FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 10, 2011
HRC Statement on Presbyterian Church (USA) Allowing LGBT Clergy to Serve the Church
WASHINGTON – Today the decision of the Presbyterian Church (USA) to remove all barriers to the ordination of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people as ministers and lay leaders, which was voted on and passed in May, goes into effect. Dr. Sharon Groves, director of the HRC Foundation’s Religion and Faith Program made the following statement:
“Today is a historic day in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Discrimination will no longer stand in the way of those who have received the calling to ministry. The Presbyterian Church (USA) is another denomination that has seen a new day in the intersection of faith and sexual orientation and gender identity. This is not only good for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people but it is good for the soul of the church. LGBT Presbyterians have been some of the most prophetic and faithful leaders within the Presbyterian Church and now they can bring their faith and their humanity fully into the work of building loving, God-affirming communities. We thank More Light Presbyterians, Covenant Network of Presbyterians, That All May Freely Serve, Presbyterian Welcome, and Presbyterian Voices for Justice for their hard work and dedication in removing discrimination from the Presbyterian Church (USA).”
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
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