More Light cites ‘groundswell of support,’ looks ahead to 2006 General Assembly
By Craig M. Kibler, The Layman Online, May 27, 2005
Saying that they “look forward to the Presbyterian General Assembly in 2006,” More Light Presbyterians are claiming a “groundswell of support for full equality for all Presbyterians” within the Presbyterian Church (USA).
The 217th General Assembly, which will meet June 15-22, 2006, in Birmingham, Ala., will consider an overture approved by Heartland Presbytery that seeks to overturn the denomination’s ordination standards and rescind its authoritative interpretation regarding homosexual behavior.
Opponents of the “fidelity/chastity” standard have twice convinced General Assemblies (1997 and 2001) to seek the repeal of the constitutional provision. In both cases, the presbyteries voted overwhelmingly against allowing the ordination of practicing homosexuals. There also have been numerous attempts to try to rescind the 1978 authoritative interpretation, most recently in 2004, but they all have failed.
In 2004, the General Assembly voted 297 to 218 to do nothing to dismantle the “fidelity/chastity” ordination standard in the denomination’s constitution or its theological underpinnings in the authoritative interpretation.
More Light, a gay activist organization seeking to overturn the “fidelity/chastity” ordination standard in the PCUSA’s Constitution, said in a press release on its Web site that 28 Presbyterian churches – “more than double the participation from 2004” – have signed up to hold local events on what it calls More Light Sunday, which will be held June 5.
The group’s co-moderator, Erin Swenson, said, “The response has been phenomenal. We’ve had signups from churches all over the country. It’s exciting to see this type of groundswell of support for full equality for all Presbyterians.”
Co-moderator Donna Riley said, “It’s strong evidence that there’s a growing majority, a loving majority, which wants to bring full equality for all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to the PCUSA.”
More Light field organizer Michael Adee said that, “As we look forward to the Presbyterian General Assembly in 2006 and our denomination’s opportunity to realize that fairness and welcome, we’re grateful that the Spirit is at work within our denomination creating positive change.”