Gay Presbyterian
minister ordained in New York

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)