"Presbyterian Action will not stand silent amid these decisions that are blatantly contrary to the Bible and to biblical morality." -- IRD Director of Presbyterian Action Jim Berkley
Contact: Loralei Coyle 202-682-4131, 202-905-6852 cell, lcoyle@ird-renew.org; Radio Interviews: Jeff Walton, jwalton@ird-renew.org; both with the Institute on Religion and Democracy
SAN JOSE, Calif., June 27 /Christian Newswire/ -- The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) voted Friday to pave the way toward the ordination of practicing homosexual persons to the offices of deacon, elder, or minister. The series of votes begin to reverse the denomination's position on sexual practices that it has held for its entire existence. This highest governing body of the 2.2 million member denomination began a process to amend one of its historic catechisms and its constitution to remove sexual-practice standards for ordination. It also overturned an "authoritative interpretation" that had defined its policy for ordination matters.
Possible amendments to the Heidelberg Catechism and the constitution are not final with this vote of the General Assembly. To become effective, each amendment will require the approval of a majority of the 173 regional governing bodies, called presbyteries. Thus, the General Assembly votes on Friday begin a referendum process across the denomination.
Jim Berkley, Director of IRD's Presbyterian Action Committee, commented:
"With a handful of rushed votes this morning, this General Assembly has turned its back on God's gracious plan for our lives. It has abandoned scriptural morality. It has caused us to deviate from the belief and practice of the church throughout history and around the world to this day.
"Presbyterian Action will not stand silent amid these decisions that are blatantly contrary to the Bible and to biblical morality. We lament the damage to Presbyterian congregations across the country, who still believe God's Word and intend to continue to abide by it, apart from any action of the General Assembly."
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