VOL. 32, NO.

WWW.MLP.ORG

update
AUGUST 2012

As the Dust Settles on the 220th GA...

families. Bishop Gene Robinson gave an amazing keynote at our National MLP Dinner to a crowd of three hundred affirming the work of holy chaos that challenges the old prejudices that prevent everyone from experiencing the Gospel and Gods love for them. This was a remarkable GA in many ways. It officially received the ratified Amendment 10-A ordinationequality policy, now G-2.0104 in our Book of Order. Attempts to repeal 10-A were soundly defeated. A historic first was achieved: this was the first time a marriage-equality overture was debated and voted on the plenary floor. This is only the third GA to have marriage-equality
Rev. Peggy Howland

he headlines dont always capture the story within the story of the 220th General Assembly. MLP had a strong GA Team working in Pittsburgh: a legislative team working on marriage, ordination, and the Confessions; a team offering four major events; a team at the MLP Booth in the Exhibit Hall; a team staffing the hospitality suite throughout the week; and a team working continuously on communications. 1,500 Rainbow Scarves knitted by Presbyterians from all over the country who have been praying for this Assembly were worn as a sign of Gods love for all persons including Gods LGBT children and their

overtures. An overture to amend W-4.9001 to expand the language of marriage from a man and a woman to two people nearly won by a vote of 308-338 (48% to 52%). We see this action as losing forward and believe that marriage equality can be won at GA in Detroit in 2014. This Assembly calls us to new work on marriage and The Heidelberg and Belhar Confessions. Stay tuned for educational resources for the twoyear study on same-sex marriage and a new marriage-equality campaign. Get ready to help our Church be on the right side of history and stand on the side of love.

Miriam Moore-Keish

Danny Morales

Patrick Evans More Light Update, August 2012 | 1

Seasons of Love
gional retreat, Presbyterian Women Gathering or General Assembly. I traveled to 46 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. I logged over 2,000,000 miles in the air. I ate a lot of ham at church suppers and chicken at General Assemblies. Nothing takes the place of being with Gods people working for love, peace and justice. I loved hearing the ways God is at work in your lives, hearing your faith stories and the difference you are called to make in your community and in the world. by keeping an open mind, heart and spirit; by taking the Bible seriously, not just literally; and to be open to Gods Spirit at work in my life, in the Church and in the world. You teach me to not close the canon, my mind or my heart. My life is forever changed because of you. I give thanks to God each time a LGBT person, parent or family member realizes this is a gift not a mistake. I am moved every time a person confesses that theyve been wrongly taught by the Church about homosexuality and LGBT persons. I rejoice each time a church gets it by realizing they must go the distance in affirming More Light to begin repairing the unspeakable harm the Church has done to LGBT persons and their families. I weep often when I see the healing power of faith, hope and love become the rule rather than the exception. The signature Biblical text for me is Mark 12: 28-31. In this great commandment text Jesus is clear: we are to love God, neighbor and self. Everything is captured by this one commandment. This is the moral compass that must guide our lives, our being the body of Christ and one human family. I give thanks to God for these 13 years, these seasons of love with you. How does one measure? Measure in love. Its all about love. Michael Adee served with MLP as Field Organizer and Executive Director from 1999 to 2012.

ive hundred twenty-five thousand Six hundred minutes, Moments so dear. How do you measure, In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife. How about love? Measure in love. Its all about love. Jonathan Larsons song from Rent inspires my thoughts as I complete my MLP service. After being loved back to faith by Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church, Cincinnati, I began serving as a volunteer with MLP in 1991. I accepted the two year job with MLP as its first staff person in 1999 having no idea where it would take me. These 13 years on staff equal 6,832,800 minutes. How does one measure this? In love, of course. Ive loved doing this sacred work of justice and love. Ive loved being with you. Ive loved being challenged to think more deeply about Gods good creation of all persons, Gods love for all persons, and Gods gift of love given to all persons, LGBT and heterosexual. Ive loved reaffirming that the Gospel is good news for all persons, not just some. The Gospel is no more for straight people only than it could be for white people only. May none of us get in the way of the Gospel being good news for every person. Ive loved being with you at: your church, college or seminary campus, presbytery meeting, youth group, National MLP Conference, re-

Rev. Dr. Margaret Aymer and Dr. Michael Adee

You remind me that Im a child of God, that were all children of God. You teach me Gods wildly inclusive love by word and example. Youre living out Gods extravagant welcome for all. You teach me to embrace faith over dogma, mystery over certainty, hope over fear, grace over law and love instead of judgment. You remind me what it means to be reformed and always reforming

