Comments | gsa_lj: A Step in the Right Direction

ridayah in gsa_lj

A Step in the Right Direction

Feb 12, 2009 00:09

This looks to be a great step from a religious organization: The Presbyterian Church of USA, also known as PC(USA), has taken a large step forward. They have started putting together a 13 person committee to investigate the place same-sex unions should have in Christianity and wider society for report in 2010.

From the article:The Rev. Bruce ( Read more... )

society, civil unions, opening minds, tolerance, religion, acceptance, christianity, integration, gay marriage

Comments 8

fabfemmeboy February 11 2009, 07:50:20 UTC

Thank you for posting this.

I am kind of torn about it just because of the split the issue caused in the Episcopal church, and the probability that, whichever way the committee comes down, half the churches will disagree and do whatever they want. But then, I'm kind of a cynic.

a_tergo_lupi February 11 2009, 11:47:33 UTC

That's not cynical, that's just logical. The Presbyterians have split at least twice in this country.

fabfemmeboy February 11 2009, 15:18:48 UTC

Yeah. Even thinking just about the Lutheran church, which is the faith in which I was raised...there was everything from the conservative congregations my grandparents and one uncle attended, where they still think that AIDS is a punishment from G-d for sin, to my pseudo-'no, we love everyone...oh, wait, not quite...' church, to some in California where they're actively pro-gay. Neither of the extremes are going to change their minds on gay issues, no matter what someone in power says.

a_tergo_lupi February 11 2009, 17:43:47 UTC

Even if the church doesn't split, we will always see that. Actually, that's one good thing about churches; while you generally have to profess basic tenants to be a member, they don't tend to be nutso about it and enforce complete agreement.

It's a pain for finding a group to fit in with; but otherwise, it's shiny.

back_to_or February 11 2009, 08:40:17 UTC

It's nice to see that the governing body of a church is doing some research on the subject. No matter what the outcome, I'm glad they're taking a good look at it, and not just reacting hysterically, or resting on tradition (even if they do take tradition into account in their research).

jaralith February 11 2009, 16:01:16 UTC

This is good to see.

I'm atheist myself, but I used to have a job singing at a Presbyterian church. They've actually already split from PresbyUSA over this very issue. I am absolutely amazed at how decent, friendly people can be so afraid of the gay.
"Presbyterian," however, means that the church is controlled by elders, and we know the stats on gay acceptance in younger vs. older people. I am optimistic!

tko_ak February 11 2009, 18:29:00 UTC

You know I'm always happy to see tags. Although I note you forgot the "progress" tag. :P

It seems like it could be a step in the right direction, but also cover to punt on the issue for a couple of years at a time (or rationalize modern discrimination).

But, let's hope that's just me being cynical.

gingerdavid February 11 2009, 19:19:39 UTC

My wife's family are members of PC(USA), and we were married in a Presbyterian church. I'm an atheist myself, so I tend to view organised religion with skepticism, especially the unhealthy obsession with how two people are allowed to express their love for one another, whether or not they are of the same sex.

However, the Presbyterians seem to be more progressive than some other denominations. It wouldn't surprise me if they do go ahead and decide to accept civil unions.