Lisa Larges Story
A History of the LGBTQ+ Struggle in the PC(USA)
- 1970 The United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. (UPCUSA) released "Sexuality and the Human Community" a report to study the Christian concept of sexuality.
- 1972. The first resolution on homosexuality was rejected by the General Assembly of the (PCUS).
- 1974 David Bailey Sindt holds up a sign that reads "Is anyone else out there gay?" on the General Assembly floor. Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns is formed.
- 1975 Bill Silver an openly gay Presbyterian came before the Presbytery of NYC seeking ordination.
- 1977 The Lazarus Project starts with Chris Glaser as the founding director in West Hollywood Presbyterian Church to work towards reconciliation of LGBTQ community.
- 1978 When the UPCUSA General Assembly (GA) ruled against ordaining gay and lesbian persons, congregations respond by declaring themselves More Light Churches.
- 1983 The Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. is formed as a merger between (UPCUSA and PCUS) two denominations that separated during the Civil War.
- 1985 The PC(USA) GA rejects an amendment meant to protect homosexuals from employment discrimination. The Program Agency organizes a Consultation on Homophobia in Stony Point NY.
- 1991 the Human Sexuality Committee's Final Report advocates for the ordination rights of gay and lesbian Presbyterians, although ultimately rejected. A silent protest is held. Listen to an interview with Marvin Ellison and Dan Smith on the work of the committee below.
- 1992 Permanent Judicial Commission (PJC) rejects the certification of Lisa Larges, a lesbian candidate for ordination in the Twin Cities Presbytery.
- 1993 That All May Freely Serve ministry begins with Jan Adams Spahr elected as the "lesbian evangelist".
- 1996 The GA receives overtures demanding that presbyteries be given the right to decide who to ordain.
- The GA passes an overture in 1994 to ban clergy from performing same sex unions, but Presbyteries reject the amendment in 1995.
- The Shower of Stoles Project by Martha Juillerat and Tammy Lindahl to honor LGBT church leaders is initiated.
- 1996 Erin Swenson becomes the first Presbyterian minister to make a gender transition while remaining in ordained office. Listen to the Erin Swenson story below.
- 1996 GA voted 313 to 236 to approve the "fidelity-chastity" amendment. Statement barring LGBT Presbyterians from ordination was included.
- 1997 Presbyterian Welcome (PARITY) was formed in New York City by Rutgers and Jan Hus Presbyterian Churches. A group that advocates for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Presbyterian Church.
- 1998 Leaders from both sides issue a call to a five year Sabbatical from overtures regarding gay issues.
- 1999 Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns merge with More Light Church Network to form More Light Presbyterians.
- 2000 Presbyteries reject Amendment 00-O, which add an explicit statement to the directory of worship prohibiting same sex union ceremonies.
- 2001 The PC(USA) GA voted to delete "Fidelity-Chastity" clause.
- 2004 Mieke Vandersall begins an annual summer retreat for LGBTQ+ candidates for support, it continues as the Emerging LGBTQIA+ Faith Leaders Program.
- 2011 The PC(USA) votes to pass Amendment 10-A which becomes G-2.0104b in the Book of Order. The church finally allows the ordination of LGBTQ+ Presbyterians.
- 2011 Scott Anderson becomes the first openly gay pastor to be ordained.
- 2014 the GA passes Amendment 14-F which revises sections on marriage in order to include same-sex relationships.
- 2016 Out of Order Film, a documentary was released featuring stories and struggles of queer Presbyterians. The GA approves a resolution acknowledging the harm done to LGBTQIA+ Presbyterians throughout the church's history.
- 2018 The GA votes to establish non-discrimination policies for all gender identities and appoints a task for to study the need for a LGBTQIA+ advocacy committee.
- 2022 The GA of the PC(USA) votes to create a permanent LGBTQIA+ equity advocacy committee.
Lisa Larges Ordination
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