On Oct 21, 2015 ⋅ 2 comments
I have been pondering upon a lovely reception the other night where Parity, a faith-based LGBTQ-focused organization based in New York City, honored me with their Faithful Servant Award. They invited me to speak for three minutes after some very kind words about me from Ashley Birt, Director of Christian Education at Rutgers Presbyterian Church. […]
On Jun 18, 2015 ⋅ No comments
It has been some weeks now since 14F passed in the Pittsburgh Presbytery. I confess that that day, and the many leading up to it, have been a blur. I can hardly believe how far we have come as a community. And I cannot help but pray in thanks for the evidence that more and […]
On Dec 22, 2014 ⋅ No comments
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) continues to engage in discussion and debate over marriage amendment 14F, seeking ways to common ground and gracious space. Might we already have a viable way forward? My volunteer work with other Presbyterians in New Orleans under the auspices of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance showed me how shared service can bring our […]
On Dec 5, 2014 ⋅ No comments
As presbyteries continue to discuss marriage and Amendment 14F, the outline of God’s will for us together as church in the 21st century begins to take shape. I previously wrote about the experience of meeting with Marc Benton and the lessons forgiveness, and weeping, can teach us about building a gracious space. In the weeks […]
On Nov 10, 2014 ⋅ No comments
How the Presbyterian Church (USA) can find common ground and a space for gracious conversation continues to occupy my thoughts and imagination. In my latest post for More Light Presbyterians, I recount lessons learned from the movement to ordain women and the Kenyon case – forgotten history, perhaps, for some, but a vivid memory for […]
On Oct 27, 2014 ⋅ No comments
When I heard that Marc Benton stood before the Hudson River Presbytery in September to ask for forgiveness, I was floored. Nearly 15 years earlier, Benton brought charges against the presbytery for allowing same-sex weddings, setting in motion a series of trials and accusations within the PCUSA that sent ripples far beyond the Hudson River. […]
On Oct 21, 2014 ⋅ 3 comments
The Presbyterian Church (USA) faces difficult discussions ahead. Marriage is once again being is debated and discussed in presbyteries across the country as we consider recommendations from the 221st General Assembly, in particular, recommendation 14F. My thoughts turn to what it will take to inspire gracious, productive conversations about marriage in our church. For me, […]
On Jun 27, 2014 ⋅ No comments
It has been a momentous month for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Last week brought an end to the 221st General Assembly in Detroit, where, I am grateful to report, we took huge strides toward greater equality and inclusion in the church. Over sixty percent of the General Assembly voted in favor of giving pastors the […]
On Aug 19, 2013 ⋅ No comments
It’s an exciting day—Alex McNeill’s first as Executive Director of
More Light Presbyterians! Alex brings immense gifts and preparation to this call to inspire the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the world to embrace and proclaim in word and deed the Gospel of God’s love for all, especially for God’s LGBTQ children.
On Jul 23, 2012 ⋅ 7 comments
The 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is written in the Book of Life. I was present in a far different way than I envisioned, as my husband’s sudden health problems and multiple surgeries meant resignation as a commissioner (he is recovering nicely—THANKS for your prayers!). However, since GA was in my hometown, I was able to attend some committee meetings and the events held by More Light Presbyterians. I also watched the assembly on its live internet streaming, particularly when it took up the recommendations of the Civil Union and Marriage Committee.
