Following a day-long hearing on September 23, the Synod of the Pacific Permanent Judicial Commission (SPJC) has upheld San Francisco Presbytery’s decision to ordain Lisa Larges as Minister of the Word and Sacrament.  At her ordination examination in November 2009, Ms. Larges, an out lesbian, presented both a Statement of Faith and a “Statement of Departure from G-6.0106b and Affirmation of Essentials of Faith and Polity.” After a thorough examination and discussion, the presbytery voted to approve her ordination.

The SPJC upheld San Francisco’s decision to accept Ms. Larges’s scruple and find her fit for ordination.  It found that “the Presbytery conducted a reasonable, responsible, prayerful and deliberate examination of the candidate.”  The SPJC based its ruling on General Assembly’s 2008 Authoritative Interpretation  of G-6.0108, which made clear that candidates may declare, and presbyteries may consider, “any departure from an ordination standard in matters of belief and practice.”  It also reiterated the longstanding rule that the governing body that actually examines a candidate is best suited to determine fitness for office, and its decision is entitled to deference by higher governing bodies.

The SPJC stayed Ms. Larges’s ordination pending any appeals that may be filed with the GAPJC.

The testimony of the expert witnesses brought forward by both parties vividly illustrated that Presbyterians of good faith and character hold a range of differing interpretations about what Scripture says about same-sex relationships.  However, the SPJC based its decision largely on the actions of the past three G.A.’s in lifting up the traditional Presbyterian practice of showing one another mutual forbearance in matters of conscientious disagreement that an examining body determines are not essential.

Ms. Larges, who has been under care in the Presbyterian Church for 24 years, is Minister Coordinator of That All May Freely Serve (TAMFS).

The Presbytery was represented by Covenant Network director Doug Nave; Executive Director Pam Byers also served on the Committee of Counsel defending the Presbytery’s action.