“It definitely grieves our churches that by a popular vote we have left Scripture behind and gone to follow a cultural standard, … It is a historic day in that it is the day the Presbyterian Church is openly deciding not to follow Scriptural teachings so it is a very sad day for those of us who do believe that the Bible is God’s word.”

On Monday, the newly approved ordination standard took effect in the Presbyterian Church (USA). By passing the new standard (called Amendment 10A during the presbytery voting process) the PCUSA “removed all sexual behavior standards from its constitution,” according to Parker T. Williamson, editor-emeritus of The Layman.

“Scripture is very clear that there are standards relating to our sexual behavior but this denomination has decided it doesn’t have any standards,” said Williamson.

Editor’s Note: The new ordination standard reads as follows:

“Standards for ordained service reflect the church’s desire to submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life (G-1.0000). The governing body responsible for ordination and/or installation (G.14.0240; G-14.0450) shall examine each candidate’s calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability for the responsibilities of office. The examination shall include, but not be limited to, a determination of the candidate’s ability and commitment to fulfill all requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W-4.4003). Governing bodies shall be guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual candidates.”

Reactions to the change in ordination standards are mixed. The following are quotes and links to the various articles.

“On Sunday, July 10, changes to the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s constitution go into effect, allowing the ordination of openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender ministers, elders and deacons,” read a statement released to the press by More Light Presbyterians (MLP), a group seeking the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people of faith in the life, ministry and witness of PCUSA.

The OC Register reported that the National Council of Korean Presbyterian Churches recently held a conference to discuss the change in the ordination standard. The article reported that Pastor Tae Young Ko, senior pastor at Good Shepherd Presbyterian in Rowland Heights and the conference moderator, said “We would not ordain active homosexuals. … This meeting reaffirmed that the Korean-American community would not support this and we will try to help local churches strongly reaffirm our conviction.”

The Christian Post quoted Andrew Quinn, a local Presbyterian church member in Mobile, Ala., as saying “This is not only against God’s will for our lives, it is a slap in the face of religion in general, … There are many of us who do not agree with this vote and will probably leave the church. It saddens me that we have allowed the secular wishes of the world to enter the walls of the churches around the nation.”

The Rev. Don Steele, a retired pastor in Pennsylvania, told The Post Gazette that “I think Jesus’ commandment that we love our neighbor trumps everything else. We are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and our neighbor as ourselves. There is no modification to say ‘except the neighbor whose lifestyle you disagree with, … I’ve known people who have left the church because there was no room for them to serve in the way that they felt God was calling them. This opens the doors for many such persons to serve not only as pastors, but as elders and deacons in the church.”

“Across this country members of welcoming and affirming congregations and ministries are telling the stories of faithful candidates who can now be considered for ordination. Years of sharing our lives, Bible study and prayer helped Presbyterians from all walks of life to affirm ordination based on gifts and graces for ministry and God’s love for all people,” said Michael Adee, executive director of MLP.

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[Editor’s note: Some of the original URLs (links) referenced in this article are no longer valid, so the links have been removed.]