As noted in a Powerblog entry from Monday, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) voted to remove the authoritative interpretation that prohibits homosexual practice for church officers. These changes, which take effect immediately, permit homosexuals to serve as clergy and as church officers.
Hours after the General Assembly adjourned, a letter was sent to the 11,000 congregations within the PC(USA) urging those congregations not to take any rash actions regarding the General Assembly enactments.
Key snippet from the letter: We know the assembly actions may do little to ease the anxiety that seems to permeate our life together as a denomination. The debate isn't new and the future holds difficult challenges. As the Rev. Dan Holloway, moderator of the committee that took up the items on ordination standards, said, "As we move forward, it is essential that we have conversations that are gracious and loving and welcoming, since we are not all of one mind." Our hope is that none of us will act or react immediately to the decisions, choosing instead to pray and talk with one another about these issues.
Read the full text of the letter here.
Yes, we can take our time and pray and talk to one another. But biblical standards do not change with the passage of time.
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