The issue of gays in ministry often has been divisive among church congregations, and now it’s affecting the 5,000-member First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs.

The church has joined a growing national movement within the Presbyterian denomination. The movement, called the Presbyterian Fellowship, opposes a pending vote by parent organization Presbyterian Church (USA) that could allow homosexuals to be ordained as ministers, elders or deacons.

PCUSA is considering an amendment to its governing publication, the Book of Order. The ministry requirement presently is described as “either live in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman , or chastity in singleness.”

The proposed amendment, known as 10-A, would change the requirement to read “to submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life.”

“It becomes ambiguous related to issues of sexuality,” said Rev. Jim Singleton, senior pastor of First Presbyterian, in a letter sent to members this week. “This new statement now will open the door in some places within the PCUSA for the ordination of self-affirming, practicing homosexual persons.”

Singleton said he believes 10-A will pass, and wants his members to be aware of the situation.

In his letter, Singleton said the Presbyterian denomination has declined in number since 1965 as the overall congregation ages. He said he believes 10-A will pass because members have changed their minds about the issue, or voting less often or have left the denomination.

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