[MLPnews] MLPnews November 11, 2006
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Fri Nov 10 23:00:57 PST 2006
www.mlp.org
*
MLP News
*
....working for the full inclusion of LGBT people of faith
in the life, ministry, and witness of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Volume 3
Issue 11
November 11, 2006
*In this issue:*
* Report from New Orleans: MLP RainbowCorps mission service
initiative
* New More Light Church! St. Mark's Presbyterian Church, Tucson,
Arizona affirms More Light affiliation, ministry & witness
* Another new More Light Church: Second Presbyterian Nashville
* Watershed moments of Justice & the Gospel...tipping points and
bringing Birmingham home
* Pink, blue, or purple? Reflections on gender, transgender, and
recent news
* DVD Release of "All God's Children" musical documentary
* Moderator of 213th PCUSA General Assembly changes mind on
Same-Sex Marriage
* Op-ed by former PCUSA co-moderator Rick Ufford-Chase
* Report from Holy Relationships Midwest conference
* Report from the Transforming Faith - Transgender Conference,
Corvallis, Oregon
* All Saints Day, Nov. 1: Remembering our saints
* National Coming Out Day - Oct. 11, 2006
* Ten Ways to Make a Difference
Janet Edwards trial articles:
* Rev. Janet Edwards goes on trial in Pittsburgh Presbytery
* Washington Blade on the Janet Edwards trial
* Call for Solidarity in Prayer & Voice - for the November 15
trial of Rev. Janet Edwards in Pittsburgh Presbytery
* "I plead innocent": Op-ed by Janet Edwards on same-gender marriage
* Rev. Janet Edwards sends open invitation to her PCUSA trial
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Report from New Orleans: MLP RainbowCorps mission service initiative
This past weekend (Nov. 3-5) More Light Presbyterians from 8 states
gathered for a welcoming & affirming weekend retreat with a purpose
for persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities in New
Orleans. As More Light Presbyterians we are committed to "being the
church" while working for change in our Church. This was the launch
of a new mission service initiative -- RainbowCorps!
With all that is going on in our denomination it did not seem the
time to just hold a conference, but rather to celebrate who we are
as children of God, be together in community, and roll up our
sleeves to do God's work in the hurricane-torn City of New Orleans.
*Read more... <http://www.mlp.org/article.php?story=20061110223042384>*
New More Light Church! St. Mark's Presbyterian Church, Tucson,
Arizona affirms More Light affiliation, ministry & witness
The National Board of Directors of More Light Presbyterians joyously
announces that on September 28, the Session of St. Mark Presbyterian
Church, Tucson, Arizona unanimously affirmed the call from its
Social Justice Committee to affiliate, minister and witness as a
More Light Church.
This ministry and witness joins the dozen-plus other mission
outreach, peace and justice commitments that are deeply part of the
life and ministry of St. Mark's. Since its founding nearly 60 years
ago, St. Mark's Presbyterian Church in Tucson, Arizona has been at
the forefront of many social justice issues, including civil rights,
women's rights, the Sanctuary Movement of the 1980s, poverty,
anti-racism, and homelessness in our local community.
*Read more... <http://www.mlp.org/article.php?story=20061012064810657>*
Another new More Light Church: Second Presbyterian Nashville
Second Presbyterian Church, Nashville affirms More Light
affiliation, ministry & witness and is the first More Light Church
in Tennessee!
The National Board of Directors of More Light Presbyterians joyously
announces that on October 9, 2006 the Session of Second Presbyterian
Church <http://www.secondpresbyterian.net>, Nashville, Tennessee
unanimously affirmed the call to affiliate, minister and witness as
a More Light Church.
This ministry and witness joins the dozen-plus other mission
outreach, peace and justice commitments that are deeply part of the
life, mission and ministry of Second Presbyterian Church. Throughout
its history, Second Presbyterian Church has been at the forefront of
many social justice issues and supportive of two Presbyterian
missions in Nashville, Monroe Harding and Martha O'Bryan. The Monroe
Harding Children's Home donated the land for the church's location
in 1939 so that its children would have a church nearby.
