The Layman Online reports that the Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, of San Francisco, Calif., was elected moderator of the 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) on June 21, 2008.  He was elected on the second ballot with 55 percent of the vote, after receiving 48 percent on the first ballot. Moderators must be elected with a majority of the ballots cast.

In his question-and answer [Editors note: the original URL (link) referenced in this article is no longer valid, so the link has been removed.] with The Layman, Reyes-Chows wrote he believed “homosexuality is not sinful by nature and should not be an excluding factor for ordination or marriage. That said, I know this is not where our denomination is right now and I appreciate the passion with which those who disagree engage in the discourse.”

Reyes-Chow, 39, selected Rev. Dr. Byron Wade, pastor of Davie Street Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, N.C. as his vice-moderator.

To read more on the PCUSA General Assembly, [Editors note: the original URL (link) referenced in this article is no longer valid, so the link has been removed.]