U.S. Presbyterians approved a statement expressing regret for a history of marginalizing gays and other sexual minorities while also lamenting the loss of members who left the denomination over its eventual approval of ordaining and marrying gays.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s top legislative body, meeting in Portland this week, approved the statement. It reflects the decades of debate over the status of gays in the denomination, which had long resisted calls for ordaining noncelibate gays before removing its ban in 2011, followed by its redefinition of marriage in 2015 to encompass any two people, not just heterosexual couples.
The statement “acknowledges that actions we and our members have taken over the years have at times led God’s beloved children who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning to feel that they stand outside the grace of God and are unwelcome. … We deeply regret that, due to human failings, any person might find cause to doubt being loved by God.”
Hundreds of churches have left the denomination has seen hundreds of churches depart for more conservative organizations because of the shift. The statement also “expresses the deep sorrow of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) about all individuals and congregations who have left our fellowship, affirms our commitment to continue to pray with them, and acknowledges our sincere appreciation for those who have maintained relationship despite profound disagreement.”
The Presbyterians also approved a measure to “take specific action, not just in word, but also in deed, to address and improve the worsening plight of the African-American male.”
That measure cites challenges to black men in areas such as discrimination, violence and disadvantages in housing, health and employment.