The Presbyterian Church of the United States announced today that it will open ordination to candidates regardless of their sexual orientation.
In the wake of today’s historic vote, Reverend Dr. Janet Edwards – one of the 10,000 Presbyterian ministers and elders who voted in favor for gay and lesbian ordination — issued a statement expressing her enthusiasm for the Church’s decision.
“I am both overjoyed and humbled by today’s vote,” Edwards began. “I see this as an opportunity to build a stronger church” – one in which “faithful and qualified lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Presbyterians will be able to openly serve the church with energy, intelligence, imagination and love.”
Edwards explained that she felt “called by God” to promote the inclusion of gay and lesbian candidates in the Presbyterian ministry ever since she found herself on trial for marrying a same-sex couple two years ago. Now, she hopes that today’s vote will “open up a heartfelt dialogue with those conflicted about, or opposed to, the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in faith.”
Learn more about the implications of today’s vote for San Diego gay and lesbian members of the Presbyterian Church online at timetoembrace.com.