*Read more... <http://www.mlp.org/article.php?story=20061102212006302>*
Watershed moments of Justice & the Gospel...tipping points and
bringing Birmingham home
Rarely in the moment do we notice the Gospel unfolding before us, or
that justice is being accomplished until after the fact. At least
such is the case for me. Within the 32 year span of the More Light
movement, hindsight allows us to recognize watershed moments of
justice and experiences of the Gospel in our Church, within our
midst. These are many "No Turning Back" moments in the life of our
Church, the Presbyterian Church (USA). Sociologist and acclaimed
author Malcolm Gladwell would call them tipping points.
Rev. David Sindt's "Is anyone else out there gay?" sign and call at
the 1974 General Assembly. Sandy Brawder, the first woman to come
out as a lesbian in our Church at the 1978 GA. Mitzi Henderson
coming out as a Mom with a gay son at a presbytery meeting in San Jose.
*Read more... <http://www.mlp.org/article.php?story=20061013071332191>*
Pink, blue, or purple? Reflections on gender, transgender, and
recent news
/From our field organizer Michael Adee./
Pink or blue? *
*Gender is not as simply understood or experienced as pink or blue,
female or male, biology, genetics or cultural understandings.
Gender, gender identity and expression are a mystery much like other
ways we are created by God and in the image of God.... such as the
complexities and nuances of race, ethnicity and sexual
orientation. Because of the pioneering presence, teaching,
ministry and witness of the Rev. Dr. Erin K. Swenson, Minister,
Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, many of us have had our
culturally-bound beliefs about gender challenged and expanded to
include all of God's children, not just those who seem to fit or
express gender norms.
*Read more... <http://www.mlp.org/article.php?story=20061108215202472>*
DVD Release of "All God's Children" musical documentary
This musical documentary features the concert tribute for the Tenth
Anniversary of the Shower of Stoles Project by the Heartland Men's
Chorus, Kansas City. Last month I viewed a most remarkable,
inspiring and touching film on DVD at the home of Martha Juillerat
and Tammy Lindahl in Minneapolis. Not far into the film, tears were
streaming down my face and Tammy's face which would not be a
surprise to those who know us... and I am here to report that tears
were streaming down Martha's face, too, before it was over.
*Read more... <http://www.mlp.org/article.php?story=20061006101611453>*
Moderator of 213th PCUSA General Assembly changes mind on Same-Sex
Marriage
This editorial is a result of Jack Rogers' Southern speaking and
book tour throughout North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.
The Post and Courier, Charleston, South Carolina, October 1, 2006
*Study Changes Pastor's Mind on Same-Sex Marriage*
By Jack Rogers - Special to The Post and Courier
In the November election, South Carolina voters will decide whether
to amend the state Constitution to ban same-sex marriage. Going
further than the recent bills in Congress and many other states,
Amendment I also would ban same-sex domestic unions.
Surveys tell us that South Carolina is the most Christian state in
the nation with 88 percent of residents identifying themselves as
Christian. The political choices of many voters will naturally be
influenced by their faith. Yet, what is the proper Christian
perspective on this measure? I'd like to share my testimony.
*Read more... <http://www.mlp.org/article.php?story=20061006094726275>*
Op-ed by former PCUSA co-moderator Rick Ufford-Chase
/
The Arizona Daily Star recently published an op-ed by former PCUSA
co-moderator Rick Ufford-Chase urging a "no" vote on the
anti-marriage, anti-LGBT ballot initiative, proposition 107, which
goes before the voters of Arizona on election day this year./
[MLPnews editor's note: the initiative did not pass.]
Guest Opinion: Rick Ufford-Chase -- No on Prop. 107
Tucson, Arizona Published: 10.30.2006
Proposition 107 would explicitly deny any "marriagelike" benefits to
persons who are not married and would constitutionally define
marriage as being available only to persons of opposite gender. Like
the broader society, the faith community is deeply divided on this
issue.
