Many Episcopalians in the Diocese of Albany may have wondered how other denominations stand on the issue of gay clergy, following General Convention's approval of equality. The Associated Press recently (February 27) released "a look at where the largest Protestant churches in the United States stand on gay clergy." This summarizes the position of mainline churches, and shows that The Episcopal Church is not alone in moving toward equal access for all in the ordination process:
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: 7.9 million U.S. members. The most conservative of the largest mainline denominations on gay clergy. An effort to repeal a ban on non-celibate gay clergy failed at the church's last General Conference, in 2008.
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA: 4.7 million U.S. members. The church voted in August to strike down a policy that required celibacy of gay clergy, becoming the largest U.S. denomination to take that position. The change allows those in committed same-gender relationships to be on official ELCA church rosters and serve as pastors at congregations that want them.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA): 2.9 million U.S. members. Ministers must live in "fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman, or chastity in singleness." The church's General Assembly voted in 2008 to drop that requirement, but the move did not receive required approval from presbyteries.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH: 2.1 million U.S. members. The splintering global Anglican fellowship has moved to the brink of a full schism since the 2003 consecration of the first openly gay Episcopal bishop. Last July, the Episcopal General Convention approved a resolution saying "God has called and may call" gays in committed relationships to any ordained ministry in the church.
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA. 1.3 million U.S. members. Holds that "the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching." The Baptist tradition emphasizes local autonomy, and some churches have appointed openly gay ministers, creating tensions.
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST: 1.1 million U.S. members. Boasts a long track record of welcoming gay clergy. Allowed ordination of an openly gay man and openly lesbian woman in the 1970's. Ordination of practicing homosexuals was officially accepted in 1980.
It's interesting how our personal theology spins our observations - You say that all the mainline churches are moving towards acceptance of gay clergy - As I read it all except UCC still say it's against Biblical teachings - interesting indeed! Also UCC is the most democratic of the churches listed - did you know that? - each local church can set it's own rules - Here in Sidney, NY the UCC parish is served by a vey traditional Baptist local Pastor - With UCC approval.
Posted by: Father Michael Waverly-Shank | March 08, 2010 at 11:09 AM