60 years ago — November 28, 1955
Amid the articles about the racial tensions experienced in and outside the church came a small article reminding us of another stressful issue that was affecting both church and culture. “Fifty-one of the 256 presbyteries of the Presbyterian Church USA, have voted in favor of ordaining women. Only three presbyteries thus far rejected the proposal. The overture was sent down to the presbyteries by the church’s 167th General Assembly which met in Los Angeles last May. Approval of a majority of the presbyteries is required to make it church law. Ordination of women has twice been rejected by the presbyteries in the past quarter-century. In 1930 the vote was 108 for and 170 against while in 1947 it was 100 for, 104 against with eight taking no action.”
From the article, “Ordination of women now stands at 51-3,” by Religious News Service.
