WaPo (can't decide if I like calling it that...) has an article on the Presbyterian Church's task force on the ordination of gays and lesbians.
The key paragraphs:
"The recommendation is framed not as a change in doctrine but as a proposed interpretation of the church's constitution. It would allow the 173 presbyteries, or local councils of ministers and elders, to consider all aspects of a potential minister's life, work and beliefs and to decide that it is acceptable if the candidate is not in accord with the church on a "non-essential" matter. It would be up to each presbytery to decide what is essential.
'We ordain human beings, and no human being is perfectly obedient to Scripture,' said Barbara G. Wheeler, president of Auburn Theological Seminary in New York City and a prominent liberal member of the task force.
Wheeler described the recommendation as a return to the church's tradition, dating to its founding in 1729, that a minister could be ordained despite declaring a "scruple," or principled disagreement, on one or more aspects of Presbyterian doctrine."
I'd prefer that the denomination decide overwhelmingly to integrate, of course, but I'm excited about this. I can't tell you how big of a deal this is. It makes (a little) room for inclusion and keeps the denomination from splitting in half down the middle.
Of course, it forces queer ministers to be out. I mean, I suppose someone straight and unmarried could 'scruple' the ridiculous sexuality clauses, but in reality, anyone who does state that scruple will come under suspicion in their personal life. And, of course, defining queer people as people who disobey scripture in a 'non-essential' way is still a problem.
More than anything, I like the concept of the scruple. It lets people become ministers and still preserve their differences with the teachings of the church. They get to participate in the system, while putting it on the record that they disagree with it.
I'd like a scruple with everything.
Yes, I'm at Starbucks, but I deplore the wages of coffee-farmers.
Why, yes, I'm listening to Blink-182, but I have a very broad knowledge of independent music.
I work at Columbia, but I could get a real job. If I wanted to.
I have white straight male privilege, but I really understand systematic oppression. I mean, I've read a lot.
