Why I support a Yes vote on 24A and 24C
The PC(USA) will be voting in the coming months on two important additions to our Book of Order. First, adding to our foundations of Presbyterian Polity "sexual orientation and gender identity" as categories that we do not discriminate against. Second, requiring ordination examination questions to be asked regarding a candidates commitment to our principles of non discrimination and our historic principles of church order. I am strongly recommending a YES on both. These are labeled "24A and 24C" in the coming vote.
When I first came into the Presbyterian Church almost two decades ago, there were three important things I learned about ordination. First, that we believe that God is the source of all ministry in the church. We have always believed that every Christian is joined in ministry at our baptism, and every member is equipped uniquely to serve the church by the gifts given to us by God. As our sexual orientation and gender identity is part of our essential personhood and our identity, this certainly applies to all people that identify as LGBTQIA+ and this has already been affirmed by our church that has extended ordination to all regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. It has long been a tradition to accept those into church membership that have a faith in Jesus Christ, and not for any other reason.
Second, I was stunned when I read in our Book of Order that we believe “truth is in order to goodness” and that truth is based by the 'fruit we bear'. We apply this truth to ordination when we examine candidates suitability. I have been ministered to, encouraged, loved, guided and challenged by many dear LGBTQIA+ Christians and I have seen and witnessed first hand the Spirit positive work through their labor, love and witness in the church. Last, we know that our ministry is always done in community and connection with each other. We are one body, and we depend on the very diversity of that body for its full ministry and vitality.
As we read in Acts 15:6-11
...After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “...You know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that I should be the one through whom the gentiles would hear the message of the good news and become believers. And God, who knows the human heart, testified to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us, and in cleansing their hearts by faith he has made no distinction between them and us. Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing on the neck of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? On the contrary, we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”
Just as the Holy Spirit was evident in the life of gentiles in the first century, so likewise, we see the Spirit working in and through the church through the lives of many committed and dedicated disciples of Jesus that identify as LGBTQIA+.
Therefore, it is important to ask questions during examination of our those that take on ordered ministry to our commitment to being a friend among our colleagues and working together in ministry. This amendment does not require uniformity of thought or conviction but is a commitment to not disrupt or prevent LGBTQIA+ Christians from living out their calling. I call all on those voting on Amendment 24-C to therefore vote in the affirmative for this important addition to our constitution.
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