Denominations increasingly siding with “gay” lifestyle over biblical values

The recent decision by Colorado Springs Church that predates statehood to pull out of its denomination reveals how much of a hot button issue the debate over same-sex marriage is becoming in Christian circles.

Last Sunday almost 90% of the 4,000 member First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs voted to proceed with efforts to sever ties with its parent denomination Presbyterian Church (USA.)

Pastor Jim Singleton said the primary reason for holding the initial vote was disagreements with the direction the denomination was taking in the area of homosexuality. The denomination made a decision last year allowing for the ordination of “gay” and lesbian clergy that were in committed relationships. This summer church leaders are expected to vote on whether to allow their ministers to officiate at same-sex weddings.

Following the decision dozens of congregations have left the denomination including churches in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington, Wisconsin and California.

The church which was founded in 1872 and is one of the largest in the Presbyterian denomination is expected to take a formal vote to sever ties in the near future. Once the split is complete, the church could possibly seek to join the conservative Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians, which was launched by conservative Presbyterians in January as an protest against the Presbyterian Church USA’s vote on “gay” clergy.

The issue has come to the forefront of many denominations as they attempt to reconcile their teaching with state laws legalizing same-sex marriages.

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