Nine Presbyterians have signed ‘Declaration on Human Sexuality’
The Layman Online, September 29, 2000
Eight pastors and one counselor in the Presbyterian Church (USA) are among the more than 600 people who have signed the “Religious Declaration on Human Sexuality.”
Along with the names of other signers, the Presbyterians are listed on the web site that is soliciting and tracking response to the declaration. The declaration encourages churches to welcome gays and lesbians into their congregations but not to affirm their lifestyles. It opposes ordination of practicing homosexuals and same-sex unions.
The list of signers is growing daily. The Episcopal Church in the U.S. has produced one of the largest number of pastors to sign the document: as of Sept. 29 the posted count was 47. That includes one Episcopal bishop, Stephen H. Jecko of Central Florida.
Also as of Sept. 29, Presbyterian signers are:
- Pastor R. Carter Blaisdell, Fairview Presbyterian Church, Lenoir, NC
- Rev. Suzanne House Ebel, Presbyterian Church (USA), Los Ranchos, NM
- Kelly Fleagle, counselor, Grace Presbyterian Church, Orlando, FL
- Rev. Stephen W. Getty, Pequea Presbyterian Church, Gordonville, PA
- Pastor Lee Hahlen, Diamond Hill & Hat Creek Presbyterian Church, Lynchburg, VA
- Pastor Kenyon P. Kalvesmaki, Central Presbyterian Church, Russellville, AR
- Rev. Randall B. Knuth, First Plymouth Presbyterian Church, LeMars, IA
- Pastor O. Rhett Talbert Jr., Pasadena Presbyterian Church, St. Petersburg, FL
- Rev. Philip A. Williams, Cameronian Presbyterian Church, Rockingham, NC