GAPJC Finds Massachusetts Minister Not Guilty for Legally Marrying Two Women Parishioners
The General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission (GAPJC) ruled on February 8 that the Rev. Jean Southard “did not violate the Book of Order or her ordination vows” by presiding at the 2008 marriage of a same-gender couple – two active members of the Massachusetts congregation she then served.
Commending Dialogue, Including on Ordination Standards (2/11)
Meeting in Atlanta earlier this week, the Board of Directors of the Covenant Network commented on ongoing cross-boundary conversations within the denomination, and celebrated progress in voting on Amendment 10-A.
Interview with Rev. Dr. Arlo Duba
Dr. Arlo Duba, Professor of Worship Emeritus, retired Dean of the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, and PC(USA) Minister of Word and Sacrament, was recently interviewed by More Light Presbyterian Outreach Director, Debra Peevey. Dr. Duba shares his journey, leading to a change of heart and mind regarding the ordination of LGBT persons.
Covenant Congregation in the News: Pasadena Presbyterian
Pasadena [CA] Presbyterian Church, a Covenant congregation, offers an unusual and exciting example of a genuinely unified, multicultural congregation. Its Korean and Spanish ministries and communities are not “nested” in the English-language church but constitute “three language groups within one congregation.”
Why You Should Vote For Amendment 10-A
The Presbytery of Donegal invited Covenant Network National Organizer Tricia Dykers Koenig to give the presentation in favor of Amendment 10-A during a forum at their January meeting.
Church, Politics, & Church Politics: The Future of LGBT Issues
Come to our Southwest Regional Conference at St. Mark Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, CA, March 4-6, for an engaging and provocative weekend about LGBT issues in church and politics, and about our hope for the future. Rev. Dr. Mel White is the plenary speaker, and Covenant Network Co-Moderator Mary Lynn Tobin preaches at the opening worship.
G-6.0106b in PC(USA) Perspective – Reflections on Amendment 10-A
The current text of G-6.0106b is out of sync with Presbyterian and Reformed theology and polity. Amendment 10-A corrects those errors. Here's a collection of references.
Standing by the Promises
Elder Signe Bell, speaking to New Castle Presbytery prior to their vote to approve Amendment 10-A, reminded Presbyterians of the promises made to all the baptized.
Covenant Network conference considers "Celebrating the Whole Household of God"
Jo Ann Caldwell Currie attended the conference and wrote about the experience as a special correspondent for the Presbyterian Outlook. Her Outlook article is reprinted here.
The Christian Case for Gay Marriage
Dr. David Myers, in his plenary address at the recent CovNet Conference, affirms that "family values, a priority on covenant relationships, a celebration of marriage, a high view of Scripture: all these can co-exist with full and equal participation of gay and lesbian people in the life and the culture in the church."The complete address can be read here, including slides from Dr. Myers' powerpoint presentation.
In Support of Amendment 10-A: Time to Move On
A recent post in The Presbyterian Outlook by Kirsten Kingdon, a CovNet Advisory Board member, a church Elder, and a Mom!
Welcome to Three New Covenant Congregations
Covenant Network welcomes three new Covenant congregations whose sessions have affirmed the Call to Covenant Community in the past month: University Presbyterian Church of San Antonio, TX; Setauket Presbyterian Church of Setauket, NY; and Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church of Plainfield, NJ.
The Gospel of Kindness
Robert Dykstra: As I survey the stark detritus of the centuries-long theological rift between human sexuality and Christian charity, ,,, what seems clear to me now is that both in our personal lives and loves and in our Christian works and walks we must rejoin somehow our kindness with our desire.
Appeal of Prop 8 - Remarks at pre-trial rally
Byers to Prop 8 repeal rally: “My congregation and many, many of my clergy colleagues want the freedom to marry the couples we believe God has called together to make covenants of faithfulness to one another. . . . Overturning Prop 8 gives religious liberty to all congregations and clergy, rather than privileging one group over another.
Ethical Stances on Homosexuality
Kate Killebrew reflects on Stacy Johnson's typology of stances on the ethics of homosexual practice, and notes that many are in the process of moving on the continuum.
Where Did We Go Astray?
Margaret J. Thomas: G-6.0106b must be stricken from our Constitution so that our historic principles of being Presbyterian may again be honored... Amendment 10-A, now before the presbyteries, offers a way forward.
