June is Pride month and First Prez will have a space at Southern Indiana Pride on June 7. Thanks to everyone who volunteered to arrange the set up and help staff the booth!

All of the amendments proposed by the 226th General Assembly held last summer in Salt Lake City, have been approved by the required majority of the 166 presbyteries in our denomination, including an affirmative vote by the Presbytery of Ohio Valley on May 22. There are 12 amendments to the Book of Order, The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Part II and one ecumenical-sharing agreement with the Episcopal Church.

On July 4, the Book of Order, F-1.0403 Unity in Diversity section will add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the existing categories of “race, ethnicity, age, sex, disability, geography or theological conviction” that may not be a basis for discrimination in the life of the church. “The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) shall guarantee full participation and representation in its worship, governance, and emerging life to all persons or groups within its membership.”

Amendment 24-C marks another step toward inclusion and diversity in decision-making about the ordination and installation of ministers, elders and deacons by encouraging dialogue about this between candidates and councils.

After a few months of discernment, at the April 24 meeting the First Prez Session decided by consensus to join both More Light Presbyterians and the Covenant Network of Presbyterians. Since 1999, More Light Presbyterians have been “following the risen Christ, and seeking to make the church a true community of hospitality” for LGBTQIA+ “people in the life, ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and in society.”

“The Covenant Network of Presbyterians has sought since 1997 to strengthen the church by working for the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in its life and leadership. Seeking an equity still not fully realized for LGBTQIA+ people in church and society by engaging the church to invite all of God’s children into safe and welcoming congregational spaces of affirmation, healing, dignity and purpose; by educating the church to welcome LGBTQIA+ people, to affirm their gifts for ordained office, and to uphold marriage equality for all; and by equipping the church to bear witness through advocacy and activism, speaking a prophetic word in anxious times, and standing with others in fighting hate and oppression against any of God’s children.

The mission statement at First Prez includes these words: We are welcoming, caring and inclusive. This one way we try to live as we believe, for we are all one in Christ. Please reach out if you would like to talk more about these actions or organizations.

Blessings and Peace,

Rev. Karen