(Presbyterian) Church (USA) rebukes minister for same-sex weddings

[Dale_M]

The Rev. Jane Adams Spahr violated church rules by performing 16 same-sex marriages during the brief period in 2008 when such unions were legal in California, the six-member Permanent Judicial Commission of the Redwoods Presbytery said after hearing testimony in a Napa trial that began Wednesday.

The decision found, by a 4-2 vote, that Spahr, 68, was guilty of three counts of violating the national church’s Book of Order by performing same-sex ceremonies as marriages, persisting in doing so in a “pattern or practice of disobedience” and violating her ordination vows by performing the ceremonies.

However, the court also wrote:

“We commend Dr. Spahr for helping us realize that peace without justice is no peace,” the court wrote regarding the fourth charge. It also thanked the gay and lesbian couples whose ceremonies Spahr performed, and who testified on the minister’s behalf, for their "courageous and heart-rending testimonies.

“On behalf of the church, we ask for their forgiveness for the harm that has been, and continues to be, done to them in the name of Jesus Christ,” the panel wrote. It urged the church’s higher legal authorities to listen to the couples’ testimonies and “do what needs to be done to move us as a church forward on this journey of reconciliation.”

sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/08/27/BAJ51F4HFI.DTL

“Censure by Rebuke” is the lightest of the four penalties which could have been levied on her. She may appeal to the denomination’s highest authority, the national General Assembly Permanent Judicial Council.

 

[Barbkw]

Spot the weakness in the front line?

Non celibate same sex couples with be in full attack mood against each community’s six-
member Permanent Judicial Commission.

This decision was objected against by 2 of the permanent members.

P.S. Jesus’ comment to Peter, “the gates of hell will not prevail against it” makes more sense with every generation.

 

[Byzantine_Wolf]

I once spoke to a Presbyterian USA pastor when I was resolving my ecclesiastical problems. He had once said in passing, “The Presbyterians could use you.” When I asked him if the Presbyterian USA church wanted me, he quickly told me to avoid it. He basically compared it to a sinking ship - he said while they weren’t as bad as the Episcopals yet, every year it was getting harder and harder to maintain orthodoxy.

 

[Newsy]

I was baptized in a Methodist Church and raised in Presbyterian USA. I always loved the denomination, however this issue will drive me from our church. Interestingly, I felt moved to investigate the Catholic Church these past few months and I know where I am heading…Does the Tiber Swim Team still need members??? God Bless and Keep