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.
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.
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.
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.
Why I Support Amendment 10-A
Dr. Mark Achtemeier: Amendment 10-A will (1) bring peace to our Presbyteries by halting the endless succession of battles over proposed amendments to the Constitution; (2) remove divisive ambiguity from the Book of Order, sparing our church huge amounts of costly litigation in the church courts; (3) help us become the kind of faithful church where divisive issues can be handled more graciously and productively than we have seen in the recent past.
Welcome to Five New Covenant Congregations
Covenant Network welcomes five new Covenant congregations whose sessions have affirmed the Call to Covenant Community in the past month: First Presbyterian of Morgantown, WV; First Presbyterian of New Canaan, CT; Freedom Plains United in LaGrangeville, NY; Ginter Park Presbyterian in Richmond, VA; and Shepherdstown [WV] Presbyterian.
Covenant Network and Presbyterians for Renewal Issue Joint Call to Prayer
As presbyteries consider Amendment 10-A, the boards of directors of Presbyterians for Renewal and the Covenant Network of Presbyterians have invited all Presbyterians to join in a Call to Prayer for our church and a joint commitment to conduct the upcoming discussions "in a manner worthy of the calling to which we have been called."
Fort Worth Pastor Calls Churches to Use Our Bully Pulpits to End Bullying
In a strong Op Ed, Fritz Ritsch, pastor of St. Stephen Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth, calls on the church to reconsider and change its "bullying" teaching on homosexuality.
Interfaith Clergy Statement of Support for GLBT Teens
In the wake of a rash of suicides after anti-gay bullying and violent attacks on gay people in New York, top faith leaders signed a pledge “to be LGBT and straight people of faith standing together for the shared values of decency and civility, compassion and care in all interactions.” PC(USA) Moderator Cindy Bolbach and Stated Clerk Gradye Parsons were among the national leaders signing the statement.
Laura Sugg to the Presbytery of the James
Read the 5-minute Pro Amendment 10-A educational speech by the Rev. Dr. Laura S. Sugg, to the Presbytery of the James, October 16, 2010. The vote in the POJ was a tie, 152-152-3.
10-A: How It Differs
Amendment 10-A proposes for G-6.0106b new wording that relies on old principles, offering the PCUSA a way out of the protracted conflict over ordination standards.
Covenant Conferences Change Lives!
Kate began attending our conferences as a Coe College student. Now pursuing ordination, she is currently participating in the Pastoral Residency Program at Central Presbyterian in Atlanta.
Because of the Church
The fourth reason that G-6.0106b must be amended: the health and witness of the church.
SPJC Upholds Presbytery’s Decision to Ordain Scott Anderson
The PJC of the Synod of Lakes & Prairies has upheld John Knox Presbytery’s decision in February 2010 to approve Scott Anderson for ordination as Minister of the Word and Sacrament. Mr. Anderson is a partnered gay man.
Because of Presbyterian Polity
The third reason that G-6.0106b must be amended: Presbyterian polity and tradition.
Because of Scripture and Theology
The second reason that G-6.0106b must be amended: Scripture and Reformed theology.
Because of the People
The most important reason that G-6.0106b must be amended: the people who are affected by its anti-LGBT message.