Presbytery approves lesbian’s ordination

Presbytery approves lesbian’s ordination

The Layman Online, September 24, 2001

The Presbyterian Forum reports that on Sept. 21 Redwoods Presbytery (near San Francisco) approved ordaining a self-acknowledged lesbian woman as minister of Word and sacrament. As the presbytery’s own Committee on Ministry acknowledges, such an ordination would constitute an “irregularity,” meaning, it would be a violation of the PCUSA Book of Order.

Bob Davis, executive director of the Presbyterian Forum and an associate pastor in Southern California, writes:

“Taking a cue from the Stamford playbook, Redwoods Presbytery truncated the examination for ordination of a self-disclosed lesbian candidate. Katie Morrison self-disclosed her lesbian orientation to the Committee on Preparation for Ministry of that Presbytery. Under the precedent of the denomination, the CPM and/or presbytery have an affirmative duty to inquire as to whether she is engaged in unrepentant homosexual practice.

“The Presbytery approved recognizing employment with ‘More Light Network’ as an ordainable position. The More Light Network is ‘seeking the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people of faith in the life, ministry, and witness of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).’ Once the job was recognized as a validated minister of Redwoods Presbytery, the question of this candidate’s eligibility for ordination was the issue before the presbytery.

“In terms of self-affirmed orientation, Morrison has declared that she is ‘a lesbian woman’ in denominational publication. (She is a former co-chair of the National Network of Presbyterian College Women). CPM affirmed that it been informed of her orientation. In response to a question, the Rev. Chandler Stokes — chair of the CPM and pastor, First Presbyterian Church of San Anselmo, Morrison’s home church and the location of last night’s presbytery meeting — stated that he did not know if any investigation had ever been undertaken after the candidate self-disclosed her sexual orientation. However, the Rev. Beth Wheeler, another member of CPM said that no further inquiry had ever been made. Clergy Care recommended that Kathleen Morrison be ordained to the position as National Field Co-organizer for More Light Presbyterians. Lucky Phelps (interim stated clerk of Redwoods Presbytery) made clear that this action is an irregularity to the Book of Order as amendments now stand. There is a risk in this action because of Katie’s background.

“During questioning, Morrison said that she planned to be compliant with G-6.0106b. A question seeking clarification between her answer and the stated clerk’s comment reported in the Committee on Ministry minutes went unanswered. During the discussion that took place after the examination was arrested, the Rev. Rebecca Jordain-Irwin remarked, ‘If there is no problem, this should not have been an issue. I feel that we are being deceived.’ The Presbytery voted 90:37 to sustain the examination. Ordination services are scheduled for October 21. A protest was filed. It is likely that a ‘Stay of Enforcement’ and complaint of ‘irregularity’ will by filed with the Synod of the Pacific Permanent Judicial Commission.”