From the Co-Moderators

the documentary Love Free or Die. We are grateful for Dr. Michael Adee and his thirteen plus years of service to MLP as our Field Organizer and Executive Director. As Michael dives into the larger pond of global LGBT faith work, we are grateful for the gifts that Dr. Patrick Evans brings to MLP as our Interim Executive Director. During this time of transition we continue our work to build a truly inclusive church. Through organizational study, collaboration and prayer we will reflect back and focus forward guided by the loving spirit who calls all Gods children by name. We begin this chapter in the life of MLP under a new logo, which evokes Gods desire that a place be set for everyone at the table of welcome. We covet your prayers, support and ongoing partnership as we journey into the future God has in store for MLP and the Church. Rev. Heidi Peterson & Nathan Sobers serve as MLPs Co-Moderators.

e came from General Assembly (GA) full of hope and gratitude. As co-moderators we are grateful for the commitment to justice lived out by More Light Presbyterian members, supporters and friends at GA. We are grateful for the meaningful MLP gatherings in our GA hospitality suite, around our exhibition booth and at our events. We are grateful for the prophetic Word by the Rev. Katie Ricks at our MLP worship, the inspiring presence of Bishop Gene Robinson at the MLP dinner and premier of
2 | More Light Update, August 2012

From Patrick Evans

liaison, to planning worship, to serving on the board, MLP has been important bedrock in my own life of Christian discipleship. Our ministry together is personal and life-transforming, as well as national and church-transforming. We have been blessed with the leadership of Michael Adee for thirteen years. Now that God has called him to work internationally, we will enter a period of discernment together and to seek the face of God through the understandings of the people about the next phase of this important ministry. I covet your prayers and a renewal of your support for the MLP board and co-moderators for the work that is ahead of us. Patrick Evans serves as the Interim Executive Director of MLP.

ere a downtown, urban, interracial congregation committed to social justice and the full inclusion of LGBT people in the life of the church. In 1994, these were the words of Bill Goettler, then co-pastor with his wife Maria LaSala of the Hanover Street Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, Delaware. I was a new assistant professor of music at the University of Delaware, and they were seeking a music director. I had recently decided, after a lifetime spent in overtly anti-gay churches, that in order to live honestly, I couldnt be a member of a faith community. The good folks at Hanover thought otherwise. They introduced me to MLP and from my first General Assembly in 1998, to serving as Young Adult Advisory Delegate

ollowing the risen Christ, and seeking to make the Church a true community of hospitality, the mission of More Light Presbyterians is to work for the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people of faith in the life, ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Co-Moderators Rev. Heidi Peterson (2014) Nathan Sobers (2015) Treasurer/Secretary Rev. Ray Bagnuolo (2015) Secretary, tbd. Additional Board Members Rev. Ilene Dunn (2015) Rev. Dr. Janet Edwards (2013) Kevin Henderson (2014) Rev. Madeline Jervis (2013) Marc Jung (2013) Rev. Will McGarvey (2014) Danny Morales (2014) Jeananne Stine (2013) Eric Thomas (2015) John Thompson (2015) Beth Van Sickle (2014) Nominating Committee Ralph Carter Derrick Kikuchi

New MLP Board Members

Hes the LGBT outreach voice of Riviera, and along with Rev. Kraus, he organized the interfaith iLGBT, a group of open and affirming congregations in South Florida intended to be a voice of unity, despite their diverse faith traditions. Danny is now heading into his second year of seminary at St. Thomas University, pursuing a Master of Divinity. Hes a Miami native of Cuban decent, the youngest of five children. In his free time, he enjoys weight training, strolling along the beach or sitting at the piano. Eric Thomas (2015) is a fourth-year seminarian at the Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary of the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta, GA. At the ITC Eric is completing a dual MDiv/Master of Arts in Church Music degree, with a concentration in New Testament. He is a member of the Rock Spring Presbyterian Church in Atlanta and is under care as a candidate for ordination in the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta. He lives in Atlanta with Carlos, his partner for six years.

LP is excited to announce that the following Board Members were elected at the MLP Membership Meeting at the 220th General Assembly: The Rev. Ilene Dunn (2015) was born in San Antonio, graduated from the University of Texas, and later earned her MDiv and DMin from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. She served as Associate Pastor in two churches, then as a Pastoral Counselor, and retired as the Head of Staff/Pastor of Madison Square Presbyterian Church in San Antonio. She resides in the Austin area and works part time with the Rev. Jim Rigby at St. Andrews Presbyterian. Ilene is a widow with two daughters and three grandchildren, all of whom live in the Austin area. Danny Morales (2014) has been a member of Riviera Presbyterian Church in Miami, Florida for the past eight years where he works as the Associate Pianist and now Pastoral Assistant to Rev. Laurie A. Kraus.

