and a woman or chaste in singleness.
Anderson is involved in a long-term relationship with another man, and has argued that excluding homosexuals involved in committed relationships from ordained ministry is not Biblical or faithful.
The debate and vote took place in executive session with only John Knox Presbytery commissioners allowed to remain in the sanctuary. All other guests, including corresponding members and a reporter from The Layman were forced to leave, out of concern that their presence would impede the business of the presbytery on the “sensitive issue.”
The Presbyterian Lay Committee asked the presbytery to reconsider its decision to conduct business in executive session, arguing that it was not consistent with the denomination’s “Open Meetings Policy.” A presbytery commissioner brought the motion to the floor, but it was promptly voted down after a short debate.
After more than an hour behind closed doors, the body emerged from executive session and applauded Anderson as he returned to the meeting. Anderson said he did not want to comment on the day’s events, but did comment on the result.
“I was pleased with the strength of the vote,” he said of the more than 3-to-1 ratio in support of his ordination.
John Knox Stated Clerk Alyson Janke announced the voting results, as well as the details of a settlement with opponents to Anderson’s ordination, which allowed the Feb. 20 examination to move forward, but reserves a 45-day period allowing for a remedial challenge. The date for Anderson’s ordination ceremony was set for May 15, 2010 at Covenant Presbyterian Church.
Jim Gunn, a chaplain of the University of Dubuque in Iowa, announced that a stay of enforcement, which would prevent the installation of Anderson during the appeal process, was available for John Knox members to sign. He also said other presbyteries and sessions can sign on to any remedial complaint that may be filed.
In addition to his role as former executive director of More Light Presbyterians, one of the special interest groups opposing G-6.0106b and restrictions on same-sex marriage, Anderson also served as a member of the Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity and Purity. In a previous interview with The Layman, Anderson said he hopes to one day return to parish ministry.
Clarification: The first paragraph of this story was reworded Feb. 23, 2010.