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Louisville — Covenant Network of Presbyterians and others are hailing presbyteries’ approval of Amendment 24-A, enshrining, for the first time, recognition of LGBTQIA+ people in the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and declaring the denomination’s commitment to their full participation and representation in the church’s worship, governance and emerging life.
The change, which takes effect on July 4, adds the phrase “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to Section F-1.0403, where they join “race, ethnicity, age, sex, disability, geography or theological conviction” as categories that may not be the basis for discrimination in the church’s life. The change is the culmination of efforts that began with 10 presbyteries sending the proposed changes to last summer’s general Assembly.
Covenant Network of Presbyterians has been tracking voting by presbyteries over the past weeks. By CNP’s count, 85 of the PC(USA)’s 166 presbyteries have affirmed the amendment, which tops the majority needed for passage. Amendment 24-C, which would require ordaining and installing bodies to include questions about a candidate’s commitment to the principles of participation and representation, to date has been approved by 56 presbyteries and disapproved by 33. 24-C will require 84 “yes” votes to amend G-2.0104b.
“People of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations have faced a long and difficult journey to be seen and respected in the PC(USA), and we’re still a long way from equity in many areas of church life,” said the Rev. Brian Ellison, executive director of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians. “Still, this vote marks a significant milestone aligning our governing documents with our stated values, and demanding that all who would serve as leaders in our midst take seriously their responsibility to avoid discrimination and honor all people.”
The co-moderators of the CNP board of directors, Slats Toole and the Rev. TJ Remaley, also had words of praise for the work done by presbyteries to date.
“In a time when trans and nonbinary people are often seen as political issues instead of actual humans, it is powerful to see Presbyterians from all over the country say, ‘We believe that LGTBQIA+ folks are beloved children of God,’” Toole said. “When the General Assembly passed these amendments this past summer, none of us could have known that we’d be voting on their ratification in days when companies and organizations would be rolling back their stances on inclusion. It is a beautiful example of the Spirit preparing a way for us to witness to the image of God in people of all genders and sexualities.”
“The final approval of Amendment 24-A is a prophetic and necessary step toward ensuring that LGBTQIA+ people are fully seen, valued and included in the life of our denomination,” Remaley said. “Yet as we celebrate this milestone, we must also recognize that the work of equity continues! The approval of Amendment 24-C is essential for us to align our practices with our principles. If 24-A is a statement of what we believe to be true about who we are called to be as the body of Christ, then 24-C is a statement of our intention as to how we will live out those beliefs in our shared life together.”
The Covenant Network of Presbyterians has a “Frequently Asked Questions” document on Amendments 24-A and 24-C here.
By Mike Ferguson, Presbyterian News Service
