Newspaper analysis features PCUSA’s same-sex union debate
The Layman Online, August 31, 2000
A Florida newspaper has published a lengthy analysis of the debate over same-sex unions in the Presbyterian Church (USA).
The story by the St. Petersburg Times focuses on the dispute between two congregations in the Presbytery of Tampa Bay – Good Samaritan Presbyterian Church and Northeast Presbyterian Church.
The Rev. Harold Brockus of Good Samaritan performs same-sex unions. The Rev. William Martin of Northeast Presbyterian Church drafted an overture asking the 2000 General Assembly to prohibit Presbyterian ministers from conducting same-sex unions.
The General Assemly approved an overture similar to Martin’s proposal, and the PCUSA’s 173 presbyteries will vote on a proposed amendment that would forbid ministers from conducting services to bless same-sex couples.