A Presbyterian
congregation in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., has ordained a gay man
who refuses to embrace celibacy despite the denomination's
ban on sexually active gays joining the clergy.
A complaint over the action is likely to be
filed with a regional panel of the Presbyterian Church
(USA), which is among several Protestant denominations
embroiled in a bitter debate over the role gays should play
in their churches.
Raymond Bagnuolo was ordained Sunday at South
Presbyterian Church in Dobbs Ferry. During the
ceremony, when asked if he would abide by the church's
constitution, Bagnuolo said yes, except for a measure that
says ministers must practice fidelity if married and
chastity if single.
The measure, an amendment approved in 1997 to
exclude sexually active gays from the ministry, has
divided the church and has been defied several times
by other newly ordained pastors, many of whom became
the subject of formal complaints that sometimes led to
disciplinary measures.
Bagnuolo's ordination "raises the heat," said
the Reverend Jerry Van Marter, news director for the
Presbyterian Church (USA). "This will just heighten
the intensity of the debate. Whether it's good or bad
for the church depends on your point of view."
Bagnuolo, 54, did not return a call seeking
comment Monday. He was approved for ordination by the
Hudson River Presbytery, a group of Presbyterian
churches north of New York City that is considered liberal
and has lobbied for repeal of the amendment. The policy on
gay clergy will be a focus of a national Presbyterian
assembly next June. (AP)