STAFF
Dr. Patrick Evans, Interim Executive Director Faye Burdick More Light Update Editor Antony Hebblethwaite, Communications/Technology Manager Susan Robertson, Financial Assistant

CONTACT MLP
Full contact information at www.mlp.org on the About MLP page.
More Light Update, August 2012 | 3

historic first was achieved at the 220th General Assembly of Church (USA). It was the first time a marriage equality overt voted on by the General Assembly. This flow chart traces the jour of Hudson Rivers overture to amend W-4.9001 to expand the lang from a man and a woman to two people. Hudson River Presby York State. For assistance with terminology, see the glossary to t

Journey of a Marriage Equality O

Rev. Madeline Jervis, Tony Beyer, Rev. Heidi Peterson, Eric Thomas

s of session , 1: The erian Church , Step sbyt urch d Pre an Ch Bedfor sbyteri des Pre rian Church, Palisa te resbyte Presby South P rry, Bedford erian sbyt Fe Dobbs rch, First Pre ades hu d Palis rian C f Goshen an e o oved th Church ian Church m ver to ter son Ri Presby lanof Hud bytery ture to amend n Pres e over a woma refer th m man and 20th ro guage f ople to the 2 pe . to two sembly eral As Gen

John Stanger & Rev. Mieke Vandersall

ion & ivil Un : The C ttee of the Step 3 Commi ge bly in Marria neral Assem July 2, e on G vened 220th ngs rgh con e open heari Pittsbu ere wer e h vertur 2012. T rning and o e afo th m in the e ches in te spee re 13-04 cam advoca Overtu e on th n. ternoo e committee was th 012. It before uly 3, 2 Assembly g of J l evenin Genera 8 to ved for y a vote of 2 ppro a on b erati consid 24.

Step 2 : The Hudso n Rive r first re ading o f their S eptemb e bytery m Confer eeting ence C ent followe d overtu by a dia re at G er terian Church m Novem o ber 10 f N , 201 bytery ap their D proved th ecemb er 6, 2 at Firs tP Goshen resbyteria .

Step 4 : The began debate o tures o nt 6, 2012 he af . The G e disapp roved t he by 308 fo absten r 338 a tions. T he reports related t were a lso disa o ppr

If the overture to amend W-4.9001 to expand the language of mar and a woman to two people had been approved, it would have b teries for ratification.

For more information about this overture and others, visit MLPs sembly legislative summaries (http://bit.ly/lgsummaries). You m the summaries to find the committees live blogs, overture advoca committee video and detailed vote counts.
Susan Ingmire 4 | More Light Update, August 2012

More Light Presbyterians believes that marriage equality can be eral Assembly in Detroit in 2014. It starts in your presbytery!

Overture

the Presbyterian ture was debated and rney of the Presbytery guage of marriage ytery is located in New the right.

Book of Order: The Constitution of the PCUSA comes in two volumes: the Book of Confessions and the Book of Order. The Book of Order (BO) is composed of three parts abbreviated by the use of capital letters: G Form of Government; W Directory for Worship and D Rules of Discipline. Chapters and sections in each part of the Book of Order are represented by decimal numbers in the form (0.0000). W-4.9001: In the Book of Order W-4.9001 stands for Directory of Worship, Chapter 4, section .9000, part .0001. Session: A session is a congregations council made up of the pastor(s) of the church (teaching elder[s]) and all elders (ruling elders) elected and installed to active service. Presbytery: A presbytery is formed by all the congregations and the teaching elders in a geographic area together with elders selected (proportional to congregation size) from each of the congregations. General Assembly: The General Assembly (GA) is the highest council of the PCUSA. It consists of commissioners elected by presbyteries, and its voting membership is proportioned with parity between teaching elders and ruling elders. Overtures: Overtures are pieces of legislation sent to the General Assembly to revise the Book of Confessions and the Book of Order and may include non-legislative issues of theological or social justice concern to the wider church. Open Hearings: These are public hearings on the overtures in General Assembly committees. Overture Advocates: These are representatives chosen by the presbytery to advocate for their overtures in General Assembly committees. Ratification: A simple majority of the presbyteries is needed to ratify (approve) an amendment (change) to the Book of Order. A two-thirds majority is needed to make changes to the Book of Confessions.
Rev. Dr. Margaret Aymer

