Synod PJC concludes hearing
on Larges ordination challenge
The Layman, September 24, 2010
Testimony concluded Thursday evening in Oakland, Calif., in the Synod of the Pacific Permanent Judicial Commission trial regarding lesbian ordination candidate Lisa Larges, who refuses to abide by G-6.0106b of the Book of Order.
San Francisco Presbytery voted 156-138 on Nov. 10, 2009 to ordain Larges, who has been seeking ordination in the Presbyterian Church (USA) for more than two decades. The presbytery’s vote was challenged by a group from within San Francisco Presbytery with additional support from San Joaquin and Santa Barbara presbyteries.
The San Francisco vote followed a General Assembly PJC ruling that allowed Larges’ examination for ordination to proceed. Larges previously had declared a departure from the PCUSA’s fidelity/chastity standard, which requires that ordained officers be faithful in marriage between a man and woman or chaste in singleness.
According to information on the More Light Presbyterians Web site, Larges serves as minister coordinator for That All May Freely Serve, a group that lobbies for the ordination of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) candidates in the PCUSA.
Testimony in Parnell et al vs. Presbytery of San Francisco began at 9 a.m. (Pacific) Thursday morning and continued beyond the scheduled 5 p.m. conclusion. According to posts on Twitter and Facebook by trial observers, witnesses included former GA moderator Jack Rogers and seminary professors Mark Achtemeier and Robert Gagnon.
There are no official estimates on a verdict announcement by the PJC.