My experience as the highest elected official of the Presbyterian
Church (USA) from June 2004 to June 2006 gave me a glimpse into the
passion and divisiveness of this debate. Though it is clear that
there is currently no consensus in our churches to broaden the
definition of marriage, our denomination has been clear that we will
not become unwitting participants in any movement to isolate gay and
lesbian persons as a group, nor will we condone discriminatory
practices against the lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender
community from our legislative, executive or judicial branches of
government.
*Read more... <http://www.mlp.org/article.php?story=20061103192213328>*
Report from Holy Relationships Midwest conference
/More Light supporter Andy Little recently attended the Holy
Relationships Midwest Regional Conference
<http://www.holyrelationshipsmidwest.org/> in Iowa City, IA and sent
in this report of activities./
The Holy Relationships Midwest Regional Conference, a three-day
event aimed at amplifying the call of the LGBT community and allies
for full inclusion in Protestant and Catholic churches, convened on
Thursday Oct. 19, 2006 in Iowa City, Iowa. Rev Rich McCarty, ABD,
moderator of the conference, passionately and lucidly articulated
the primary concepts of the conference - recognition of the imago
dei in LGBT people, the need for healing the spiritual damage done
in the name of God, and the necessity for the GLBT Christian
community and allies to effectively strategize campaigns on
national, regional and local levels.
*Read more... <http://www.mlp.org/article.php?story=20061103193029801>*
Report from the Transforming Faith - Transgender Conference,
Corvallis, Oregon
More Light Presbyterians & Friends,
Hello from Corvallis, Oregon.
History has been made in Corvallis, Oregon as the first national
faith conference for and about transgender persons, their families
and friends was offered here October 20 - 22. /Transforming Faith:
A Transgender Witness/
<http://www.welcomingcongregations.org/index.php?sitesig=CWC&page=CWC_200_Transforming_Faith>
is the title of this national conference inspired by the vision and
passionate commitment of Rev. Tara Wilkins, Executive Director, The
Community of Welcoming Congregations. Keynote presenters and
preachers included: Virginia Mollenkott, Justin Tanis, Malcolm
Himschoot, Maurice Harris and our Erin Swenson, National MLP Liaison
on transgender education and former Co-Moderator, More Light
Presbyterians.
*Read more... <http://www.mlp.org/article.php?story=20061026212651890>*
All Saints Day, Nov. 1: Remembering our saints
/
An All Saints' Day recollection and meditation, plus some event
reminders, from our field organizer Michael Adee./
More Light in November... All Saints Day, the Nov. 3 - 5 MLP Retreat
& Service Project in New Orleans, and the Nov. 15 Witness at the
trial of Rev. Janet Edwards in Pittsburgh
All Saints Day.... November 1, hello from New Orleans. While some of
us may not be in the habit of remembering the saints --- those we
have loved and who loved us, those who have died and gone before us,
those who have brought a light to our path.... this is a day to
remember.
On this All Saints Day, I remember Doris and Larry Adee, my parents
who adopted my brother Steve and me into their hearts and family.
They loved us unconditionally and into faith. I encourage you to
reflect a moment on those who loved you well, those who nurtured you
in faith, those who have provided a light for your path and life.
*Read more...
<http://www.mlp.org/article.php?story=20061102212832546>**
<http://www.mlp.org/article.php?story=20061102212832546>*
National Coming Out Day - Oct. 11, 2006
Today [Oct. 11] is National Coming Out Day across the U.S.A. As More
Light Presbyterians, we are grateful for every person, church,
campus ministry and seminary chapter that "comes out" as advocates
to work for the full embrace of LGBT persons and our families -- and
as witnesses to a Gospel and Church made available to all of God's
children, not just some. We encourage you to celebrate National
Coming Out Day by remembering and affirming that you are a child of
God, created in the image of God and unconditionally loved by God --
just as you are.
*Read more... <http://www.mlp.org/article.php?story=20061012063310483>*
Ten Ways to Make a Difference
/Our field organizer Michael Adee recently compiled this list of 10
ways that local More Light movement supporters can make a difference
for LGBT equality, right where you are./
Ten Ways To Make a Difference in your Church or Presbytery
1. Pray for open hearts & minds to the Spirit of God at work in your
church and presbytery beginning with your own.
