Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Presbyterian Church Approves Openly Gay Clergy; Is Fourth Protestant Denomination in US to Do So

The Christian Post website reports today (May 11, 2011) that the Presbyterian Church USA has become the fourth Protestant denomination in the US to allow the ordination of gay and lesbian clergy.

It follows a majority vote by the 173 presbyteries -- that is, district governing bodies -- yesterday to change the body's constitution, in order to allow openly gay people in same-sex relationships to be ordained as ministers, elders, and deacons.

The move eliminates the constitutional requirement for clergy to live "in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman, or chastity in singleness."

The United Church of Christ, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and The Episcopal Church already allow the ordination of openly gay candidates.

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