Revs. Mike and Sylvia Thorson-Smith

Presby ter conduc y of ted the f the o vertur ea er 27, 2011 p t resat Ston y Poin t ter. Th is was alogue about the monds Presby New C ity on 11. Th eP he ove resrtu 2011 m re at ee an Chu ting rch of

Genera l Assem b on mar riage o ly verfternoo n of Ju ly eneral Assem bly e Over ture 13 -0 agains t and 2 4 e two m in o this o ority verture roved.

rriage from a man been sent to all presby-

s 220th General Asmay follow the links in ate speeches, plenary/ won at the 221st Gen-

Rev. Jean Southard More Light Update, August 2012 | 5

An Interview with Rev. Katie Ricks

church...the beloved child that God created. Share your insight about reaching out/reaching in from all sides of the ordination issue. During my first year of seminary, I read Reconciliation by Robert Schreiter. It had a tremendous impact on my faith journey. The idea that reconciliation is a gift...that it is something we discover through the grace of God. I always gift of grace for myself and for others. What advice do you offer people in the trusting that God will show us the way? Isaiah 40 is a reminder that faith begins with memory; memory of Gods creation...of Gods faithfulness...of Gods grace. Reminding one another of times that God has shown us the way in the past enables us to hold fast as we await Gods revelation for the future. I can trust because I cannot help but remember the gift of God. We cant always (or ever) trust alone, but we most certainly can trust together. You have spoken of faithful Presbyterians who have nurtured your faith. Will you share some of the expressions of that nurture? Having a home base as a child has been key for me loving me, honoring my gifts, encouraging me, challenging me. My mom is a Presbyterian minister, and she had a huge impact on my journey of faith I have been nurtured by the faithfulness of people during their times of struggle the ways that they trust, that they love, that they hope, that they praise God, even in circumstances that I cannot imagine living through. When our family was journeying through some difficult times, people have heaped grace upon us showing up in the middle of the night, praying with us, bringing food, caring for our daughter while we were out of town...listening. Grace and Love are so complex and yet so very concrete. You and your partner are parents of a daughter. How do you help our youth in understanding the significance that the PCUSA opened the door for ordination to LGBT persons and the Vice President and President of our country affirmed same-gender

ev. Katie Ricks was ordained on April 15 as Associate Pastor of The Church of the Reconciliation, Chapel Hill, NC. She became the first lesbian to be ordained since the PCUSAs ratification of 10-A . Rev. Ricks was interviewed for MLU following her ordination. The Church of the Reconciliation a.k.a. The Rec was the PCUSAs first More Light Church in North Carolina. How did that commitment pave the way for your call and ordination? I think that The Recs commitment to justice and inclusivity from its origins as a faith community paved the way for my ordination. The Rec was founded in the late 60s as a mission church from University Presbyterian Church in Chapel Hill. Its purpose was focused on racial reconciliation and was integrated from the very beginning. The process of becoming a More Light church was an extended and intentional endeavor by the congregation. It was a two-to-three year process which included small groups, outside speakers, open and honest discussions. All sides were heard, honored and loved in the process. It is that way of listening and loving that enabled The Rec to call and ordain me. Would you elaborate on your statement that as your were growing up church became your home base? Everyone needs a place where they feel welcome, where they can know they are loved exactly as they are and where they know they are safe. I did not have a hometown because we moved around so much. But, I found a hometown in the church. The Presbyterian Church was where I felt welcomed, loved, safe, and cared for. I could just be me in the
6 | More Light Update, August 2012

Rev. Katie Ricks and Dr. Michael Adee

thought I had to work harder that I wasnt a good enough Christian if I couldnt let go of things that others had done to me or of things that I had done to others. Schreiters book became the beginning of a journey to fall into Gods grace...to recognize that reconciliation comes from God. I cant control or work harder for these things. I have to learn to accept the

marriage? We seek to instill in our youth (with the gift of the Holy Spirit) a love of God and a trust in Gods abiding love and faithfulness. We seek for them to understand the Biblical and theological foundations for justiceseeking in the world.

Our five-year-old daughter is completely baffled by stories of exclusion and oppression. When someone says that she cant have two moms, she responds, Well, I can because I do. Explanations about slavery, pay inequities for people, and discrimination are confusing for her because she has grown up learning that all this as a sign of a living God. We dont worship a God who stopped revealing Gods self at the end of the first century when the canon of scripture was closed. One of the things that impressed me about the Civil Rights Movement is that people risked their lives for something they knew they would not live to see the end of. And they did it anyway. We need to play whatever

people are beloved children of God. The events you have referenced are significant. Yet, the world is still terribly broken. They are steps on a very long journey. While we celebrate these steps, I encourage my youth, my daughter and myself to live into Gods call to justice.