2. Embrace all persons as children of God created in the image of
God and of sacred worth including yourself.
*Read more... <http://www.mlp.org/article.php?story=20061021131324329>*
*Janet Edwards trial articles*:
Rev. Janet Edwards goes on trial in Pittsburgh Presbytery
Thursday, October 5, a pre-trial conference will be held to address
the life, ministry and witness of our friend and colleague,
spiritual director and chaplain at General Assembly in Birmingham,
the Rev. Dr. Janet Edwards. This pre-trial conference within
Pittsburgh Presbytery is a result of the judicial charges filed
against Rev. Edwards for presiding at a wedding between two women
who love each other.
*Read more...* <http://www.mlp.org/article.php?story=20061006100710505>
Washington Blade on the Janet Edwards trial
Minister faces censure for marrying lesbian couple
By Elizabeth A. Perry
The Presbyterian Church accused Pittsburgh minister Janet Edwards on
Sept. 12 of violating the church's constitution for presiding over
the marriage of lesbian couple Nancy McConn and Brenda Cole in 2005.
The charges could lead to Edwards' removal as a minister. Her case
is expected to be heard by the Pittsburgh Presbytery's permanent
judicial commission in a pretrial hearing within the month. The
verdict can be appealed to the Synod of the Trinity and then to the
general assembly, where the ruling would be final. If she is found
guilty, Edwards said the punishment could be as light as a
reprimand, as severe as revocation of her ordination or anything in
between.
*Read more...* <http://www.mlp.org/article.php?story=20061021132955373>
Call for Solidarity in Prayer & Voice - for the November 15 trial of
Rev. Janet Edwards in Pittsburgh Presbytery
The trial of our beloved friend and colleague in ministry, the Rev.
Dr. Janet Edwards, is set for November 15, 2006 at 9 AM in
Pittsburgh. The location of the trial has not yet been announced.
Judicial charges were filed against Janet and her ministry for
officiating at the wedding of a same-sex couple.
Janet serves as parish associate at the Community of Reconciliation,
a More Light Church, www.communityofreconciliation.org, on the
National MLP Board and has been a Minister of the Word and Sacrament
in good standing for more than 2 decades in Pittsburgh Presbytery.
There are several ways you, your church, campus ministry or seminary
community can be of support to Janet and her justice-creating,
grace-extending witness during the November 15 trial:
*Read more... <http://www.mlp.org/article.php?story=20061016112536539>*
"I plead innocent": Op-ed by Janet Edwards on same-gender marriage
*
*I plead innocent
Same-sex marriages can reflect God's covenant with creation, too
By the Rev. Janet Edwards
Last year I had the privilege of presiding at the wedding of two
women in a beautiful ceremony in McKees Rocks. Wedding ceremonies
are deeply spiritual affairs, affirming the love between two people
before God and their commitment to one another in this life. Nancy
and Brenda's joyous wedding was no different, and I feel blessed to
have been part of their celebration. It's also why, with my
pretrial hearing set to begin tomorrow, I plan to plead "innocent"
to the charges brought against me by the Pittsburgh Presbytery for
overseeing the marriage ceremony of a same-sex couple...
*Read more... <http://www.mlp.org/article.php?story=20061021130319499>*
Rev. Janet Edwards sends open invitation to her PCUSA trial
*
*Pastor welcomes church trial for lesbian marriage
November 06, 2006
By Ann Rodgers
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Most people send formal invitations for weddings, but the Rev. Janet
Edwards has gone a step further with invitations to her church trial
for conducting the wedding of two lesbians. "I feel such delight in
having an opportunity to engage in the absolutely essential
discussion that has to go on in the Presbyterian Church over the
place of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people among us that
I really do want the church to come and join in it and witness it. I
can't quash that delight," said the Rev. Edwards, a minister of the
Presbyterian Church (USA) and a pastoral associate at the Community
of Reconciliation in Oakland.
Recipients are invited to the Nov. 15 trial at 9 a.m. in The Priory,
a small hotel on the North Side.
*Read more... <http://www.mlp.org/article.php?story=20061108193011231>*
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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