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Presbyterians to Ordain Gay Man


SCOTT D ANDERSON X390 (WISC COUNCIL OF CHURCHES) | ADVOCATE.COM

A regional governing body of the Presbyterian Church voted Saturday to ordain Scott Anderson, a gay man from Madison, Wis.

The John Knox Presbytery's 81-25 decision is likely to be challenged by opponents across the country, according to the La Crosse Tribune. The presbytery, or regional grouping of Presbyterian churches, represents 61 churches and 10,000 members in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Anderson, 54, has been in a committed relationship for 19 years, according to the article. For seven years he has been the executive director of the Wisconsin Council of Churches, which advocates for unity among different Christian denominations.

The church requires that married candidates for ordination take a vow of fidelity. Gay and straight single candidates must take a vow of chastity. However, the church does make some exceptions.

His ordination is set for May 15, but may be delayed due to expected appeals from churches like the Caledonia Presbyterian Church near Portage, Wis.

Anderson was a pastor at a church in Sacramento but was outed in 1990. He then voluntarily gave up his ordination.

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Reader Comments
  • Name: Stevemd2
    Date posted: 2/27/2010 3:32:54 AM
    Hometown: Baltimore

    Comment:

    I dont know which branch this church is w/in the presbyterians. the PresbyterianUSA group is so very close to accepting gay pastors in relationship. It will happen in a few years. Joining the Episcopal, ELCA, UU, UCC, MCC Jewish Reform and some Jewish conservatives. And some other splinter groups. The writing is on the wall If only God would bring down his vengence on the homophobes, as he did with the death of all the first born of egypt because of their treatment of the Jews 3000 years ago.

  • Name: ttt
    Date posted: 2/25/2010 11:09:16 PM
    Hometown: Illinois

    Comment:

    Dan don't be ridiculous. There are plenty of open and affirming churches around this country and many gay and lesbian people of faith who play active roles in (and even lead) such communities. By making a statement like that you are giving far too much power to the religious right's rhetoric of exclusion and hate, as you are effectively applying their message to all churches! All power to any gay or lesbian person who feels called to the clergy! We need more of them!

  • Name: Davya
    Date posted: 2/25/2010 10:53:56 PM
    Hometown: Wynnewood, PA

    Comment:

    If you cannot see a natural, healthy group of citizens fighting for limited government and personal freedom as republicans or conservatives; if you cannot see a man who loves God to the depth of his actions and thought as a a believer, I don't know how to give you sense.

  • Name: Dan in Florida
    Date posted: 2/25/2010 7:56:13 PM
    Hometown: Palm Harbor

    Comment:

    Being a gay ordained minister must be somewhat akin to being a gay republican - Do you really think god or Newt Gingrich wants to associate with you?



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