Presbyterians Allow Ordination of Gays
Saying the church must speak clearly on scripture and human sexuality, the governing body of the Presbyterian Church (USA) approved a policy Friday allowing the ordination of gays--as long as they remain celibate and disavow their past sexuality.
The policy also would prohibit unmarried heterosexuals who are ordained from having sex.
“This calls for all persons who would be officers in the church to live lives that are in conformity with scripture,” said the Rev. Roberta Hestenes of Philadelphia.
The vote was 313 to 236.
The decision must now be considered nationwide by leaders of the Presbyterian Church (USA), a 3-million-member church formed by a 1983 merger of the northern and southern branches of Presbyterianism.
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