The United States Presbyterian Church has approved several LGBTQ-specific overtures at its biennial General Assembly, affirming religious freedom without discrimination for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
The Rev. Jesse Garner III, minister at The First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, said the denomination is stepping away from the historical teachings of discrimination and moving toward being more inclusive and welcoming to all.
“The historic teachings of the church stigmatized LGBT people,” Garner said, adding the church has been moving toward greater inclusivity. “The church has finally come around to being more serious about welcoming all in worship and in the positions within the church.”
The denomination now denounces discrimination on the basis of religious freedom. In item 11-15 introduced at the 223rd General Assembly that took place June 16-23, it affirmed that the principle of religious freedom “should not mean the right to discriminate against or impose one’s views upon others. In our commitment to be disciples of Jesus Christ, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is called to stand against oppression and in support of human dignity for all people.”
Item 11-12 proposed at the General Assembly affirmed its commitment to the full welcome, acceptance and inclusion of transgender people, people who identify as gender-nonbinary and those of all gender identities. The church is committed to “stand for the right of people of all gender identities to live free from discrimination, violence and every form of injustice.” Similarly, item 11-13 affirmed the rights of LGBTQ people for ministry and “celebrates their service in the church and in the world.” Both items were unanimously approved.
J. Herbert Nelson II, the church’s
General Assembly Stated Clerk, said in a statement that the assembly is bringing a “renewed excitement” in the denomination as more people become interested in the issues of justice the church has always embraced. According to its website, the PCUSA had “unprecedented” losses between 2012-16 when churches and their members left the denomination after previous assemblies voted to ordain LGBT clergy and allow same-sex marriage.
Garner said that First Presbyterian has a long history of celebrating inclusion. The church’s pastor-nominating committee unanimously selected Dr. Baron Mullis, who identifies as gay, as its newest pastor, beginning in August.
“PCUSA is moving towards greater inclusion and the acceptance of a broad range of lifestyle choices,” Garner said. “We’ve been much more inclusive as a congregation before the denomination as a whole officially emphasized inclusion. Our congregation had a longtime policy of affirming the gifts of LGBTQ people and evolving them as members to holding positions within the church. Inclusivity is nothing new for us.”