Challenge to Ordination of Lisa Larges Will Be Heard September 23

San Francisco Presbytery’s decision in November 2009 to approve the ordination of out lesbian Lisa Larges “with a departure” on G-6.0106b is being challenged in a remedial case before the Synod of the Pacific Permanent Judicial Commission.The open hearing in the case of Parnell et al. vs. Presbytery of San Francisco will be held at the Park Plaza Hotel, 150 Hegenberger Road in Oakland, CA on September 23. The presbytery’s earlier decision, in January 2008, to certify Ms. Larges as “ready for examination” was the subject of another remedial case. Naegeli et al. vs. Presbytery of San Francisco, which sought to prevent the presbytery from examining the candidate.  The GAPJC decided in the presbytery’s favor in that case, ruling that a full ordination examination is the only proper context in which to determine whether a departure is from an “essential of Reformed faith and polity.”That decision opened the way to the presbytery’s examination of Ms. Larges last November.  The presbytery heard, considered, and discussed her Faith Statement, Statement of Departure, manner of life, history with the presbytery, and current ministry.   The majority voted to approve her ordination.Ms. Larges, who serves as Minister Coordinator of That All May Freely Serve (TAMFS), has been a candidate under care since 1986.  A timeline of her long process is posted on the TAMFS website.  Updates during the course of the hearing will be available on Facebook or on Twitter (hashtag #sfpby).In the current trial, as in the previous case, the Committee of Counsel defending the Presbytery’s action includes Covenant Network Director Doug Nave and Covenant Network Executive Director Pam Byers.