In You I Am Well Pleased

and in the culture. Let me tell you a little secret. The conservatives know it too. There is no stopping it. Now we are only arguing over how soon. When you sing, We Shall Overcome, sing it like it is a fact, not a hope. We shall overcome. Is that not the message of the Christian and Hebrew Scriptures that we know how this is going to end? We know that we are going to be in heaven with one another and with our enemies. They will be surprised to see us there. And it will be just fine because God will make it just fine. God said to Jesus at his baptism and Jesus says to you and me, You are my beloved, in you I am well pleased (Mark 1:11). Dare to claim that for yourself. Ultimately isnt that the meaning of baptism is to know from Gods own self that we are beloved and God takes joy in us. You and I have been told that we have this thing about us that makes us unworthy to come any closer. And we know what its like to hear someone say to us stand up and walk in the name of Jesus of Nazareth; feel your legs (John 5:8). Feel them tingle, stand up and walk. And we have discovered what it is like to walk, run, leap and dance right to the center of our churches where we suspected all along that we belonged. You and I are called upon to live lives of such joy, such love, such compassion and such hospitality that we will be the more light that the church needs. Indeed, if we live our lives that way, there will be no denying that the light of Christ is in us. You may watch Bishop Robinsons full keynote address at http://bit.ly/ bishoprobinson.
More Light Update, August 2012 | 7

ight Rev. V. Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopalian Church, delivered the keynote address at MLPs National Celebration Dinner at the 220th General Assembly in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. MLP also sponsored the Pittsburgh film premiere of Love Free or Die, the Sundance awardwinning film about Bishop Gene Robinson directed by Macky Alston.

Bishop Robinson leads the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire. Since his consecration in 2003, he has become one of the most visible, eloquent and respected advocates for LGBT equality nationally and internationally. Robinson continues his advocacy despite intense opposition from extreme conservatives within the Anglican Communion because he is gay. Bishop Robinson is married to Mark Andrew. He has two grown daughters and two granddaughters. Bishop Robinson gave these sacred words of encouragement to those working for the full welcome of LGBT persons in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Jesus says this really astounding thing: There is much that I would teach you. But you cannot bear it right now. So I will send the Holy Spirit who will lead you into all truth (John 16:12-13). Dont for a minute think that God is done with you, and those who come after you. Does anyone doubt that we were led by the Holy Spirit to turn our backs on defending slavery using Scripture? Is it not the Holy Spirit that is leading us to a fuller understanding of the gifts, integrities and experiences of women? And I would say that the Holy Spirit is leading us to recognize gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. We should see

Bishop Gene Robinson and Macky Alston

role we have and hold on to others and stand on shoulders and be the shoulders that others will stand on. It is going to take a while. How do you keep going in this work? Remember that we know how this is going to end. This is going to end with the full inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in the church, synagogue, mosque,

More Light Presbyterians 4737 Country Road 101 PMB 246 Minnetonka, MN 55345-2634

Open your Heart. Transform the Church. Change the World.

ings of scripture and the Word in the life of Christ. As a Christian community, we believe that the Church must seek to live out those understandings in our life together. More Light Presbyterians 4737 County Road 101, PMB 246 Minnetonka, MN 55345-2634 For all members, elders, deacons, ministers, friends, churches & presbyteries within the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the worldwide Presbyterian Church. For up to the minute news visit us at: The achievement of spiritual, ordination and marriage equality for persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities guides our national and global outreach. We approach ministry from the perspective of intersectionality by recognizing that all forms of prejudice and discrimination are unacceptable and harmful to our life together in the Church and as one human family. We envision, pray and work for the day when Gods realm of love, peace and justice is realized. We welcome you to join us as we are changing the face of Christianity.

ore Light Presbyterians was founded in 1974. We believe that all persons are children of God, created in the image of God and unconditionally loved by God. We believe that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons are part of Gods good creation. We believe that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is good news for all persons, no exceptions. Our mission: Following the risen Christ, and seeking to make the Church a true community of hospitality, the mission of More Light Presbyterians is to work for the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people of faith in the life, ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA). We are incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit religious educational organization. MLP is a national grassroots organization governed by a Board of Directors and served by a national staff. We raise 100% of our income to support this national and

www.mlp.org
global mission. We are individual members and congregations of the Presbyterian Church (USA) who strive to be faithful to Gods call. We believe that God continues to open new understand-

Creating a Church that reflects Gods heart.

8 | More Light Update, August 2012