Few servants of the Presbyterian Church (USA) have experienced such a long and winding road to ordination as Lisa Larges. On April 27, the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission will hear arguments in yet another proceeding arising from objections to the decision of the Presbytery of San Francisco to ordain her.
The Presbytery’s Counsel has submitted this Brief, drafted by Covenant Network Director Doug Nave. A primary issue in the case is whether one interpretation of Scripture concerning the morality of same-gender relationships will be imposed on the whole Church, or whether the Church will acknowledge the fact that Bible-honoring Presbyterians come to different conclusions about what Scripture teaches.
From the Conclusion:
It is now over four years (50 months) since the Presbytery of San Francisco found Ms. Larges “ready for examination.” It is over two years (28 months) since the Presbytery voted to ordain her. This case has entailed three meetings of the SPJC and two GAPJC hearings, with thousands of hours of preparation, briefing, argument, testimony, and consideration by the various parties and commissions. The Principles of Church Discipline, read aloud at the beginning of every hearing, say that church disciplinary procedures are meant to “secure the just, speedy, and economical determination of proceedings” (D-1.0101). It is well past time to implement that promise.
The Presbytery of San Francisco has attempted in good faith to follow every directive and request of General Assembly and the church’s judicial commissions, to design procedures that are transparent and fair to all members of the body, and to give honor and weight to every point of view. After exhaustive preparation, the members of Presbytery examined Ms. Larges in light of her statement of faith, manner of life, views of Scripture, and fit for the office of call, and discerned that her ordination is consistent with Scripture and the confessions. The Presbytery’s collective discernment is entitled to deference now.