As the deciding presbytery vote was taken, passing Amendment 10-A to the Presbyterian Constitution (providing for local option on ordination of gays/lesbians), the news comes from Uganda that the infamous anti-gay law may be headed for passage. [NEWS on Saturday, May 14, is that Uganda's anti-homosexuality bill has been shelved as parliament adjourns!]
I feel a happy-sad ambivalence about these two directions our world seems to be heading.
In my view, the Presbyterian Church (USA) is finally growing into its affirmation that all God's children are welcome--fully-welcome--in our church. When it becomes official (July 10, 2011), we will be able to evaluate all candidates for church leadership equally:
Standards for ordained service reflect the church’s desire to submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life (G-1.0000). The governing body responsible for ordination and/or installation (G.14.0240; G-14.0450) shall examine each candidate’s calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability for the responsibilities of office. The examination shall include, but not be limited to, a determination of the candidate’s ability and commitment to fulfill all requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W-4.4003). Governing bodies shall be guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual candidates.
At the same time our world would seem to have one country almost ready to brand homosexuality (which it already labels a crime) as the same as terrorism or treason. Referring to the US Defense of Marriage Act, the author of the bill in Uganda has said, “homosexuality must be bad otherwise why does the USA discriminate against homosexuals?”
To let Uganda know what you think about this possibility, go to http://ugandaemb.org/ or contact His Excellency Professor Perezi K. Kamunanwire, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
Tel: (202) 726 4758 Fax: (202) 726 1727
pkamunanwire@ugandaembassyus.org
Request that President Musevini veto the "Kill The Gays" bill should it be passed in Parliament.
The message I've sent is this:
His Excellency Professor Perezi K. Kamunanwire
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
Ugandan Embassy
Washington, DC
Your Excellency,
I am writing as a Christian minister to request that President Musevini veto the anti-gay bill should it be passed in Parliament.
Regardless of one's views on homosexuality, civilized people must accord basic human rights to all humans, regardless of sexual orientation.
To brand homosexuality, which is already a crime in Uganda, as the same as terrorism or treason, is disproportionate and would mark your country as (forgive me) barbaric.
With urgent concern,
Rev. Jack Lohr
Interim Pastor
Presbyterian Church of Mount Kisco, NY
Of course not all parts of the Presbyterian Church (USA) will be celebrating the passage of 10-A. Our denomination is not of one mind or heart on the inclusion of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered persons. So, this Sunday, as we mark this transition in the history of our church, we will not gloat.
Our General Presbyter Susan Andrews addresses the occasion with wisdom: "Many within the bounds of Hudson River Presbytery will rejoice at this expression of inclusion and justice. But others will grieve a decision that goes against their understanding of scripture. But all of us are brothers and sisters baptized into Jesus Christ - and we are called to honor those with whom we disagree. I pray that we can move forward together as the Body Of Christ - with unity, not uniformity - agreeing to disagree - commited to a a common calling to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ in a spiritually hungry world."
--Jack Lohr, Interim Pastor
PS: If you want to see what a few other Presbyterians are saying on 10-A check these out:
http://www.shuckandjive.org/2011/05/on-eve-of-change.html
http://fpcshreveportblogs.org/what-does-amendment-10-a-really-change/
http://blog.mattalgren.com/2011/04/will-the-presbyterian-church-finally-recognize-the-calling-of-gays/
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/reyeschow/detail?entry_id=88691
RESPONSE:
Pastor Jack Lohr,
Thank you so much for welcoming homosexuals into the church community. On a human level it means so much.
I share this very special marriage equality "Amazing Grace" music video with you - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQg3XqoyV3Q . May it inspire and give testament to God's all-encompassing love. Please share it with your church family.
Your work is so important. Thank you again.
Yours,
Ron San Marchi
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