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Editor:
Kudos to the Vermont Episcopal Diocese for its stand calling for "full inclusion" of gay and lesbian persons in the Church.
Your readers might be interested to know that Burlington's Christ Church, Presbyterian has taken a similar stand in opposition to its denominational requirements. One of approximately 100 Presbyterian churches nationwide that fully welcome GLBT persons into the life and leadership of their congregations, Christ Church announced in April of 1997 that it could not in Christian conscience follow the denomination's newly adopted constitutional amendment that would prohibit ordination of gays and lesbians.
In March of 1998, Christ Church was instructed by the Presbytery of Northern New England to come into "compliance" with the denominationŐs standards. The church responded that it would be unable to do so because the new requirement was totally inconsistent with many other provisions in the denomination's constitution that call for diversity.
At its December 1998 meeting, the Presbytery of Northern New England considered alternative disciplinary actions against the Burlington church, but after extended and contentious debate, voted 46 to 32 to endorse the church's stand.
Conservatives in the denomination are expected to appeal the Presbytery's action to the highest ecclesiastical courts, but Christ Church has made it abundantly clear that its position will not waver.
Ken Wolvington
(Elder)
